First U.S. case of omicron COVID-19 variant detected in California
The first U.S. case of the omicron COVID-19 variant has been detected in California, the White House announced Wednesday.
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.
Gilead says it expects remdesivir to remain effective against omicron variant
Gilead Sciences, the maker of Veklury, said it expects the antiviral drug to remain effective against the new omicron variant and will conduct further testing.
US improves surveillance for tracking new coronavirus variants
Viruses mutate constantly. To find and track new versions of the coronavirus, scientists analyze the genetic makeup of a portion of samples that test positive.
COVID-19 vaccine makers exploring if omicron versions of shots are needed
Officials from Moderna and Pfizer are assessing their responses to the new COVID-19 variant omicron and say it will take months to develop a tweaked shot if needed.
Federal Reserve: Omicron variant could make supply chain backlog, inflation worse
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell says that the appearance of a new COVID-19 variant could slow the economy and hiring.
Omicron variant: CDC expands COVID-19 booster recommendation to all adults 18 and older
"Everyone ages 18 and older should get a booster shot either when they are 6 months after their initial Pfizer or Moderna series or 2 months after their initial J&J vaccine," the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said.
WHO says omicron variant poses 'very high risk'
The U.N. health agency, in a technical paper issued to member states, said "considerable uncertainties” remain about the variant that was first detected days ago in southern Africa.
No omicron variant cases detected in NYC yet, mayor says
There were no confirmed cases of the new omicron variant of the coronavirus detected in New York City as of Monday, according to Mayor Bill de Blasio.
Biden: Omicron variant ‘cause for concern’ but not panic, pushes COVID-19 shots
President Joe Biden urged Americans to get vaccinated against COVID-19 and to receive a booster shot amid the new omicron variant.
Omicron shows need for global accord on pandemics, WHO chief says
The WHO is pushing for an international accord to help prevent future pandemics amid the emergence of the new omicron COVID-19 variant.
WHO disagrees with flight bans over omicron variant
WHO's regional director for Africa, Matshidiso Moeti, called on countries to follow science and international health regulations in order to avoid using travel restrictions.
Canada is latest country to confirm cases of omicron variant
Canada is among several countries Sunday to report omicron cases. Canada said its two known cases are linked to travel from Nigeria.
South African doctor says omicron variant symptoms ‘unusual but mild’
Dr. Angelique Coetzee, a board member of the South African Medical Association, said the COVID-19 omicron variant reported that it presents "unusual but mild" symptoms.
State Department issues 'do not travel' warnings to 8 countries amid omicron variant concerns
South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Mozambique, Malawi, Lesotho, Eswatini, Botswana were all put under a level 4 “do not travel” advisory by the U.S. State Department on Saturday.
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: Why WHO skipped 'nu' and 'xi' in Greek alphabet when naming latest variant
The WHO skipped the Greek letters nu and xi when naming the omicron variant. A spokesperson told FOX News Saturday the reason for that.
Fauci would 'not be surprised' if omicron is already in US, predicts it will go 'all over'
Dr. Anthony Fauci said he would not be shocked if the COVID-19 omicron variant is already circulating in the U.S.
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.
'It's Coming' - Gov. Hochul declares State of Emergency in NY amid omicron fears
"We continue to see warning signs of spikes this upcoming winter and while the new Omicron variant has yet to be detected in New York State, it's coming," Hochul said.