Health

Arizona to lift mask mandates, reopen businesses

By Associated Press

The governor of Arizona is prohibiting government mask mandates and allowing bars and nightclubs shuttered for months to open their doors without restrictions.

Bolsonaro under fire as Brazil hits 300,000 COVID-19 deaths

By Mauricio Savarese, Débora Álvares, Associated Press

Foes and allies of President Jair Bolsonaro are pleading for him to change course to stem a recent surge of the virus, but he continues to refuse restrictions on activity and promotes unproven cures for the disease.

Why you should get a COVID-19 vaccine – even if you’ve already had the coronavirus

By Jennifer T. Grier, The Conversation

If you've already had the coronavirus and recovered, you might be tempted to give the vaccine a pass. A scientist explains why the shot offers the best protection against future infection.

AstraZeneca confirms strong vaccine protection after U.S. rift

By Lauran Neergaard, Associated Press

AstraZeneca insists that its COVID-19 vaccine is strongly effective even after counting additional illnesses in its U.S. study, the latest in an extraordinary public dispute with American officials.

WATCH: Public health officials testify about addressing health disparities during COVID-19

By News Desk

A Senate committee will examine the nation’s COVID-19 response through the lens of health disparities on Thursday.

U.S. Senate confirms transgender doctor for key health post

By David Crary, Associated Press

Transgender-rights activists have hailed Levine's appointment as a historic breakthrough. Few trans people have ever held high-level offices at the federal or state level.

WATCH: Senate small business committee holds hearing on COVID-19 relief programs

By Chris Rugaber, Associated Press

The Biden administration is considering a bump in the corporate tax rate to 28 percent, up from the current 21 percent, after the Trump administration cut it from 35 percent. Tax increases on higher-income Americans are also being considered.

These ‘vaccine hunters’ are chasing down appointments for people who need them most

By Laura Santhanam

For many people, especially those who are older, technological obstacles and access shut them out of the process and prolong their wait and risk of exposure to the virus.

Hong Kong halts use of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, cites defective lids

By Associated Press

Hong Kong suspended use of the Pfizer vaccine Wednesday after its Chinese distributor informed the city that one batch had defective bottle lids.

Texas joins states making vaccines available to all adults

By Paul J. Weber, Associated Press

The announcement by state health officials Tuesday adds Texas to the rapidly growing list of states that are making the vaccine available to all adults.