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.

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.

Lakers' LeBron James enters COVID-19 protocols, scratched from lineup

Los Angeles Lakers' LeBron James is out for Tuesday night's game against the Sacramento Kings due to NBA's COVID-19 health and safety protocols.

Drug safe havens given OK in NYC in effort to curb overdoses

The first officially authorized safe havens for people to use heroin and other narcotics have been cleared to open in New York City in hopes of curbing overdoses.

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.

Lockdown-free Florida top vacation spot for holiday season

Cooped-up tourists eager for a taste of Florida’s sandy beaches, swaying palm trees, and warmer climates are visiting the Sunshine State in droves, topping pre-pandemic levels in recent months.

DC, Maryland, Virginia leaders reacting to looming omicron threat

Health departments in the District, Maryland and Virginia are actively testing positive samples in anticipation of the arrival of the omicron variant of COVID-19.

Restaurants charging added fees in attempt to rebound from COVID-19 pandemic

Restaurants in the DMV and across the country are still trying to recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and some are adding an extra fee onto customers' bills to try and make up for it.

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.

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.

Biden COVID-19 vaccine mandate for health care workers blocked in 10 states

A federal judge has blocked President Joe Biden's administration from enforcing a coronavirus vaccine mandate on health care workers in 10 states.

Virginia to test sewage to help predict COVID-19 outbreaks

The Virginia Department of Health will be monitoring sewage in various parts of the state in an effort to predict future outbreaks of 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.

Merriam-Webster declares 'vaccine' as 2021 word of the year

Merriam-Webster has declared an omnipresent truth as its 2021 word of the year: vaccine. Last year, it chose “pandemic.”

Canada is latest country to confirm cases of omicron variant

Canada is among several countries Sunday to report omicron cases. Canada said its two known cases are linked to travel from Nigeria.

South African doctor says omicron variant symptoms ‘unusual but mild’

Dr. Angelique Coetzee, a board member of the South African Medical Association, said the COVID-19 omicron variant reported that it presents "unusual but mild" symptoms.