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.

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.

Here's where 11,000 Afghan refugees are staying in New Jersey

11,000 Afghan refugees are being temporarily housed at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in Central New Jersey. 40% of them are children under the age of 14.

IKEA customers forced to stay in store overnight during snowstorm

An IKEA showroom turned into a vast bedroom for customers and employees who were stranded by a snowstorm. They spent the night in the store, sleeping in the beds that are usually on show.

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.

Vaccine inequity: Global initiative to share shots struggles to meet goal

The vaccine alliance that helps run COVAX warned in internal documents that a substantial number of doses might only show up in late 2022 or even 2023.

US to resume Trump-era ‘Remain in Mexico’ policy for asylum-seekers

The Biden administration has struck an agreement with Mexico to reinstate the Trump-era “Remain in Mexico” policy after a court order.

Greece to impose monthly fine on unvaccinated residents over 60

Greek residents have until Jan. 16 to get their first jabs, or will be fined 100 euros ($113) for every month they remain unvaccinated.

China clears Boeing 737 Max to fly again

China’s aviation regulator cleared the Boeing 737 Max on Thursday to return to flying with technical upgrades more than two years after the plane was grounded worldwide following two fatal crashes.

Peng Shuai worries lead women's tennis tour to suspend China events

In the strongest public stand against China taken by a sports body, the head of the women’s professional tennis tour announced Wednesday that all WTA tournaments there would be suspended because of concerns about the safety of Peng Shuai, a Grand Slam doubles champion who accused a former government official of sexual assault.

Omicron variant: Airlines must ID passengers who traveled through southern Africa, CDC says

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has ordered all airlines to turn over the names of passengers who have traveled to southern African countries now under travel restrictions.

Could Vybz Kartel be freed from prison?

After more than a decade behind bars, a three-judge tribunal could free Vybz Kartel due to new evidence. In an exclusive interview with FOX 5 News, Isat Buchanan — Vybz Kartel's attorney — said there is no longer any doubt that key evidence was falsified.

U.S. to toughen testing for travelers as omicron threat looms

CDC says it is working toward requiring that all air travelers to the U.S. be tested for COVID-19 within a day before boarding their flight. Under the current rules, travelers who are fully vaccinated may present a test taken within three days of boarding.