Novel coronavirus

U.S. jobless claims rise to 419,000 from a pandemic low

By Christopher Rugaber, Associated Press

The weekly number of first-time applications for benefits, which generally tracks layoffs, has fallen steadily since topping 900,000 in early January. Economists say the increase is most likely a blip caused by some one-time factors.

NFL teams face potential forfeits for COVID-19 outbreaks

By Rob Maaddi, Associated Press

NFL teams have been warned they could forfeit a game due to a COVID-19 outbreak among non-vaccinated players, and players on both teams wouldn't get paid that week.

Death rates soar in Southeast Asia as virus wave spreads

By David Rising, Eileen Ng, Associated Press

The deaths have followed record numbers of new cases being reported in countries across the region which have left health care systems struggling to cope and governments scrambling to implement new restrictions.

WATCH: CDC advisory panel discusses third COVID-19 shot for immunocompromised

By Associated Press

A CDC advisory panel is discussing Thursday whether a third COVID-19 shot is needed for those who are immunocompromised.

Biden says getting a COVID-19 vaccine is ‘gigantically important’

By Alexandra Jaffe, Aamer Madhani, Associated Press

Biden said the public health crisis has turned largely into a plight of the unvaccinated as the spread of the delta variant has led to a surge in infections around the country.

WATCH: White House COVID task force holds news briefing

By News Desk

The White House COVID-19 task force is expected to hold a news briefing on Thursday.

China won’t accept WHO’s second phase plan to study COVID-19 origins

By Ken Moritsugu, Associated Press

China's vice minister of the country's National Health Commission said he was "rather taken aback" that the plan includes further investigation of the theory that the virus might have leaked from a Chinese lab.