In The News

Pfizer seeks full FDA approval for COVID-19 vaccine beyond current emergency use

Pfizer and partner BioNTech announced they are starting the process to seek full Food and Drug Administration approval in the U.S. for their COVID-19 vaccine.

CDC and FDA recommend US pause use of Johnson & Johnson's Covid-19 vaccine over blood clot concerns

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the US Food and Drug Administration are recommending that the United States pause the use of Johnson & Johnson's Covid-19 vaccine over six reported US cases of a "rare and severe" type of blood clot.

See Coronavirus Restrictions and Mask Mandates for All 50 States

The New York Times is tracking coronavirus restrictions at the state level, including what businesses are open or closed — and whether officials require masks or recommend or order staying at home. Stricter local orders may also be in place, and local conditions may not always reflect state requirements.

All US-bound passengers now need a negative COVID-19 test before boarding

All travelers flying into the U.S. must now provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test, taken no more than three days before their flight, or they will be denied boarding.

Johnson & Johnson single-shot vaccine 85% effective against severe COVID-19 disease

In another promising development for vaccine science, Johnson & Johnson says its vaccine -- a single shot tested against a complex barrage of newly emerged COVID-19 variants -- is 66% effective at preventing symptomatic disease and 85% effective against preventing severe illness.

New antibody therapies may cut deaths, reduce exposure to COVID-19, data shows

While the push to get Americans vaccinated continues across the country, preliminary data has emerged that lab-created monoclonal antibodies could be a treatment for COVID-19. The pharmaceutical company Regeneron said Wednesday its antibody cocktail appears to hold up against the U.K. and South African variants.

Biden reinstates Covid-19-related travel restrictions lifted by Trump

President Joe Biden on Monday reinstated the Covid-19 travel restrictions on non-US citizens who have been in Brazil, Ireland, the United Kingdom and much of Europe. Biden also extended the restrictions to travelers who have recently been to South Africa.

some states are administering Covid-19 vaccines at twice the speed of others

One month after the first dose was administered in the United States, Covid-19 vaccinations lag far behind early promises from the federal government. Yet, despite reports of technology hiccups, changes to allocated supply and other logistical hurdles, some states have risen as clear leaders in efficient Covid-19 vaccination efforts.

Biden Outlines $1.9 Trillion Spending Package to Combat Virus and Downturn

President-elect Biden proposed a rescue package to combat the economic downturn and the Covid-19 crisis, outlining the type of sweeping aid that Democrats have demanded for months and signaling the shift in the federal government’s pandemic response as Mr. Biden prepares to take office.

States expand Covid vaccine eligibility and distribution

In the U.S., members of Operation Warp Speed recommended that states should expand access to Covid-19 vaccines to everyone 65 and older, as well as adults with underlying health conditions.

Look at Wuhan a year after 1st acknowledgment of COVID-19

One year later, Wuhan -- the central Chinese metropolis of 11 million having emerged from lockdown in mid-April and without a reported case of COVID-19 since May -- prepares to ring out a "good riddance" to 2020 as much of the world still battles rising infections and deaths.

'Unprecedented' mail volume delays Christmas gifts

Some who mailed holiday presents weeks early this year found they didn't act early enough as Christmas arrived with their gifts stuck in transit. The U.S. Postal Service said on its website that it was “experiencing unprecedented volume increases and limited employee availability due to the impacts of COVID-19.”

Lawmakers reach COVID-19 relief deal

After months of failed negotiations and contentious partisan gridlock, congressional lawmakers announced a roughly $900 billion stimulus package on Sunday that would send immediate relief to Americans and businesses besieged by the economic toll of the coronavirus pandemic - a deal more than eight months in the making.

Now that we have 2 vaccines, will life return to normal?

Moderna now joins Pfizer/BioNTech's vaccine, which was granted emergency use authorization last week. But experts say that even with two highly effective vaccines, there's still a lot to learn. Meanwhile, the pandemic is likely to get worse before it gets better.

Deal on Fed removes obstacle to agreement on virus aid bill

Top congressional lawmakers struck a late-night agreement on the last major obstacle to a COVID-19 economic relief package costing nearly $1 trillion, clearing the way for votes as early as Sunday. The breakthrough involved a fight over Federal Reserve emergency powers and was resolved by the Senate’s top Democrat and a senior conservative Republican.

These dads are building desks for students who need them during virtual learning

Dozens of students in Maryland learning from home during the coronavirus pandemic are able to study at their own personal desks thanks to a group of local dads.

US administers 1st doses of Pfizer coronavirus vaccine

The rollout of the first coronavirus vaccine began Monday morning and marked a major turning point in the U.S.'s battle against surging case numbers as the first doses of the Pfizer medication was administered to health care workers and nursing home staffers.

