May 16 CDC director says mask turnaround based solely on science By Kimberlee Kruesi, Associated Press The sudden change sparked praise from those eager to return to pre-pandemic life, particularly those who see the new guidelines as a way to reopen workplaces, schools and other venues that went dark during the pandemic. Continue reading
May 15 Watch 10:16 Vaccinations are picking up. Is it time to reopen the US-Canada border? By Benedict Moran The United States and Canada have one of the largest economic partnerships in the world, and share the world’s largest international border. When COVID-19 hit in early 2020, that border was closed to all nonessential traffic. As more people on… Continue watching
May 14 Japan expands virus emergency ahead of Tokyo Olympics By Mari Yamaguchi, Associated Press Japan is further expanding a coronavirus state of emergency from six areas, including Tokyo, to nine as the government repeated its determination to hold the Olympics in just over two months. Japan has been struggling to slow infections ahead of… Continue reading
May 14 International panel calls for overhaul of pandemic preparedness efforts By Helen Branswell, STAT The experts say the COVID-19 crisis should trigger a series of actions to ensure this pandemic is the last of its kind the world ever faces. Continue reading
May 13 School nurses, health service corps part of $7.4 billion virus plan By Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar, Zeke Miller, Associated Press That will mean hiring school nurses to vaccinate kids and creating a service corps around health care as well as bolstering traditional disease detection efforts. Continue reading
May 13 Missouri governor drops voter-approved Medicaid expansion By David A. Lieb, Associated Press Missouri Gov. Mike Parson has dropped plans to expand the state's Medicaid program after the Legislature declined to provide money for a measure approved by voters. Continue reading
May 13 WATCH: Biden calls it a 'great day for America' after CDC eases mask requirements By Associated Press In a move to send the country back toward pre-pandemic life, the CDC on Thursday eased indoor mask-wearing guidance for fully vaccinated people, allowing them to safely stop wearing masks inside in most places. Continue reading
May 13 WATCH: CDC eases guidance on indoor mask-wearing By Zeke Miller, Michael Balsamo, Associated Press The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is easing indoor mask-wearing guidance for fully vaccinated people, allowing them to safely stop wearing masks inside in most places. Continue reading
May 13 The U.S. birth rate began dropping years before the pandemic. Here's why By Courtney Vinopal Even as the U.S. economy turns a corner, several women told the PBS NewsHour that the pandemic exacerbated already-existing anxieties they had about raising children in America, and they’re not certain when they’ll feel equipped to support a family. Continue reading
May 13 Chief of teachers union is 'all in' on full fall reopening By Collin Binkley, Associated Press The president of the American Federation of Teachers called Thursday for a full return to in-person learning in the fall, saying the union is "all in" on bringing students back to the classroom. Continue reading