CDC director on face-covering guidance: ‘Any mask is better than no mask’
The CDC is still mulling over whether to recommend higher quality face masks amid the recent surge in COVID-19 cases from the highly contagious omicron variant.
How to find at-home COVID-19 tests: Websites track availability as demand surges
At-home COVID tests are this year’s hottest item, and websites that normally keep track of everything from the elusive PS5 to children’s toys are now helping people find the test kits amidst a surge in demand.
Houston’s youngest COVID-19 death was girl under 10, officials say
Houston's youngest confirmed COVID-19 death is a girl under the age of 10 who had underlying health conditions and died at a hospital in mid-October, the health department said Wednesday.
Boris Johnson apologizes for attending Downing Street BYOB party during UK lockdown
U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson apologized for attending a “bring your own booze” garden party at his office, though he said that he had considered it a work event.
Biden administration to send schools additional 10M COVID-19 tests per month
The White House said it will send 5 million rapid COVID-19 tests and 5 million lab-based PCR tests to schools each month in an effort to keep them open.
Children seeing increased risk in diabetes after COVID, CDC says
Your child may be more at risk of developing diabetes if they have COVID-19, according to the CDC report. The study finds the virus could directly attack the pancreatic cells that produce insulin and destroy them.
Cold medicine shortage: COVID surge, flu season leading to empty shelves
Shoppers across DFW are encountering medicine shelves that are empty or close to it. One employee at an East Dallas pharmacy called it "the new toilet paper shortage.”
US airlines say China has blocked several flights over COVID-19 restrictions
China is blocking more than a dozen U.S. airline flights to the country because some passengers on recent flights tested positive for COVID-19.
Harris County spending $40 million on more COVID tests, nurses
With the omicron variant escalating at a blistering pace and local health care providers pushed to capacity, Harris County Commissioners green-lighted $41 million to fund reinforcements – more specifically, 664 contract nurses to fill staffing shortages at multiple Houston-area hospitals.
Fauci Senate hearing on pandemic gets testy: ‘What a moron’
Dr. Anthony Fauci, the U.S. government’s top infectious disease expert, angrily accused Senator Rand Paul of making false accusations that are leading to threats against him -- all to raise political cash.
Family accuses employer of making their loved one work on-site despite pleas to work remotely
A family is accusing a Riverside County employer of not letting their beloved family member with pre-existing conditions work remotely during a COVID-19 surge. He died in February 2021.
Health officials let COVID-infected nurses and healthcare workers keep working
California health authorities announced over the weekend that hospital staff members who test positive but are symptom-free can continue working. Some hospitals in Rhode Island and Arizona have likewise told employees they can stay on the job if they have no symptoms or just mild ones.
Harris County now under 'red' COVID threat level, Houston Marathon to go on
This weekend, more than 30,000 runners are expected to run through downtown for the Houston Marathon. According to event planners, and Judge Hidalgo, the marathon is expected to go on as planned.
Not all Houston-area school districts following CDC guidelines regarding return criteria
The policies of some local school districts without a mask mandate are allowing kids, who have tested positive for COVID-19, to come back to school after five days without a mask. This policy goes against the CDC guidelines.
Pfizer: Omicron-specific COVID-19 vaccine human trials to begin late January
Pfizer confirmed it plans to start human trials of its omicron-specific COVID-19 vaccine later this month, potentially making it available to the public as soon as March.
Private insurers to cover home COVID-19 tests starting Saturday
Under the new policy, Americans will be able to either purchase home testing kits for free under their insurance or submit receipts for the tests for reimbursement, up to the monthly per-person limit.
Harris County COVID-19 threat level now highest category 'red'; more tests for school districts
Harris County's COVID-19 threat level raised from "orange" to "red" — the highest category. Judge Lina Hidalgo also announced a new PCR testing site at Planet Ford Stadium.
Cy-Fair ISD teacher bonds out of jail after allegedly putting COVID-positive son in trunk
The Cy-Fair ISD teacher accused of putting her COVID-19 positive son in the trunk of her car has bonded out of jail.
T cells from common colds may help protect against COVID-19, study suggests
T cells generated from the common cold may help protect against COVID-19, a new study found. But researchers stressed that "no one should rely on this alone."
COVID-19 positivity rate in Houston at 'highest ever,' Mayor Turner confirms
The mayor said the latest 14-day average for COVID-19 positivity is 38%, the highest ever. It was just 4.3% in early December."