Dec 01 WHO nations inch closer toward deal to combat pandemics By Jamey Keaten, Associated Press WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the consensus decision during a special session of the U.N. health agency’s members was a “cause for celebration.”… Continue reading
Dec 01 WATCH: Dr. Anthony Fauci confirms 1st case of omicron variant in U.S. By Zeke Miller, Raf Cassert, Associated Press National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Director Dr. Anthony Fauci and White House press secretary Jen Psaki hold a news briefing on Wednesday in Washington, DC. Continue reading
Dec 01 WATCH: Fed Chair Jerome Powell ‘not at all sure’ inflation will fade next year By Chris Rugaber, Associated Press In a fresh sign of his growing concerns about inflation, Chair Jerome Powell said Wednesday that the Federal Reserve can't be sure that price increases will slow in the second half of next year as many economists expect. Continue reading
Dec 01 Omicron keeps world on edge as more information drips out By Mari Yamaguchi, Foster Klug, Raf Casert, Associated Press Much is still unknown about the new variant, including how contagious it is and whether it can evade vaccines, and the European Union chief acknowledged that waiting for scientists to tell the world more felt like "an eternity.”… Continue reading
Nov 30 What we know you can do to protect yourself from omicron By Laura Santhanam Key questions need to be answered about the new COVID-19 variant, omicron, including whether it is more transmissible, produces more severe disease, and responds to vaccines and medicines. Continue reading
Nov 30 FDA panel review final hurdle for Merck’s COVID-19 pill By Matthew Perrone, Associated Press U.S. health advisers are reviewing Merck's closely watched COVID-19 pill, which could become the first easy-to-use drug for American patients. Continue reading
Nov 30 U.S. picks up speed on tracking of virus variants after slow start By Carla K. Johnson, Associated Press After a slow start, the United States has improved its surveillance system for tracking new coronavirus variants such as omicron, boosting its capacity by tens of thousands of samples per week since early this year. Viruses mutate constantly. To find… Continue reading
Nov 30 Omicron variant may have reached Europe earlier than suspected By Raf Casert, Andrew Meldrum, Associated Press Much remains unknown about the new variant, including how contagious it might be, but a WHO official said Tuesday that there could soon be a steep rise in infections in parts of southern Africa. Continue reading
Nov 29 States, cities running out of rental assistance funds By Michael Casey, Associated Press The Treasury Department says several states and cities have exhausted their federal rental assistance in a sign that spending on a program aimed at averting evictions has picked up speed. Continue reading
Nov 29 CDC recommends COVID boosters for all adults as omicron variant spreads By Jamey Keaten, Raf Casert, Mari Yamaguchi, Associated Press Dr. Rochelle Walensky, director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, reacted to the potential threat by urging everyone 18 and older to get booster shots, because “strong immunity will likely prevent serious illness."… Continue reading