Airline CEOs call for end to federal mask mandate in letter to Biden
In making their case, executives cited the “persistent and steady decline” of hospitalizations and death rates related to the coronavirus.
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Indiana COVID-19 hospitalizations hit lowest mark since first month of pandemic
Hospitalizations have plummeted 90% since hitting a pandemic high of 3,519 on Jan. 13. COVID patients occupy only 2.9% of Indiana’s intensive care unit beds.
Pandemic relief money spent on hotel, ballpark, ski slopes
Scores of projects across the United States are being funded with federal coronavirus relief money despite having little to do with combating the pandemic, a review by The Associated Press has found.
Scientists worry virus variant might push up COVID cases in U.S.
One reason the variant has gained ground, scientists say, is that it’s about 30% more contagious than the original omicron.
COVID budget impasse halts aid to test, treat uninsured
With an urgent funding request stuck in Congress, a federal agency says it can no longer cover COVID test and treatment bills for uninsured people and will stop taking claims at midnight Tuesday.
Doctors finding hurdles to using pills to treat COVID-19
The goal is to get patients started on either Pfizer’s Paxlovid tablets or Merck’s molnupiravir capsules within five days of symptoms appearing. But the tight deadline has highlighted several challenges.
Report: Vaccines highly effective at preventing serious illness, death during omicron surge
Although some fully vaccinated and boosted people came down with mild infections during the omicron surge, the study showed that the vaccines—and especially the booster shot—protected most people from the virus’s worst effects.
U.S. adult smoking rate fell during first year of pandemic
U.S. cigarette smoking dropped to a new all-time low in 2020, according to survey data released Thursday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Moderna seeks FDA authorization for 4th dose of COVID shot
The company said its request for approval for all adults was made “to provide flexibility” to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and medical providers to determine the “appropriate use” of a second booster dose of the vaccine.
Scientists explore potential connection between diabetes, COVID-19
It’s clear that in those who already have diabetes, COVID-19 can worsen the condition and lead to severe complications. But there are other possible links.
Eli Lilly cuts exports of ‘non-essential’ drugs to Russia
Additionally, the pharmaceutical giant said in a statement that it had “suspended all investments, promotional activities, and new clinical trials in Russia.”
Pfizer, BioNTech seek OK for 2nd COVID booster for people 65 and older
The decision from the FDA could come relatively quickly, especially if officials conclude the data is straightforward and does not have to be reviewed by a panel of outside vaccine experts.
U.S. extends mask rule for travel while weighing new approach
The mask mandate was scheduled to expire March 18, but the Transportation Security Administration said Thursday that it will extend the requirement through April 18.
Congress weighs permanent daylight saving time in debate as regular as clockwork
A congressional panel on Wednesday debated whether to end the nation’s “spring forward” and “fall back” daylight saving policy, citing the health effects of shifting the clock twice per year. Most agreed it was about time.
Statewide COVID-19 hospitalizations hit lowest level since July
Despite the decline in hospitalizations and cases, the virus is still claiming lives. Another 77 COVID deaths were reported on Wednesday, raising the pandemic total to 22,215 in Indiana.
Limits on insulin costs revived in push for Senate action
Nearly 30 million Americans have diabetes, and more than 6 million use insulin to keep their blood sugars under control. It’s an old drug, refined over the years, that has seen relentless price increases.
Mental health ‘epidemic’ making help increasingly hard to find
It has been difficult to find mental health counseling in much of the United States for years. But now, after two years of unrelenting stress, turmoil and grief, many people seeking help are confronting a system at or beyond capacity.
Global death toll nears 6M as pandemic enters its third year
The milestone is the latest tragic reminder of the unrelenting nature of the pandemic even as people are shedding masks, travel is resuming and businesses are reopening around the globe.
As vaccine demand falls, states left with huge stockpiles
As demand for COVID-19 vaccines collapses in many areas of the United States, states are scrambling to use stockpiles of doses before they expire and have to be added to the millions that have already gone to waste.
Biden seeks $10B for aid to Ukraine, $22.5B for coronavirus
The Biden administration is seeking more funds to help protect Ukraine against the Russian invasion and to cover coronavirus pandemic-related expenses, two major additions to budget talks already underway.