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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
Statewide COVID-19 hospitalizations fall to lowest mark since July
COVID-19 hospitalizations have plummeted 77% in Indiana since hitting a pandemic high of 3,519 on Jan. 13.
Remote work seen more persistent than planners expected
The analysis found that work-from-home situations rose for every major demographic group and industry, but was especially sharp among highly educated workers.
Nearly half of 500M free COVID tests for public still unclaimed
On the first day of the White House test giveaway in January, COVIDtests.gov received over 45 million orders. Now officials say fewer than 100,000 orders a day are coming in.
Statewide COVID hospitalizations hit lowest mark since early August
The Indiana State Department of Health reported 63 more deaths from COVID-19, raising the state pandemic total to 21,818.
U.S. virus cases, hospitalizations continue steady decline
In Indiana, hospitalizations for COVID-19 fell to 1,093 on Sunday, down 69% from a pandemic high of 3,519 on Jan. 13.
Estimated 73% of United States now immune to omicron
The omicron wave that assaulted the United States this winter also bolstered its defenses, leaving enough protection against the coronavirus that future spikes will likely require much less—if any—dramatic disruption to society.