Texas labs ramp up sequencing as omicron variant spreads across nation

Delta remains the dominant variant in North Texas, but experts say it is only a matter of time before omicron is detected in the region as well.

NYC announces new vaccine mandate for all private sector employers

Beginning Dec. 27, all private-sector employers in New York City must require that their employees be fully vaccinated for the coronavirus, announced Mayor Bill de Blasio.

NYC vaccine mandate includes children as young as 5

Children as young as 5 years old will be required to get vaccines in New York City to enter restaurants and other indoor venues.

Cruise ship with COVID-19 outbreak docks in New Orleans

Norwegian Cruise Line issued a statement that confirmed a “handful of COVID-19 cases among guests and crew.” The company said all of the identified cases involved people without symptoms of the illness.

Omicron variant popping up in more states as hospitals keep up with COVID-19 spike

The arrival of omicron comes as hospitals statewide continue to strain under a surge in coronavirus cases, most traced to the delta variant, along with staffing shortages.

Italian man tries to get COVID-19 vaccine with fake arm

A nurse said she could tell right away that something was off when a 57-year-old man presented the phony limb for a shot earlier this week.

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.

Omicron variant: South Africa may offer glimpse into the future

The new omicron variant appears to be driving a dramatic surge in South Africa, providing the world a glimpse of where the pandemic might be headed.

Dallas ISD mask mandate to end in January 2022

Dallas ISD plans to switch its policy to "masks recommended" after the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday.

Long-term COVID-19 smell, taste loss could impact millions, researchers say

As COVID-19 continues to spread, researchers say a significant number of people worldwide may face a long-term or even permanent loss of smell and taste as more become infected.

FDA expands emergency use of 2 COVID-19 monoclonal antibody treatments to infants

Monoclonal antibodies are proteins made in a lab which copy the human immune system’s ability to fight off harmful pathogens such as the novel coronavirus, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Biden administration extends mask mandate for public transit through March

The Biden administration is extending a federal mask mandate for public transportation into mid-March, the White House announced on Thursday.

Study suggests past COVID-19 infection may not fend off omicron variant

A research group has been tracking reinfections in South Africa and reported a jump with the arrival of omicron that they hadn't seen when two previous variants, including the extra-contagious delta variant, moved through the country.

5 cases of omicron variant detected in New York

At least five people in New York have been infected with the omicron variant of the coronavirus. Four of the cases are in New York City and one is in Suffolk County.

NFL suspends Bucs' Antonio Brown, Mike Edwards for violating COVID-19 protocols

The NFL has suspended Antonio Brown and Mike Edwards of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for violating the league's COVID-19 protocols after finding they misrepresented their vaccination status.

Parkland Hospital staff treated to 'Thank Our Heroes' lunch event

The event recognized the effort and sacrifice local health care professionals have continued to make throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Biden's new winter COVID-19 plan includes reimbursement for at-home tests

Biden is unveiling a winter plan to combat COVID-19 and its new omicron variant with more availability of shots and vaccines but without major new restrictions.

WHO urges elderly to postpone travel plans amid rise of omicron variant

The World Health Organization on Tuesday advised elderly and immunocompromised individuals to postpone travel plans amid the emergence of the omicron coronavirus variant.