Novel coronavirus

Pfizer says COVID booster offers protection against omicron variant

By Lauran Neergaard, Associated Press

Pfizer and its partner BioNTech said lab tests showed a booster dose increased by 25-fold the level of so-called neutralizing antibodies against omicron.

Judge blocks Biden’s vaccine mandate for federal contractors

By Geoff Mulvihill, David Lieb, Associated Press

A federal judge blocked the Biden administration's COVID-19 vaccine mandate for employees of federal contractors and subcontractors.

WATCH: White House COVID task force holds news briefing

By News Desk and Associated Press

U.S. health officials said Sunday that while the omicron variant of the coronavirus is rapidly spreading throughout the country, early indications suggest it may be less dangerous than delta, which continues to drive a surge of hospitalizations.

European drug regulator supports mixing COVID-19 vaccines

By Associated Press

The European Medicines Agency said in a statement that using different types of vaccines together, known as heterologous vaccination, can provide protection against COVID-19.

The pandemic has been a roller-coaster ride. This poet captures the feeling

By Joshua Barajas

Poet Jasmine Gardosi was commissioned by the British charity National Literacy Trust to write a poem about the pandemic. So she performed a poem while riding an actual roller coaster.

House votes to avert shutdown, but quick Senate approval in doubt

By Kevin Freking, Lisa Mascaro, Associated Press

The House has passed a bill that funds the government through Feb. 18 and avoids a short-term shutdown after midnight Friday.

Omicron confirmed in man who attended NYC anime convention

By Michelle L. Price, Associated Press

Officials said Thursday that the man tested positive after returning home and that his symptoms have subsided.

WATCH: House Speaker Pelosi holds weekly news conference

By Associated Press

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi said the Supreme Court's deliberation over a Mississippi law presenting the most serious challenge to abortion rights in decades, marked a "very dark day."…

Omicron and delta spell return of unpopular restrictions

By Lori Hinnant, Associated Press

Governments face a thorny calculus made more difficult by the prospect of backlash, increased social divisions and the fear of being voted out of office.

First U.S. case of COVID-19 omicron variant identified in California

By Michael Balsamo, Zeke Miller, Associated Press

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is taking steps to tighten U.S. testing rules for travelers from overseas, including requiring a test for all travelers within a day of boarding a flight to the U.S. regardless of vaccination status.