Dec 22 Pfizer pill becomes first home COVID-19 treatment authorized in the U.S. By Matthew Perrone, Associated Press The long-awaited milestone comes as U.S. cases, hospitalizations and deaths are all rising and health officials warn of a tsunami of new infections from the omicron variant that could overwhelm hospitals. Continue reading
Dec 22 WATCH: White House COVID task force holds news briefing amid rapidly spreading omicron variant By Associated Press At the White House on Dec. 22, Biden detailed major changes to his COVID-19 winter plan, his hand forced by the fast-spreading variant, whose properties are not yet fully understood by scientists. Continue reading
Dec 22 2021 likely to eclipse last year as nation's deadliest, CDC says By Mike Stobbe, Associated Press It's too early to say for sure, but based on available information, it seems likely 2021 will surpass last year's record number of deaths by at least 15,000, according to the CDC. Continue reading
Dec 22 South Africa's decline in new COVID-19 cases may indicate omicron peak has passed By Andrew Meldrum, Associated Press Although the early findings are not conclusive, especially because daily figures are prone to fluctuations, the signs that South Africa’s intense wave is weakening are notable. Continue reading
Dec 22 COVID helped cause the biggest drop in U.S. life expectancy since WWII By Laura Santhanam Changes in U.S. life expectancy normally move at a more glacial pace – at incremental tenths of a year. But the coronavirus pandemic has upset that steady trend. Continue reading
Dec 21 How we built new traditions during the pandemic By Joshua Barajas, Lizz Bolaji Nearly two years into the pandemic, we've created new traditions – not only out of necessity, but out of creativity and resilience, too. Despite our separations, we found ways to forge new connections. Continue reading
Dec 21 WATCH: Biden announces 500 million free tests, other changes to COVID-19 strategy By Josh Boak, Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar, Colleen Long, Associated Press Biden is expected on Tuesday to detail major changes to his COVID-19 winter plan, his hand forced by the arrival of the fast-spreading variant, whose properties are yet not fully understood by scientists. Continue reading
Dec 20 WATCH: Dr. Fauci says world has been 'shocked' by omicron spread By Associated Press America's leading infectious disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci said Monday the world had been "shocked" by the emergence of the omicron variant of the coronavirus as more countries are reporting surges in infections. Continue reading
Dec 20 Trump reveals he got COVID-19 booster shot to a booing crowd By Jill Colvin, Associated Press Trump made the disclosure Sunday night during the final stop of "The History Tour," a live interview show he has been doing with former Fox News host Bill O'Reilly. Continue reading
Dec 20 WATCH: Pentagon press secretary John Kirby holds a news briefing By Lolita C. Baldor, Associated Press According to the Pentagon, fewer than 100 military members are known to have been involved in substantiated cases of extremist activity in the past year. But they warn that the number may grow. Continue reading