COVID-19 outbreak on cruise ship approaching New Orleans

Ten people aboard a Norwegian Cruise Line ship approaching New Orleans have tested positive for COVID-19, officials said Saturday night.

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.

Study: Disposable masks are harmful for the environment

A study from a UK university says the disposable plastic face masks we wear daily for coronavirus protection could pose long-term environmental risks.

Gov. Hochul: Three new Omicron variant cases found in NY

“Keep using the tools to help prevent the spread of COVID & its variants,” Hochul said in a tweet. “Get vaccinated, get your booster, & wear your mask.”

New Jersey omicron case confirmed; out-of-state resident in isolation

A woman who lives in Georgia tested positive for COVID-19 while visiting New Jersey. Gene sequencing confirms she has the omicron variant of the coronavirus.

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.

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.

Israel health officials confirm 7 omicron COVID-19 cases, 27 others suspected

Israel's Health Ministry says it has confirmed seven cases of the new omicron variant of the coronavirus, stoking fears of a pending surge in infections.

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.

Philadelphia reports first case of COVID-19 omicron variant

A Northwest Philadelphia man in his 30s has tested positive for the COVID-19 omicron variant, according to the health department.

Omicron COVID-19 variant detected in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has confirmed its first case of the omicron variant of the coronavirus in an unvaccinated person who returned from Nigeria.

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.

1 in 100 currently infected with virus in Germany

Germany’s health minister says more than 1% of the population is currently infected with the coronavirus.

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.

1st confirmed omicron variant case in Minnesota connected to NY anime convention

The first case of the omicron variant of COVID-19 has been confirmed in Minnesota, the Minnesota Department of Health announced Thursday. The confirmation comes one day after the first U.S. cases of the omicron variant were detected in California.