Novel coronavirus

WATCH LIVE: COVID-19 Task Force gives update as variants drive fear of a fourth surge of cases

By Laura Santhanam

Public health officials say a fourth surge of cases could be a devastating blow to the country as states have relaxed restrictions designed to prevent the spread of the virus.

Analysis: How worried should you be about coronavirus variants? A virologist explains his concerns

By Paulo Verardi, The Conversation

As the U.S. vaccinates millions more people each day, the novel coronavirus works to survive. It does this by mutating. So far, several variants are worrisome. A virologist explains what they are.

IMF policy panel endorses $650 billion increase in resources

By Martin Crutsinger, Associated Press

The International Monetary Fund on Thursday authorized a $650 billion expansion of the 190-nation lending institution's resources with the aim of providing more support for vulnerable countries as they battle the coronavirus pandemic.

Countries worldwide hit new records for COVID cases, deaths

By Michelle R. Smith, Associated Press

Brazil this week became just the third country, after the U.S. and Peru, to report a 24-hour tally of COVID-19 deaths that exceeded 4,000.

Prisons need better vaccine education for inmates, advocates say

By Dave Collins, Associated Press

Advocates for prison inmates say more needs to be done to educate prisoners about coronavirus vaccines because large numbers of them are declining the shots.

Florida sues federal government to allow cruises to sail

By Adriana Gomez Licon, Associated Press

Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis says the no-sail order is outdated and hurts the state as the industry generates billions for the economy.

WATCH: Is your state lagging behind on vaccine rollouts? Here’s why

By Isabella Isaacs-Thomas

William Brangham spoke Thursday with local public media reporters in Georgia, Missouri and Tennessee about how vaccine hesitancy, political messaging, healthcare access and other factors are creating challenges for vaccine rollouts in their regions.

How to help your kids break out of their pandemic bubble and transition back to being with others

By Dominique A. Phillips, Jill Ehrenreich-May, The Conversation

After more than a year of isolation and empty schedules, some kids might be apprehensive or anxious about interacting with the outside world. Psychology experts provide tips to ease the transition.

UK advises limiting AstraZeneca in under-30 group amid blood clot worry

By Maria Cheng, Danica Kirka, Jill Lawless, Associated Press

Wednesday's recommendation came as regulators both in the U.K. and the European Union emphasized that the benefits of receiving the vaccine continue to outweigh the risks for most people.

1 in 3 COVID-19 patients are diagnosed with a neuropsychiatric condition in the next six months, large study finds

By Elizabeth Cooney, STAT

Six months after being diagnosed with Covid-19, 1 in 3 patients also had experienced a psychiatric or neurological illness, mostly mood disorders but also strokes or dementia, a large new study shows.