US will lift travel ban on southern African countries on Dec. 31

The Nov. 29 ban barred nearly all non-U.S. citizens who had recently been in South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique and Malawi.

Balancing Christmas traditions and COVID-19 safety
video

Dr. Mike joins Good Day Philadelphia to discuss how to safely celebrate Christmas amid the surge in COVID-19 cases and other coronavirus headlines.

Merck COVID-19 pill: FDA approves 2nd at-home treatment

Merck’s COVID-19 pill has been authorized by the FDA, providing another easy-to-use medication to fight the rapidly-spreading omicron variant.

Veteran Atlantic City firefighter dies of COVID-19

The Atlantic City Fire Department is mourning the loss of a 20-year veteran who lost his battle with COVID-19 earlier this week. 

Rush for COVID tests ahead of Christmas travel

People are racing the clock to get COVID test results in time for holiday travel and keeping places like PrimBio Research Institute in Newtown Square busy. 

Supreme Court to hold special session on Biden's COVID-19 vaccine mandates

The Supreme Court says it will hold a special session in just over two weeks to hear arguments on the Biden administration’s vaccine or testing requirement for large employers and a separate vaccine requirement for health care workers.

Temple University moves to virtual classes to start spring semester

Temple University announced Wednesday that classes will be conducted virtually through Jan. 21 due to a surge in COVID cases around the country and the contagiousness of the omicron variant.

McDonald’s rolls out exercise bikes for dine-in customers in China

Two restaurants in China are testing out a new experience where customers can dine, exercise and charge their electronic devices all at once.

Pfizer COVID-19 pill approved in US as 1st home treatment

Pfizer’s pill, called Paxlovid, is the first COVID-19 treatment that Americans can pick up at a pharmacy and take at home.

WHO chief: Blanket COVID booster drives risk prolonged pandemic

The head of the World Health Organization warned Wednesday that blanket booster programs in rich countries risk prolonging the world's battle with COVID-19 and said that “no country can boost its way out of the pandemic.”

San Jose mayor pushes for mandatory booster; could be 1st in California

In what could be an unprecedented move in California, San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo said he wants to make all city employees and visitors who enter city-owned facilities, to have a booster shot or third round of vaccinations. There will surely be pushback to the plan.

COVID testing sites search part of Google, Biden partnership

Those interested in learning if they have the virus can search “free COVID test near me” to find the closest site