Kizzmekia Corbett, an African American woman, is praised as key scientist behind COVID-19 vaccine

"Kizzy is an African American scientist who is right at the forefront of the development of the vaccine," Fauci told ABC News.

The 35-year-old scientist who led Moderna's efforts to create a COVID-19 vaccine

In the midst of much uncertainty and chaos, Bennett, has emerged as one of the unsung heroes of the pandemic, working feverishly and tirelessly behind the scenes throughout the year to help engineer a vaccine that could potentially save millions of lives.

Texas couple has saved 68 lives and counting with their COVID-19 plasma donations

As the coronavirus pandemic rages on, one couple is helping to save lives one plasma donation at a time. Brian and Dina Murphy of San Antonio, Texas, have made it their mission to help others by donating plasma to 68 people after both fell ill with the virus in March.

When will teachers be vaccinated? It depends on where you live

Health care workers and residents in long-term care facilities will likely be among the first to have access to a COVID-19 vaccine. Who's next in line could be from among a pool of essential workers, and educators hope they're at the top of that list.

FDA authorizes 1st COVID-19 vaccine in United States

The Food and Drug Administration authorized the United States' first COVID-19 vaccine for people age 16 and over late Friday, a historic moment in a pandemic that has killed over 290,000 in this nation and nearly 1.6 million people worldwide.

British man who got one of the first COVID vaccines goes viral for being an absolute delight

In an interview with CNN, Martin Kenyon — a 91-year-old British man who received the coronavirus vaccine on Tuesday — shared his experience as one of the first people to receive the vaccine. And you know what? The nearly five minutes of footage will significantly brighten your day.

First Britons receive Covid-19 vaccine, a landmark moment in the pandemic

The United Kingdom has become the world's first nation to begin vaccinating its citizens with a fully vetted and authorized Covid-19 shot, a landmark moment in the coronavirus pandemic.

Dr. Fauci Asks Americans to Seriously Reconsider Christmas Travel

It's not the first time, nor the last time, that we'll be hearing this message, but top public health officials are doubling down on their request for Americans to stay put during the holidays this year to minimize the surge of new coronavirus cases.

Macy's honors New York City's essential workers with holiday window displays

Nothing, not even a pandemic, can dampen the holiday spirit in New York City -- but we wouldn't be here without the essential workers who remain on the frontlines of the battle against the coronavirus. That's why Macy's dedicated its 2020 holiday window displays to NYC's essential workers at their flagship Herald Square store.

Former Presidents Obama, Bush and Clinton volunteer to get coronavirus vaccine publicly to prove it's safe

The three most recent former presidents hope an awareness campaign to promote confidence in its safety and effectiveness would be a powerful message as American public health officials try to convince the public to take the vaccine.

AOC Just Launched a Homework Helper Program That Could Offer Much-Needed Relief for Students (and Parents)

After running a successful pilot program in New York, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's campaign has launched a virtual Homework Helpers program that could serve as a model for communities around the country.

COVID-19 Patients Could Be Immune To Virus For Years, New Study Shows

Preliminary results of a new study found that COVID-19 patients produced B cells months after infection that could potentially protect people from reinfection for years.

Health care workers and long-term care facility residents should get Covid-19 vaccine first, CDC vaccine advisers say

Vaccine advisers to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention voted 13-1 on Tuesday to recommend that both health care workers and residents of long-term care facilities be first in line for any coronavirus vaccines that get emergency authorization from the US Food and Drug Administration.

Serve Up Some Extra Precautions at Your Thanksgiving Table This Year

While public health officials caution against family and friends gathering in homes for the traditional Thanksgiving meal, they know many people plan to spend the holiday together anyway. The solution? A scaled-back Thanksgiving — with open windows, fewer people and a big serving of precautions.

CDC: Americans Should Avoid Traveling for Thanksgiving This Year

The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention held a press briefing Thursday morning to offer safety recommendations as we near the holidays. The main takeaway: Americans should stay put for Thanksgiving.

Remdesivir becomes first Covid-19 treatment to receive FDA approval

The US Food and Drug Administration approved remdesivir for the treatment of coronavirus infection, the drug's maker, Gilead Sciences, said Thursday. The drug, sold under the brand name Veklury, has been used under emergency use authorization. It is the first drug to be approved for treating Covid-19.

Pelosi and Mnuchin make progress in stimulus talks, plan to speak again Tuesday

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin made progress in their latest coronavirus stimulus talks Monday as time runs short to reach a deal before the 2020 election.

