Omicron coronavirus variant found in multiple U.S. states
The omicron variant of COVID-19, which had been undetected in the United States before the middle of this week, had been discovered in at least five states by late Thursday.
Statewide hospitalizations from COVID-19 continue to rise
COVID-19 patients now occupy 26.3% of Indiana’s intensive care unit beds.
U.S. jobless claims rise by 28,000, but still low at 222,000
The four-week average of claims, which smooths out week-to-week ups and downs, fell below 239,000, a pandemic low.
Indiana COVID-19 cases hit highest mark since early January as death toll passes 17,000
Statewide hospitalizations due to COVID-19 increased from 2,203 on Monday to 2,244 on Tuesday, the highest number since Sept. 23.
First U.S. case of COVID-19 omicron variant identified
A person in California who had been vaccinated against COVID-19 became the first in the United States to have an identified case of the omicron variant, the White House announced Wednesday.
Holcomb extends public health emergency in Indiana
The signing marks the 21st time Holcomb has extended the state’s COVID-19 public health emergency, which has been in place since March 2020.
COVID could cost the tourism industry $1.6T this year, and omicron might make it worse
The return of stricter COVID-19 restrictions to fight the latest variant has already left some travelers stranded. For many tourism businesses, it’s also threatening hopes of an upcoming holiday boost this year.
U.S. moving to toughen testing requirement for travelers
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in a Tuesday statement that it was working toward requiring that all air travelers to the U.S. be tested for COVID-19 within a day before boarding their flight.
FDA panel backs first-of-a-kind COVID-19 pill from Merck
The Food and Drug Administration panel voted 13-10 that the antiviral drug’s benefits outweigh its risks, including potential birth defects if used during pregnancy.
State reports 117 more COVID-19 deaths, jump in hospitalizations
Indiana’s top medical groups pleaded Tuesday for more people to get COVID-19 vaccine shots as the state is in the midst of a new surge of infections and hospitalizations.
Lawmakers formally file legislation to limit business vaccine mandates
House Bill 1001 was the first bill filed for the legislative session that kicks off on Jan. 4, meaning it is likely a priority for GOP leadership.
New info shows omicron spread wider earlier than thought
New findings about the coronavirus’s omicron variant made it clear Tuesday that the emerging threat slipped into countries before their defenses were up.
FDA panel set to review Merck’s COVID-19 pill
If authorized, Merck’s pill would be the first that U.S. patients could take at home to ease symptoms and speed recovery, but new information released last week paints a less compelling picture of the drug than when the Merck first publicized its early results in October.
Powell says COVID variant clouds inflation, economic outlook
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell says that the appearance of a new COVID-19 variant could slow the economy and hiring.
Biden vaccine mandate for health workers blocked in 10 states
A federal judge on Monday blocked President Joe Biden’s administration from enforcing a coronavirus vaccine mandate on thousands of health care workers in 10 states that had brought the first legal challenge against the requirement.
Indiana COVID-19 hospitalizations climb back past 2,000
Statewide hospitalizations due to COVID-19 rose above the 2,000 mark over the weekend for the first time since late September, according to statistics released Monday by the Indiana State Department of Health
Wall Street steadies following last week’s omicron-related slide
The most powerful lift for stocks came from those that have been able to grow strongly almost regardless of the economy’s strength or pandemic’s pall.
More omicron variant cases pop up as world rushes to learn more
The COVID-19 variant was identified days ago by researchers in South Africa, and much is still not known about it, including whether it is more contagious, more likely to cause serious illness or more able to evade the protection of vaccines.
Stocks sink on new COVID variant; Dow loses 905 points
It was the worst day for Wall Street’s benchmark S&P 500 index since February, and the price of oil fell about 13%, the biggest decline since early in the pandemic, amid worries of another slowdown in the global economy.
New omicron variant stokes world fears, triggers travel bans
A World Health Organization panel suggested omicron could pose greater risks than delta, which is the world’s most prevalent variant and has fueled relentless waves of infection on every continent.
Resources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC Resources for Businesses and Employers OSHA Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19 Indiana State Department of Health Indy Chamber Rapid Response Hub Small Business Administration The SBA is making low-interest loans for working capital available to Indiana small businesses. Indiana Unemployment Information Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Dashboard Critical Industries Hotline(for business and industry only)
877-820-0890
[email protected] State’s virus-related executive orders State plan to reopen Indiana