Omicron variant may hinder 2 leading drugs against COVID-19
The rapidly-spreading omicron variant may soon leave U.S. doctors without two of the standard treatments they’ve used to fight COVID-19.
Omicron forces wave of closures nationwide as Biden warns winter of 'death' encroaching
As the omicron variant of the coronavirus is poised to become the new leading variant in the United States, many schools and businesses are closing their doors over what President Biden is predicting to be a winter of "severe illness and death."
Omicron variant detected in 89 countries; WHO says cases rapidly doubling
WHO said on Saturday that omicron’s “substantial growth advantage” over the delta variant means it's likely to soon overtake delta as the dominant variant.
NY single-day record for COVID cases
21,027 New Yorkers have tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, the highest number since January 14.
France: 5th wave is here, New Year's concerts and fireworks banned
“The fifth wave is here and it is here in full force,” Prime Minister Jean Castex told a news conference, adding that the fast-spreading omicron variant is expected to dominate infections in France at the start of January.
Princeton moves exams online as colleges go back to drawing board to fight COVID
Colleges across the U.S. are starting to require booster shots, extend mask mandates and in some cases revert to online classes as they brace for the new omicron variant.
Omicron surge: Medical surveillance can't keep up with rate variant is spreading
Medical experts say the omicron coronavirus variant is spreading so fast, surveillance attempts can’t keep up.
Doctor who caught omicron at super spreader event says pandemic isn't just due to the unvaccinated
Debra says the blame for the ongoing pandemic should be placed on more than the unvaccinated, saying masks and other precautions need to continue to be used.
Omicron variant now makes up about 3% of US COVID-19 cases, CDC says
The CDC estimates that the new omicron variant of the coronavirus now makes up about 3% of COVID-19 cases reported nationwide.
US COVID-19 death toll tops 800K amid increasing delta, omicron spread
The milestone is a sad ending to a year that held much promise with the arrival of vaccines, and comes as officials around the world are monitoring the spread of the new omicron variant.
Arizona health officials confirm omicron variant in Maricopa, Yavapai counties
Arizona health officials say the COVID-19 omicron variant has been detected in at least two counties, Yavapai and Maricopa.
Omicron variant appearing milder than delta, South African doctors say
In the two weeks since omicron first was reported in Southern Africa, other doctors have shared similar stories. All caution that it will take many more weeks to collect enough data to be sure, their observations and the early evidence offer some clues.
Google, Ford, other companies delay return-to-work plans amid omicron cases
Google and Ford are among those once again delaying their return-to-office plans, while other businesses whose workers are already back to the office are considering adding extra precautions like masks and COVID-19 testing.
WHO warns omicron variant fears may set off hoarding of COVID-19 vaccines
The World Health Organization has expressed concerns that rich countries spooked by the emergence of the omicron variant could step up hoarding of COVID-19 vaccines.
Omicron variant detected in more states, Ga. health officials say delta variant remains a big threat
With cases of the new omicron variant now detected in 19 states and 50 countries, more Americans appear to be rolling up their sleeves to get vaccinated.
Omicron variant may be less dangerous than delta, US health officials say
“Thus far, it does not look like there’s a great degree of severity to it,” Dr. Anthony Fauci said.
Omicron variant: Pfizer running ‘neutralization tests’ with its COVID-19 vaccine
Companies Pfizer and BioNTech are currently running tests in response to the rapidly spreading omicron variant with data likely available in the coming weeks.
First Georgia case of omicron variant identified, quarantined in New Jersey
A Georgia resident who is currently in New Jersey has tested positive for the omicron variant of COVID-19, the Georgia Department of Public Health announced late Friday.
Omicron COVID-19 variant detected in Nebraska, Utah
Much remains unknown about the omicron variant, including whether it is more contagious, as some health authorities suspect, whether it can thwart vaccines and whether it makes people as sick as the original strain.
First 3 cases of Omicron variant identified in Maryland, Gov. Hogan confirms
Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan announced on Friday that state health officials have confirmed the first three cases of the COVID-19 Omicron variant in the state.