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.
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.
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.
Anthem Inc. to change corporate name to Elevance Health
The Indianapolis-based health insurer said the name change will better reflect its mission of “elevating whole health and advancing health beyond healthcare.”
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.
IU Health gives $416M to IU medical school, reducing its profits
A leading critic of IU Health said the huge contribution appears to be a way to make the hospital system’s profits drop below $1 billion last year as it faces higher scrutiny from the Indiana General Assembly and other groups for its high fees and large profits.
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.
White House unveils new COVID plan, says shutdowns, school closures unnecessary
The 96-page road map is part of a broader White House strategy to move the country from crisis footing and convince Americans that their lives can return to normal amid the president’s tanking approval ratings.
Indiana’s COVID-19 death toll climbs past 22,000
Meanwhile, statewide hospitalizations due to COVID fell to 751 as of Tuesday, the lowest number since July 25.
Watered-down vaccine mandate limits clear Senate, return to House for consideration
The Indiana Senate passed a watered-down version of the House Republicans’ bill to limit employer vaccine mandates, sending it back to the House where its future is cloudy.
More than 140M Americans have had COVID-19, according to CDC
The estimates, compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, show that about 43% of the country has been infected by the virus. Indiana is among 14 states where more than half the population has been infected.