Novel coronavirus

U.S. COVID-19 cases rising again, doubling over three weeks

By Heather Hollingsworth, Josh Funk, Associated Press

New COVID-19 cases per day in the U.S. have doubled over the past three weeks, driven by the fast-spreading delta variant, lagging vaccination rates and Fourth of July gatherings.

Death toll rises to 92 in blaze at coronavirus ward in Iraq

By Samya Kullab, Abdulrahman Zeyad, Associated Press

The blaze that erupted Monday in the city of Nasiriyah was the second catastrophic fire in less than three months to kill hospitalized COVID-19 patients in Iraq.

WHO says rich countries should donate vaccines, not use boosters

By Maria Cheng, Associated Press

Top officials at the World Health Organization say there's not enough evidence to show that third doses of coronavirus vaccines are needed.

WATCH: Harris delivers remarks at vaccine center in Detroit, Michigan

By Associated Press

Harris began her remarks with good news about the progress in defeating COVID-19. She said nearly 160 million Americans are fully vaccinated, including 4.75 million in Michigan.

Johnson says England will lift last virus restrictions on July 19 despite rise in cases

By Pan Pylas, Sylvia Hui, Associated Press

He said although risks of the pandemic remain, legal restrictions will be replaced by a recommendation that people wear masks in crowded places and on public transport.

Police patrol Havana in large numbers after demonstrations

By Andrea Rodriguez, Associated Press

Large contingents of Cuban police are patrolling the capital of Havana following protests around the island nation against food shortages and high prices amid the coronavirus crisis.

Germany to base COVID-19 restrictions on more than case numbers

By Frank Jordans, Associated Press

German officials say authorities need a "broader focus" beyond the country's infection rate to fully gauge the impact the pandemic is having on the health system and the kind of measures that should be taken.

Pfizer to discuss COVID-19 vaccine booster with U.S. officials

By Hope Yen, Associated Press

The move comes as President Joe Biden's chief medical adviser acknowledged that "it is entirely conceivable, maybe likely" that booster shots will be needed.

California set to require face masks at schools this fall

By Jocelyn Gecker, Associated Press

Ahead of new school guidelines expected next week, health officials in California said Friday that requiring face coverings will allow all schools to reopen this fall for full in-person instruction.

Why the delta variant is causing an explosion of cases among the unvaccinated

By Laura Santhanam

Recent federal data shows that more than half of all new COVID-19 cases in the U.S. were traced to the delta variant, which is believed to be passed more easily to others than any that has come before it.