Dec 14 Scientists focus on bats for clues to prevent next pandemic By Christina Larson, Aniruddha Ghosal, Marcelo Silva de Sousa, Associated Press Viruses that emerge from bats are more lethal in humans than those from other species. Scientists are probing the mysteries of bat immune systems and investigating strategies to minimize contact between humans and livestock with bats and other wild animals. Continue reading
Dec 14 U.S. health workers start receiving COVID-19 vaccine By Lauran Neergaard, Associated Press Hospitals are rolling out the first small shipments, as boxes of precious frozen vials arrive at locations around the country — a day of hope amid grief as the nation’s death roll nears 300,000. Continue reading
Dec 11 U.S. greenlights first COVID-19 vaccine, launching a nationwide vaccination campaign By Lauren Neergaard, Matthew Perrone, Associated Press Shots for health workers and nursing home residents are expected to begin in the coming days after the Food and Drug Administration authorized an emergency rollout of what promises to be a strongly protective vaccine from Pfizer Inc. and its… Continue reading
Dec 11 WATCH: Cuomo reinstates NYC indoor dining ban to limit virus spread By Marina Villeneuve, Deepti Hajela, Associated Press As of Monday, only takeout orders and outdoor dining will be allowed in the city. Cuomo said the shutdown of indoor dining will be evaluated in two weeks. Continue reading
Dec 11 States get tracing apps to interact with each other as virus rises By Bryan Anderson, Associated Press Nearly all states using the exposure notification technology can now inform users in other states if they've been exposed to the virus. Virginia was the first state in the country to adopt the technology. Continue reading
Dec 11 Reports: White House threatens Hahn's job over vaccine approval By Jonathan Lemire, Darlene Superville, Matthew Perrone, Associated Press White House chief of staff Mark Meadows has pressed Food and Drug Administration chief Stephen Hahn to grant an emergency use authorization for Pfizer's coronavirus vaccine by the end of Friday or face possible dismissal. Continue reading
Dec 11 California's health order falling on many deaf ears By Amy Taxin, Olga R. Rodriguez, Damian Dovarganes, Associated Press Los Angeles County Health Director Barbara Ferrer is warning of catastrophic consequences if more people don't heed orders to stay home and within their own household members. Continue reading
Dec 11 COVID-19 viral spread related to Thanksgiving appears across U.S. By Carla K. Johnson, Amy Forliti, Associated Press Contact tracers and emergency room doctors are hearing repeatedly from new coronavirus patients that they socialized during the Thanksgiving holiday with people outside their households. The next round of festivities could yield even more cases. Continue reading
Dec 11 FDA says it will work to authorize Pfizer vaccine for COVID-19 By Associated Press The FDA decision will kickstart an unprecedented vaccination campaign needed to eventually defeat the virus. Continue reading
Dec 10 U.S. panel endorses widespread use of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine By Associated Press The Food and Drug Administration is expected to follow the recommendation issued Thursday by its expert advisers. The advisory group, in 17-4 vote with one abstention, concluded that the shot appears safe and effective against the coronavirus in people 16… Continue reading