Masks optional for everyone at Orange County Public Schools, officials say
Orange County Public Schools has announced that masks will now be optional for students in district buildings and vehicles.
Fauci worried about uptick in COVID-19 hospitalization among fully vaccinated
Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s leading expert on infectious diseases says he's concerned over the uptick in hospitalizations among people fully vaccinated for COVID-19.
Report: Former chef says Bucs' Antonio Brown purchased fake COVID-19 vaccine card
A report from the Tampa Bay Times says Buccaneers receiver Antonio Brown provided the team and the NFL a fake COVID-19 vaccine card, according to Brown's former live-in chef, to whom Brown owes $10,000.
Fauci: COVID-19 not yet endemic, US still doesn’t have ‘control’ over virus
Speaking at a White House press briefing on Wednesday, Dr. Anthony Fauci said COVID-19 is far from being an endemic illness, but said continued vaccination efforts could eventually bring the coronavirus under control.
Holiday gatherings: CDC guidance sheds light on how to celebrate safely amid COVID-19
The CDC says there are several ways this year to enjoy holiday traditions while also protecting your health and the health of your family and friends.
Germany implements new COVID-19 measures amid coronavirus surge
Germany has approved new measures to rein in record coronavirus infections as Chancellor Angela Merkel has called the pandemic situation in the country “really worrying” and demanded “consequent action” to contain the spread of the virus.
Sanford restaurant owner to auction beloved motorcycle to keep business open
A favorite for foodies in Sanford may be forced to shut down if the business doesn't turn around, according to the owner.
Census: No great migration occurred during COVID-19 pandemic
Contrary to popular belief, there has been no great migration in the U.S. during the pandemic.
Oklahoma governor challenges Pentagon's COVID-19 vaccine mandate for National Guard troops
A dispute between the Oklahoma governor and the Pentagon over the COVID-19 vaccine mandate is setting up the first critical test of the military’s authority to require National Guard troops to get the shot. It's also laying the groundwork for potential protests from other states.
10% of US kids 5 to 11 received COVID-19 vaccine in 1st 2 weeks, White House says
At least 2.6 million kids have received a shot, White House COVID-19 coordinator Jeff Zients says, with 1.7 million doses administered in the last week alone.
Florida lawmakers pass plan to block vaccine mandates
The bills would let workers receive exemptions from any employer-required vaccinations.
Moderna asks FDA to expand COVID-19 booster access to all adults 18 and older
In October, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted emergency use authorization for Moderna's COVID-19 booster for adults who are 65 and older, as well as adults between 18 and 64 who are at risk for severe COVID-19.
TSA preparing for Thanksgiving travel to hit pre-pandemic levels
Administrator David Pekoske said Wednesday he expects agency staffing to be sufficient for what's traditionally TSA's busiest travel period.
Callers to helplines around the world voiced similar pandemic worries
A study on calls to crisis helplines in 19 countries shows a striking similarity in the pandemic's toll on mental health. Fears of infection, loneliness and physical health were the main concerns voiced in the pandemic's early weeks.
Fauci says COVID-19 vaccine boosters will help avoid winter ‘double whammy’
Dr. Anthony Fauci believes Americans should get a COVID-19 booster shot to avoid a possible winter “double whammy” of the more infectious delta variant and waning immunity among the vaccinated.
OSHA suspends enforcement of COVID-19 vaccine mandate amid legal challenges
OSHA said it is currently not taking steps to implement or enforce President Joe Biden’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate for big businesses as long as the mandate is tied up in court.
Rapid COVID-19 tests could bring reassurance for 2021 holiday gatherings, experts say
At-home rapid COVID-19 tests could help make a family’s Thanksgiving or Christmas gathering safer when combined with vaccination, experts say.
NFL heightens COVID-19 protocols amid rising cases, Thanksgiving
The league’s protocols were updated as a result of increasing rates of COVID-19 across the country.
Florida House backs move away from OSHA
With Republicans angry about a vaccination rule issued by the federal Occupational and Safety and Health Administration, the Florida House on Wednesday approved a proposal that could lead to the state taking over regulation of worker safety and health issues.
US overdose deaths topped 100,000 in a year for 1st time, CDC says
An estimated 100,000 Americans died of drug overdoses in one year, topping deaths from car crashes, guns and even flu and pneumonia, CDC data shows.