CDC recommends shorter COVID isolation, quarantine for all
U.S. health officials on Monday cut isolation restrictions for Americans who catch the coronavirus from 10 to five days, and similarly shortened the time that close contacts need to quarantine.
AP source: NHL to withdraw from Olympics after COVID surge
The NHL will withdraw from the Winter Olympics after the regular-season schedule was disrupted by coronavirus outbreaks, a person with direct knowledge of the decision told The Associated Press on Tuesday.
COVID-19 surge: Here’s what’s canceled or closing across the US
As the omicron variant continues to spread across the country, many events are getting canceled and businesses are closing.
2022 New Years Eve numbers arrive in Times Square; NYE cancelled decision pending
New Year's Eve is less than two weeks away and while the fate of the big celebration and the crowds in Times Square are still up in the air due to a surge in coronavirus cases, the preparations continue.
NHL shutting down from Wednesday through Saturday due to COVID: AP source
A person with direct knowledge of discussions said the NHL is beginning a league-wide shutdown Wednesday amid an increase of positive COVID-19 test results among players across the league.
Israel to ban travel to US, Canada due to omicron variant concerns
Israel will ban travel to the United States, Canada and eight other countries amid the rapid, global spread of the omicron variant of the coronavirus.
NBA postpones 5 more games as COVID-19 pummels sports world
The NBA has called off five games for Sunday, Monday and Tuesday because of coronavirus-related concerns.
Omicron forces wave of closures nationwide as Biden warns winter of 'death' encroaching
As the omicron variant of the coronavirus is poised to become the new leading variant in the United States, many schools and businesses are closing their doors over what President Biden is predicting to be a winter of "severe illness and death."
Netherlands lockdown: Omicron spread prompts closures for nearly 1 month
The Netherlands lockdown began Sunday, with all non-essential stores, bars and restaurants closing until Jan. 14.
France: 5th wave is here, New Year's concerts and fireworks banned
“The fifth wave is here and it is here in full force,” Prime Minister Jean Castex told a news conference, adding that the fast-spreading omicron variant is expected to dominate infections in France at the start of January.
Princeton moves exams online as colleges go back to drawing board to fight COVID
Colleges across the U.S. are starting to require booster shots, extend mask mandates and in some cases revert to online classes as they brace for the new omicron variant.
Google, Ford, other companies delay return-to-work plans amid omicron cases
Google and Ford are among those once again delaying their return-to-office plans, while other businesses whose workers are already back to the office are considering adding extra precautions like masks and COVID-19 testing.
WHO urges elderly to postpone travel plans amid rise of omicron variant
The World Health Organization on Tuesday advised elderly and immunocompromised individuals to postpone travel plans amid the emergence of the omicron coronavirus variant.
Newsom: Omicron variant won’t spark California shutdown
Confirmation of the first U.S. case of the omicron variant in California was not surprising and shouldn’t force another shutdown heading into the holidays, Gov. Gavin Newsom said Wednesday.
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.
Austria's nationwide lockdown begins, with COVID-19 vaccine mandate looming
The new lockdown measures kicked in Monday a day after many Austrians hurriedly enjoyed a last day out at coffeehouses and Christmas markets across the country.
Germany implements new COVID-19 measures amid coronavirus surge
Germany has approved new measures to rein in record coronavirus infections as Chancellor Angela Merkel has called the pandemic situation in the country “really worrying” and demanded “consequent action” to contain the spread of the virus.
Melbourne residents cheer as city lifts 6th COVID-19 lockdown
When Melbourne began lifting COVID-19 restrictions at midnight, its residents were eager to celebrate.
New Zealand to enter lockdown after single COVID-19 case found
New Zealand's government is taking drastic action by putting the entire nation into a strict lockdown after finding a single case of COVID-19. The city where the infected man lives and another city he had visited will go into full lockdown for 7 days, while the rest of the country will shut down for three days.
Chicago reactivates COVID-19 travel advisory for 2 states amid case uptick
Chicago health officials reactivated the city's COVID-19 travel advisory Tuesday due to an uptick in cases in Arkansas and Missouri.