Health

U.S. jobless claims remain high at 712,000 as virus escalates

By Paul Wiseman, Associated Press

The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits fell last week to a still-high 712,000, the latest sign that the U.S. economy and job market remain under stress from the intensified viral outbreak.

Biden, top Democrats swing behind bipartisan pandemic aid bill

By Andrew Taylor, Associated Press

President-elect Joe Biden has swung behind a bipartisan COVID-19 relief effort. That comes as his top Capitol Hill allies cut their demands for a $2 trillion-plus measure by more than half.

The essential COVID-19 vaccine FAQ

By Laura Santhanam

The COVID-19 pandemic continues, and the need for face masks, hand-washing and social distancing remain. But the largest vaccination campaign in United States history has also begun protecting its first recipients.

Swamped hospitals scramble for pandemic help

By Grant Schulte, Amy Forliti, Associated Press

U.S. hospitals slammed with COVID-19 patients are trying to lure nurses and doctors out of retirement, recruiting students and new graduates who have yet to earn their licenses.

Putin orders 'large-scale' COVID-19 vaccination in Russia

By Daria Litvinova, Associated Press

Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered a “large-scale” COVID-19 immunization campaign to start by late next week. Putin said that doctors and teachers set to be first in line to get a Russian-designed vaccine named Sputnik V.

Stay home for the holidays or get tested twice, CDC urges

By Lindsey Tanner, Associated Press

U.S. health officials say staying home for the upcoming winter holidays is the best way to stay safe and protect others. But for those who ignore that advice, COVID-19 testing before and after trips is an option.

As hospitals fill with COVID patients, medical reinforcements are hard to find

By Blake Farmer, Nashville Public Radio, Carrie Feibel, Houston Public Media

More than 93,000 COVID patients are hospitalized across the country. But beds and space aren’t the main concern for hospital administrators — it’s the health care workforce.

WATCH: U.S. Chamber of Commerce holds virtual discussion with the CDC

By Candice Norwood

In total, the U.S. has seen more than 13.7 million confirmed coronavirus cases and more than 270,000 COVID-related deaths, according to the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center.

UK authorizes Pfizer coronavirus vaccine for emergency use

By Associated Press

The go-ahead for the vaccine developed by American drugmaker Pfizer and Germany's BioNTech comes as the virus surges again in the United States and Europe.

CDC to shorten COVID-19 quarantine to 10 days or 7 with test

By Zeke Miller, Associated Press

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is set to shorten the recommended length of quarantine after exposure to someone who is positive for COVID-19, as the virus rages across the nation.