'Biggest wave' of coronavirus is upon us, warns former FDA chief

Dr. Scott Gottlieb, the former FDA commissioner, shared grim predictions on Sunday as the nation battles surges of coronavirus infections without the benefit of a vaccine. “We’re going to have to endure this wave of spread right now and it’s probably likely to be the biggest wave that we endure…” Gottlieb told CBS’ Margaret Brennan on "Face the Nation."

Dr. Fauci Says ‘There Will Be an End’ to Covid-19

Covid-19 can be removed as a public-health threat with good, widely administered vaccines and strong public-health measures, and a degree of normality might return by the end of 2021, Dr. Anthony Fauci said Wednesday.

COVID-19 canines: How dogs may help sniff out the coronavirus in humans

Trainers in Finland claim 8-year-old greyhound mix Kössi learned to identify a scent associated with COVID-19 in just seven minutes. Helsinki Airport welcomed Kössi and nine other "coronavirus-sniffing dogs" as part of a pilot program meant to "speed up the process of identifying those infected with COVID-19."

Fauci Sees Covid-19 Vaccines For Different Patients With Five In Final-Stage U.S. Trials

With four vaccines against Covid-19 in the final stage of U.S. clinical trials and a fifth on its way, Dr. Anthony Fauci sees the potential for vaccines to hold promise in some patient populations better than others. Fauci said remains optimistic about vaccines in their final stage of development.

Covid-19 vaccinations could start in November or December, Fauci says

Covid-19 vaccinations could start as early as November or December, Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation's leading infectious disease expert, said Friday. Fauci's comments come as the US passed 7 million confirmed cases of Covid-19, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.

After CDC whiplash, here's what science says about airborne transmission of the coronavirus

Experts say it's time to recognize that airborne transmission beyond six feet is possible -- while continuing to emphasize that close contact within six feet is still the main way the virus is transmitted.

Choosing a College During Coronavirus: How Four Students Decided

Choosing a college during the pandemic has brought intensified anxiety and uncertainty not just over longstanding issues such as financial aid, but also new ones like virus trends in different geographies and whether classes would be in-person or online.

Matthew McConaughey grills Dr. Anthony Fauci in Instagram interview on COVID-19

McConaughey rapidly fired questions at the 79-year-old doctor on everything from how concerned people should be about getting the virus from touching a door knob (not as much as sharing close physical space with someone who is infected, Fauci says) to whether Advil makes symptoms worse (it doesn't).

Reopening Schools Quickly Could Lead to Remote Learning for All of 2020-21

The politics of reopening schools – specifically reopening them in-person as quickly as possible – will all but ensure that 50 million children enrolled in the country's public school system will be back to remote learning for the 2020-21 academic year, public health experts and educators are now warning.

Kids' mental health can struggle during online school. Here's how teachers are planning ahead

As the pandemic drags on, it's clear that not all kids are all right. Nearly 3 in 10 parents said their child is experiencing emotional or mental harm because of social distancing and school closures, according to a nationwide Gallup poll in June.

CDC director: Schools need to reopen 'safely' and 'sensibly'

The response to school reopenings has been diverse nationwide, despite new data showcasing surges of COVID-19 infection among children. Advising the public on the steps to sustainably reopen schools for any type of in-person learning, Robert Redfield, the director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), emphasized safety

Trump signs executive actions after stimulus talks break down on Capitol Hill

President Donald Trump signed four actions on coronavirus relief Saturday, one of which will provide as much as $400 in enhanced unemployment benefits after Democrats and the White House were unable to reach an agreement on a stimulus bill this week.

These 75 Hand Sanitizers Have Been Recalled By The FDA For Methanol Contamination

These 75 hand sanitizers have been recalled by the Food and Drug Administration due to methanol contamination, which can be toxic when absorbed by skin and if swallowed can lead to blindness, permanent neurological damage and death.

All-Girl Robotics Team from Afghanistan Debuts Low-Cost Ventilator for Coronavirus Patients

A robotics team made up entirely of young women from Afghanistan has developed a lightweight, low-cost ventilator that, pending approval, may soon be seen in hospitals across the country amid the coronavirus fight.

Transparency questions after hospitals directed to report COVID data to HHS, not CDC

The Trump administration pushed back Wednesday after public health officials and lawmakers sounded alarms over a new program that directs hospitals to report COVID-19 data directly to the Department of Health and Human Services instead of to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

New Campaign and PSA Encourages Americans to "Keep Social Distancing, Stop Medical Distancing"

The campaign draws a clear distinction between social distancing and medical distancing and underscores the preventive measures healthcare organizations now have in place to limit the spread of the virus, including the use of telemedicine.

