Omicron variant emerges in more countries as world on high alert
In the U.S., Dr. Anthony Fauci, the government’s top infectious diseases expert, said he would not be surprised if the omicron variant was already in the United States, too.
Omicron: South African scientists brace for wave propelled by variant
The country’s numbers are still relatively low, but omicron’s speed in infecting young South Africans alarms experts.
Fauci says omicron variant could be ‘red flag,’ urges COVID-19 boosters for all
“I keep saying it over and over, the next couple of months are going to be up to us. I mean, we, right now, have a tool, a very effective tool,” Dr. Anthony Fauci said, urging vaccination amid news of the worrying new omicron variant.
Ukraine leader alleges Russia-backed coup planned for next week
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is alleging that his country’s intelligence service has uncovered plans for a Russia-backed coup d’etat in Ukraine next week that involves one of the country’s richest oligarchs.
Omicron variant: World races to contain new 'highly transmissible' COVID-19 strain
The world is racing to contain a new coronavirus variant that is potentially more dangerous than the one that has fueled waves of infection on nearly every continent.
US, Canada, EU, Japan restrict South Africa travel over Omicron variant
Advisers to the World Health Organization held a special session Friday to flesh out information about the worrying new variant of the coronavirus that has been detected in South Africa.
Moderna testing 3 COVID-19 booster vaccines on omicron variant, Pfizer ready to adapt
Pfizer said if any coronavirus variant ever evades the protection offered by its COVID-19 vaccine, it expects to be able to produce a “tailor-made” adapted version of its vaccine to fight that variant in approximately 100 days, pending approval from federal regulators.
New COVID-19 variant is ‘huge international concern,’ UK health secretary says
The U.K.’s health secretary told Parliament Friday that the new COVID-19 variant was “of huge international concern” and that it was “highly likely” that it has spread to countries beyond where it has been detected.
Omicron variant: What to know about the new COVID-19 strain
South African scientists identified a new version of the coronavirus this week that they say is behind a recent spike in COVID-19 infections in Gauteng, the country’s most populous province.
Omicron variant: WHO says new COVID-19 strain shows increased reinfection risk
The World Health Organization called a special session to flesh out information about a worrying new variant of the coronavirus that has been detected in South Africa.
Man jailed over bomb hoax at UK COVID-19 vaccine factory
A bomb scare temporarily halted production at a factory making COVID-19 vaccines in the U.K. earlier this year. This week, the man convicted of the crime received his jail sentence.
Portugal returns to COVID-19 restrictions, despite high vaccination rate
A recent rise in coronavirus infections compelled the government to act, Prime Minister António Costa said Thursday.
Santa gets a boyfriend in Norway postal service Christmas ad
The commercial, titled, “When Harry Met Santa,” celebrates 50 years since the country decriminalized homosexuality.
Health officials warn of 'worrying' new COVID variant
The variant, currently known as B.1.1.529, reportedly has a significant number of mutations that could make it capable of evading immunity.
Germany becomes 5th European country to surpass 100K COVID-19 deaths
The national disease control agency said it recorded 351 deaths in connection with the coronavirus over the past 24 hours.
More than 50 miners, rescuers dead after Siberian coal mine blast
Hours after a methane gas explosion and fire filled the mine with toxic fumes, rescuers found 14 bodies but then were forced to halt the search for 38 others because of a buildup of methane and carbon monoxide gas from the fire.
European Union authorizes Pfizer's COVID vaccine for kids 5-11
The European Union has authorized Pfizer’s coronavirus vaccine for use on children as young as 5 years old.
Kids, pregnant women among 27 migrants killed crossing English Channel
France's interior minister says pregnant women and children are among at least 27 migrants killed trying to cross the English Channel in a small boat that sank.
Thanksgiving: What the US holiday looks like around the world
Thanksgiving is not just an American holiday. Here’s a look at notable Thanksgiving celebrations across the globe.
Italy's government targets unvaccinated with restrictions as COVID-19 cases rise
The Italian government is targeting unvaccinated people in its latest effort to contain rising coronavirus infections.