Omicron variant: WHO says new COVID-19 strain shows increased reinfection risk

The World Health Organization called a special session to flesh out information about a worrying new variant of the coronavirus that has been detected in South Africa.

OMICRON COVID-19 VARIANT: Here’s what we know about the new omicron COVID-19 variant in South Africa

South African scientists have identified a new version of the coronavirus this week that they say is behind a recent spike in COVID-19 infections in Gauteng, the country’s most populous province. Here's what we know so far.

1st MIS-C child death reported in Virginia; health condition is associated with COVID-19

The Virginia Department of Health has confirmed a death from Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) – a health condition that is associated with COVID-19.

South African health minister calls travel restrictions 'knee-jerk reaction' to variant

Dr. Joe Phaahla, the Health Minister of South Africa took issue with countries who've enacted travel bans on South Africa after they identified a new COVID-19 variant.

FDA finds Merck COVID-19 pill effective, seeks outside experts on safety

U.S. health officials say Merck's experimental COVID-19 pill is effective but they raised questions about its safety during pregnancy.

US families struggle with how to conduct 2nd Thanksgiving amid COVID-19 pandemic

The second Thanksgiving of the COVID-19 pandemic comes as a resurgent virus has pushed new infections in the U.S. to 95,000 daily and caused alarming increases at hospitals in Michigan, Minnesota, Colorado and Arizona.

Child COVID-19 cases in US up 32% ahead of Thanksgiving, AAP reports

Between Nov. 11 and Nov. 18, nearly 142,000 child cases were added — an increase of about 32% from two weeks ago and making up 25.1 percent of all the cases reported that week, AAP reported.

WHO: Europe could see another 700K COVID-19 deaths by spring

WHO Europe called on people to get vaccinated and respect proper hygiene and practice social distancing to help stop the spread of the virus.

COVID-19 vaccine can be bundled with routine childhood vaccinations, AAP says

The COVID-19 pandemic caused many children to fall behind on their routine vaccine schedules, but the American Academy of Pediatrics is reassuring parents that in addition to those routine inoculations, it is safe for kids to add on the COVID-19 vaccine.

More than 2 dozen in Northern Virginia sickened by oysters after sewage spill

More than two dozen people in Northern Virginia were sickened after eating oysters that were tracked back to a brewery in Loudoun County and a winery in Fauquier County.

White House: 92% of federal workers vaccinated under mandate with no apparent disruptions

On Tuesday, one day after the deadline for compliance, 92% of the 3.5 million federal workers covered by Biden’s mandate reported to the government that they are at least partially vaccinated, according to White House officials.

COVID-19 boosters: Fauci says definition of ‘fully vaccinated’ could change

The definition of being fully vaccinated could change as boosters become more widely available to adults in the U.S. but that’s only if the data shows it is necessary, according to Dr. Anthony Fauci.

Montgomery County schools backing off employee vaccine mandate

Montgomery County Public Schools appears to be backing-off its vaccine mandate -- Maryland’s largest school district unable to afford losing any more teachers and staff as the COVID-19 pandemic worker shortages continue.

Proof of COVID-19 vaccine will be required for all US land border crossers

The rules pertain to non-U.S. nationals. American citizens and permanent residents may still enter the U.S. regardless of their vaccination status.

Jury finds CVS, Walgreens, Walmart responsible for role in opioid crisis

The counties blamed pharmacies operated by CVS, Walgreens and Walmart for not stopping the flood of pills that caused hundreds of overdose deaths and cost each of the two counties about $1 billion, their attorney said.

More US adults opting to never have children, Pew survey finds

The number of childless adults between 18 and 49 years of age who have chosen to not have children in the future has increased 7% since the Pew Research Center conducted the same survey in 2018.

Thanksgiving travel expected to rebound to pre-COVID-19 levels

Thanksgiving travel is starting earlier each year – and this year the number of airline passengers traveling for the holiday is expected to rebound to pre-coronavirus pandemic levels.