Health

Virus variant from South Africa detected in U.S. for first time

By Michelle Liu, Mike Stobbe, Associated Press

A new coronavirus variant identified in South Africa has been found in the United States for the first time, with two cases diagnosed in South Carolina, state health officials said Thursday.

WATCH: Biden opens sign-up window for uninsured in time of COVID-19

By Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar, Associated Press

The actions were only the first steps by Biden, who has promised to build out former President Barack Obama’s health care law to achieve a goal of coverage for all.

U.S. jobless claims fall but remain high at 847,000 as pandemic rages

By Paul Wiseman, Associated Press

The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits fell but remained at a historically high 847,000 last week, a sign that layoffs keep coming as the coronavirus pandemic continues to rage.

Biden to reopen ‘Obamacare’ markets for COVID-19 relief

By Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar, Associated Press

President Joe Biden plans to reopen the HealthCare.gov insurance markets for a special sign-up opportunity, as he promised during his campaign.

Advocates hope higher ed shift from standardized tests will aid diversity, but it’s no cure-all

By Alina Tugend, The Hechinger Report

When Worcester Polytechnic Institute wanted to attract more Black, Hispanic and female students, it became the first nationally ranked science university to make the ACT and SAT standardized tests optional for admission.

States lift restrictions gradually amid fears of new coronavirus variant

By David Eggert, Don Babwin, Associated Press

While the easing could cause case rates to rise, health experts say it can work if done in a measured way.

WATCH: Virus will kill many more, White House projects as briefings resume

By Zeke Miller, Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar, Associated Press

As many as 90,000 Americans are projected to die from the coronavirus in the next four weeks, the Biden administration warned in its first science briefing on the COVID-19 pandemic.

U.S. to purchase 200 million more doses of COVID-19 shots to speed vaccinations

By Jonathan Drew, Zeke Miller, Associated Press

President Joe Biden was set to announce the surge in deliveries to states Tuesday afternoon, along with the news that the federal government is purchasing an additional 100 million doses each of the two approved coronavirus vaccines.

WATCH: Biden unveils national strategy on COVID-19, announces vaccine supply purchases

By Associated Press

President Joe Biden’s White House has operated with sparse staffing to prevent the spread of the virus, mandating social distancing and the wearing of N95 masks.