Omicron variant was in Europe before it was detected in South Africa, Dutch health agency says
Dutch health officials say the coronavirus omicron variant was in Europe before South Africa reported it to the World Health Organization.
Omicron-specific vaccine testing underway: Moderna chairman responds to first omicron variant detected in US
Moderna chairman Noubar Afeyan joined "The Claman Countdown" Wednesday shortly after the first case of the omicron variant was reportedly detected in the U.S. to express concern for the nature of the new strand.
Marcus Lamb, CEO of anti-vaccine Daystar Christian network, dies of COVID-19
“It’s with a heavy heart we announce that Marcus Lamb, president and founder of Daystar Television Network, went home to be with the Lord this morning,” the network said a tweet Tuesday.
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.
Pentagon chief says National Guard members who refuse vaccine cannot train to maintain status
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has decided that National Guard members who refuse COVID-19 vaccination will be barred from federally funded drills and training required to maintain their Guard status, saying, "Vaccination is essential to the health and readiness of the force."
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.
Mom on ventilator battling COVID-19 reunites with toddler daughter after 3 months
A Houston-area mom, who is on a ventilator battling COVID-19, finally reunites with her toddler daughter after three months.
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.
COVID-19 vaccine makers exploring if omicron versions of shots are needed
Officials from Moderna and Pfizer are assessing their responses to the new COVID-19 variant omicron and say it will take months to develop a tweaked shot if needed.
Illinois family credits Ivermectin with saving life of father hospitalized with COVID-19
An Illinois family whose loved one was "desperately ill" and hospitalized earlier this month with COVID-19 says he's now home and doing well after a judge had to order a Naperville hospital to treat him with Ivermectin.
Central Florida research center ready for trials if new coronavirus vaccine is developed
As Moderna, Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson start looking at ways to fight the new omicron variant, Central Florida research labs are preparing just in case they're needed for testing.
Omicron variant: CDC expands COVID-19 booster recommendation to all adults 18 and older
"Everyone ages 18 and older should get a booster shot either when they are 6 months after their initial Pfizer or Moderna series or 2 months after their initial J&J vaccine," the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said.
CDC 'strengthens' recommendation on booster doses for everyone 18 and older
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said Monday that it is "strengthening its recommendation on booster doses for individuals who are 18 years and older."
WHO says omicron variant poses 'very high risk'
The U.N. health agency, in a technical paper issued to member states, said "considerable uncertainties” remain about the variant that was first detected days ago in southern Africa.
No omicron variant cases detected in NYC yet, mayor says
There were no confirmed cases of the new omicron variant of the coronavirus detected in New York City as of Monday, according to Mayor Bill de Blasio.
Orlando International Airport continues to experience holiday crowds
Meanwhile, the Omicron variant of the coronavirus is popping up around the world. So far, no cases have been identified in the United States though.
Judge to look again at health care shots mandate
Pointing to a new state law, a federal judge has decided to reconsider Florida’s request for an injunction against a Biden administration requirement that workers at hospitals, nursing homes and other health-care providers be vaccinated against COVID-19.
Omicron shows need for global accord on pandemics, WHO chief says
The WHO is pushing for an international accord to help prevent future pandemics amid the emergence of the new omicron COVID-19 variant.