Paterson drops school mask mandate

The district introduced the mask mandate just over a week ago in response to the so-called "tripledemic" of rising cases of COVID-19, RSV, and influenza.

CDC identifies possible 'safety concern' for certain people receiving COVID vaccines

The Centers for Disease Control says that a preliminary COVID-19 vaccine "safety signal" has been identified and is investigating whether the Bivalent Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine creates an increased risk of ischemic stroke in people 65 and older.

Latest coronavirus variant more likely to infect people who have been vaccinated

New York City health officials warn that the latest Omicron subvariant that is making up the majority of COVID-19 cases may be more likely to infect people who have been vaccinated than previous variants.

Bathrooms open in some NYC subway stations

The MTA says the bathrooms have been recently updated with new features like fresh paint and motion-activated toilets.

Pentagon: COVID-19 vaccine no longer mandated for troops

The Pentagon has formally dropped its COVID-19 vaccination mandate, but a new memo signed by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin also gives commanders some discretion in how or whether to deploy troops who are not vaccinated.

Mask mandates return at several NJ school districts

Beginning Tuesday, students and staff in Paterson must wear masks indoors, along with students in the Passaic School District, which reinstated the policy before winter vacation.

New Omicron variant XBB.1.5 rapidly spreading across NYC region

A new, 'more transmissible' variant of Omicron, known as XBB.1.5 is rapidly spreading, with experts worried that it could create a surge of breakthrough infections and re-infections.

Atlantic City bets it can put COVID behind it in 2023

Atlantic City's casinos are betting they can finally put the COVID pandemic behind them in 2023. Some casino executives are optimistic about the new year, while others note that economic challenges are likely to remain in the New Jersey resort town.

US to require COVID-19 testing for travelers from China

Other countries have taken similar steps in an effort to keep infections from spreading beyond China’s borders.

World governments using COVID-19 tech to expand global surveillance

Now, from Beijing to Jerusalem to Hyderabad, India, and Perth, Australia, The Associated Press has found that authorities used these technologies and data to halt travel for activists and ordinary people, harass marginalized communities and link people’s health information to other surveillance and law enforcement tools.

NY attorney general warns of price gouging of these children's medications

The New York attorney general is inviting the state’s residents to report any price gouging by stores facing shortages of painkillers and fever reducers for children.

Long COVID: Could mono virus or fat cells be playing a role?

Scientists are still trying to figure out why some people get long COVID and why a small portion have lasting symptoms. Here's some of the latest evidence.

‘Hard road’ lies ahead for China as COVID-19 cases spiral

China has reduced testing and stopped reporting most mild COVID cases. China is among a few countries that managed to stop most domestic transmission of the virus in 2020, but it’s the last to end restrictions.

CDC recommends masking in 10 NY counties

Masking indoors in public or on public transportation is now recommended across the five boroughs, on Long Island, and in several of the city's northern suburbs.

Vaccines, tests, masks are key to mitigate another COVID surge, officials reiterate

Hospitals are already struggling with spikes of the flu, RSV and COVID cases after Thanksgiving, prompting the White House to try to mitigate the impact of another surge.

Hospitalizations signal rising COVID-19 risk for US seniors

Coronavirus-related hospital admissions are climbing again in the United States and older adults are making up a growing share of U.S. deaths.