1 in 100 in Germany infected with COVID-19, health minister says
More than 1% of the German population is currently infected with the coronavirus, according to the country's health minister
Omicron COVID-19 variant detected in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka has confirmed its first case of the omicron variant of the coronavirus in an unvaccinated person who returned from Nigeria.
Study suggests past COVID-19 infection may not fend off omicron variant
A research group has been tracking reinfections in South Africa and reported a jump with the arrival of omicron that they hadn't seen when two previous variants, including the extra-contagious delta variant, moved through the country.
Omicron: WHO says measures used against delta should work for new variant
The WHO says measures like higher vaccination rates, social-distancing guidelines and wearing masks should remain the foundation for fighting the pandemic.
'This is America': New Jersey GOP lawmakers defy vaccine mandate
"This is America!" Assembly member Hal Wirths added. Lawmakers compared the situation to something that might happen in a dictatorship.
1st confirmed omicron variant case in Minnesota connected to NY anime convention
The first case of the omicron variant of COVID-19 has been confirmed in Minnesota, the Minnesota Department of Health announced Thursday. The confirmation comes one day after the first U.S. cases of the omicron variant were detected in California.
Vaccine inequity: Global initiative to share shots struggles to meet goal
The vaccine alliance that helps run COVAX warned in internal documents that a substantial number of doses might only show up in late 2022 or even 2023.
COVID-19 outbreak forces Northeast High School to close 11th grade classrooms
Junior students at Northeast High School will learn remotely for a week as the school works to contain an outbreak of coronavirus infections among students.
Biden's new winter COVID-19 plan includes reimbursement for at-home tests
Biden is unveiling a winter plan to combat COVID-19 and its new omicron variant with more availability of shots and vaccines but without major new restrictions.
Germany bans unvaccinated from nonessential stores, recreational venues
German Chancellor Angela Merkel said people who aren't vaccinated against COVID-19 will be excluded from nonessential stores, cultural and recreational venues.
Greece to impose monthly fine on unvaccinated residents over 60
Greek residents have until Jan. 16 to get their first jabs, or will be fined 100 euros ($113) for every month they remain unvaccinated.
WHO urges elderly to postpone travel plans amid rise of omicron variant
The World Health Organization on Tuesday advised elderly and immunocompromised individuals to postpone travel plans amid the emergence of the omicron coronavirus variant.
Biden encourages young girl with stutter, invites her to White House
President Joe Biden, who has been open about having a speech impediment his whole life, was seen giving words of encouragement to a young girl in Massachusetts who has a stutter, even inviting her to the White House.
First U.S. case of omicron COVID-19 variant detected in California
The first U.S. case of the omicron COVID-19 variant has been detected in California, the White House announced Wednesday.
Omicron variant: Airlines must ID passengers who traveled through southern Africa, CDC says
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has ordered all airlines to turn over the names of passengers who have traveled to southern African countries now under travel restrictions.
Gilead says it expects remdesivir to remain effective against omicron variant
Gilead Sciences, the maker of Veklury, said it expects the antiviral drug to remain effective against the new omicron variant and will conduct further testing.
Merck COVID-19 pill: FDA health panel endorses experimental at-home drug for virus
FDA health panel endorses Merck COVID-19 pill, paving way for U.S. authorization of the first at-home drug for virus.
Mask mandate for Pennsylvania K-12 schools remains for now, justices rule
Pennsylvania's high court says that for now, an order requiring masks inside Pennsylvania’s K-12 schools and child care facilities will remain in place.
US improves surveillance for tracking new coronavirus variants
Viruses mutate constantly. To find and track new versions of the coronavirus, scientists analyze the genetic makeup of a portion of samples that test positive.