Some US schools offering exemption letters, strategies to escape mask and vaccine mandates

Across the U.S., some public officials and other community leaders are trying to help people come up with ways to get exempted from having to wear masks or get vaccinated against COVID-19.

NYC mental health 911 response program could be expanded

A pilot program called B-HEARD began in June in parts of Harlem because data shows these areas have more emergency calls for people with mental health issues than anywhere in the city.

Comirnaty: Pfizer-BioNTech explains COVID-19 vaccine name’s meaning

According to Pfizer-BioNTech, “Comirnaty” is the brand name of its COVID-19 vaccine: a mash-up of COVID-19, mRNA, community and immunity.

Daily U.S. COVID-19 deaths nearly double in 2 weeks

The rolling seven-day average of daily coronavirus-related deaths in the United States has nearly doubled in the past two weeks.

Decorated Polk County deputy dies from COVID-19

A 32-year-old Polk County deputy and a father of five has lost his ongoing battle with COVID-19, the sheriff’s office announced.

DOD sends military personnel to COVID-19 crushed hospitals in Louisiana, Mississippi

U.S. military medical officers have been deployed to hospitals in Mississippi and Louisiana as both states face devastating surges in COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths amid low vaccination rates.

Do I need a booster if I got the Johnson & Johnson vaccine?

The U.S. is planning booster doses of the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines but if you got the one-dose Johnson & Johnson shot instead, stay tuned. Health authorities say a booster probably will be needed for that vaccine as well — but they don't have enough data yet to decide.

NYC teachers, staff required to get COVID vaccine with no opt-out option

All New York City public school teachers and other staffers will have to get vaccinated against the coronavirus, officials said Monday.

NJ to require COVID vaccine or regular tests for all school employees

New Jersey will require all preschool through grade 12 teachers, staff and personnel for preschool through grade 12 to be fully vaccinated against the coronavirus by Oct. 18

Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine gets full FDA approval

President Joe Biden called on Americans waiting for full FDA approval to get their COVID-19 vaccine after Monday’s FDA announcement of the Pfizer shot.

Mother honors son's only birthday wish and gets COVID-19 vaccine

A Houston woman, who now lives in Minnesota, says our report of a mother's dying wish to have her children get the COVID-19 vaccine, encouraged her to take the advice of family members and get the shot.

Mississippi orders COVID-infected individuals to isolate at home or face up to 5 years in prison

The Mississippi State Department of Health issued an alert on Friday ordering any coronavirus-positive individuals to isolate for at least 10 days or face up to a 5-year prison sentence and a fine of up to $5,000.

'We Love NYC' concert in Central Park stopped due to lightning

The five-hour concert, intended to celebrate New York City’s recovery from the coronavirus pandemic, was about halfway through when the weather became an issue. Heavy rain and lightning filled the sky.