Gates Foundation to spend $120M on access to Merck’s antiviral COVID-19 pill
The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation says it will spend $120 million to boost access to generic versions of drugmaker Merck’s antiviral COVID-19 pill for lower income countries, if the drug gets approved by regulators.
COVID-19 vaccine mandates won’t impact holiday travel, White House task force says
This news comes as many airlines and businesses require their staff to become vaccinated against COVID-19.
COVID-19 cases soar in Czech Republic; new restrictions imposed
The Czech Republic has been hit by a steep rise in coronavirus infections that have reached levels unseen since late April. In response, the government will require everyone to wear face coverings at workplaces.
CDC to continue recommending masks in all schools, Walensky says
Dr. Rochelle Walensky, director of the CDC, said officials will “continue to recommend masks in all schools for all people in those schools.” The reason: time.
Europe the lone region with rise in weekly COVID-19 cases, WHO says
Coronavirus cases have jumped in Europe for the third consecutive week with about 1.3 million new ones.
California school district tells parents their children must eat lunch in the rain due to COVID
Amid outcry, the district decided to let kids eat a 15-minute lunch indoors if there is 'a heavy downpour'
AY4.2 variant: CDC says new delta sublineage of COVID-19 seen in US
Dr. Rochelle Walensky, director of the CDC, said Wednesday the AY4.2 sublineage recently identified in the United Kingdom has also been observed in the United States.
OSHA warns Arizona, South Carolina and Utah over COVID-19 violations
OSHA says Arizona, South Carolina and Utah are not complying with promises to enforce COVID-19 labor standards that are at least as good as those adopted by the federal government.
All New York City employees will be required to get COVID vaccine
All city workers, excluding uniformed correction officers, will be required to have at least one dose by 5 p.m. on Oct. 29.
Veterans feed fellow veterans and other hungry New Jerseyans
The pandemic has created devastating food insecurity for many vulnerable residents — including veterans — of Bergen County. A Marine Corps veteran has partnered with a food program and a church to help.
CDC: Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine 93% effective at preventing hospitalization in ages 12-18
Between June 1 and Sept. 30 of this year, the CDC performed a case-controlled study of Pfizer’s vaccine in adolescents at 19 pediatric hospitals in 16 states, according to the study published on Tuesday.
DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas tests positive for COVID-19
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas tested positive for COVID-19 Tuesday morning despite being fully vaccinated, according to a statement from DHS spokesperson Marsha Espinosa.
Procter & Gamble combats inflation with price hikes in most categories
Procter & Gamble, like many other companies, has hiked prices on consumers in order to offset rising costs that have occurred due to supply-chain issues and a shortage of materials and labor coming out of the pandemic.
NYC declares racism a public health crisis
New York City's Health Department officially declared racism a public health crisis.
Colin Powell's death highlights urgency of vaccination, experts say
The COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective against hospitalization and death. But they are not perfect. Experts stress that widespread vaccination is critical to give an added layer of protection to the most vulnerable.
Older adults are more susceptible to severe breakthrough COVID-19, studies show
Health officials say older adults are more at risk for severe COVID-19 breakthrough cases due to underlying medical conditions and less robust immune systems.
CDC: Unvaccinated 11 times more likely to die of COVID-19
The latest data from the CDC shows COVID-19 vaccines remained highly effective against hospitalization and death even as the extra-contagious delta variant swept the country.
Arkansas restaurant pays student employees to do homework during shift
A restaurant group in Arkansas is allowing student employees to do homework for an hour while on the clock, an initiative that is raising grades and also recruiting more employees amid the country’s labor shortage.
Colin Powell's age, cancer left him vulnerable to COVID-19 despite vaccination
Despite getting vaccinated against COVID-19, Colin Powell remained vulnerable to the virus because of his advanced age and history of cancer.
Colin Powell, former US secretary of state, dies of COVID-19 complications
Colin Powell, former U.S. Joint Chiefs chairman and secretary of state, has died due to complications from COVID-19.