U.S. government awards Novavax $1.6 billion for coronavirus vaccine

The U.S. government has awarded Novavax Inc $1.6 billion to cover testing, commercialization and manufacturing of a potential coronavirus vaccine in the United States, with the aim of delivering 100 million doses by January 2021.

A New Generation of Fast Coronavirus Tests Is Coming

Researchers around the world are working on the next generation of coronavirus tests that give answers in less than an hour, without onerous equipment or highly trained personnel. The latest so-called point-of-care tests would be a welcome upgrade from today’s status quo: uncomfortable swabs that snake up the nose and can take several days to produce results.

US is still 'knee-deep' in the first wave of the coronavirus pandemic, Fauci says

In the span of a week and a half, the number of coronavirus cases in the United States has doubled, yet officials are saying this is still the first wave of the pandemic. This virus is notorious for how contagious it is, prompting warnings from health officials that the crisis could get even worse after images of packed beaches emerged over the Fourth of July holiday weekend.

In hotels and beyond, UV light robots and lamps could help protect against coronavirus

For guests checking into a high-profile California hotel, they might be staying in rooms that have been sanitized in part by a three-foot-tall robot named Kennedy. It's a machine designed to kill the virus by flashing intense, germ-killing ultraviolet light through the room, after the room has undergone the usual cleaning by Kennedy's human coworkers.

John Leguizamo on the impact of COVID-19 in communities of color and how he's helping

John Leguizamo and immigration advocate Enrendira Rendon speak to "Nightline" about Latino issues that have been heightened by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Big changes are coming to TSA screenings this summer

In a statement outlining the changes, TSA Administrator said, “In the interest of TSA frontline workers and traveler health, TSA is committed to making prudent changes to our screening processes to limit physical contact and increase physical distance as much as possible.”

Dogs are being trained to sniff out Covid-19 at airports

Research trials are already underway in the UK to find out if airport sniffer dogs, currently used to find drugs, cash and other prohibited items, can be trained to also detect Covid-19. The hope is that they are able to spot it even on travelers who aren’t yet displaying or won’t ever display symptoms.

Who is spreading COVID-19 misinformation and why

The crippling spread of COVID-19 across the globe has progressed in parallel with a flood of information online relating to the pandemic. The World Health Organization branded that spread as an "infodemic" earlier this year. The "infodemic" has highlighted the importance of readers identifying false information about the coronavirus and those who might be spreading it.

Chief justice says pandemic teaches humility, compassion

Chief Justice John Roberts told graduating seniors at his son's high school that the coronavirus has “pierced our illusion of certainty and control" and he counseled the students to make their way with humility, compassion and courage in a world turned upside down.

A Healthcare Worker and His Husky Covered "Lean on Me," and That Dog's Vibrato Is Wild

In a viral video, Kovu can be seen at home performing a heartfelt cover of "Lean on Me" by Bill Withers with his human, 25-year-old Tate Hegstrom. Tate, a healthcare worker, took over lead guitar and vocals, but Kovu's backup vocals made this cover truly unlike any other.

Celebrities Join Forces to Deliver Virtual Commencement Speeches for the Class of 2020

Graduation ceremonies have been halted amid the coronavirus pandemic. Rather than let the momentous occasion go unnoticed, celebrities have been joining forces to ensure that graduates hear inspirational commencement speeches to help launch the next steps of their professional lives.

CVS to Open 1,000 ‘Self-Swab’ Coronavirus Testing Centers by the End of May

People will be able to administer the COVID-19 test themselves, using a swab, after registering online. These “self-swab” tests will be done without entering the stores, in CVS parking lots, and will be monitored by an employee to ensure that they are done properly. Tests are then sent to a third-party lab, and patients will receive their results in about three days.

A mom creates magical wonderlands with chalk so her daughter can go on adventures during the lockdown

With most outdoor entertainment options out of the question, Tucker decided to take her daughters and some chalk outside so they could have some fun drawing on the concrete.

Sanitation worker sings to graduates taking pictures on their front lawn

Two high school seniors celebrating their graduation day received a sweet song of congratulations from a sanitation worker, who told the graduates to keep working hard amidst the novel coronavirus pandemic.

Tina Fey To Host Starry Virtual Telethon For New York COVID-19 Relief

Tina Fey will host virtual telethon Rise Up New York! next Monday, May 11, raising money for New Yorkers hit by COVID-19 and the shutdown, with telethon guests. Presented by the anti-poverty organization Robin Hood along with iHeartMedia, Rise Up New York! will include musical performances.

Barack Obama to Deliver Commencement Address During Star-Studded Virtual Graduation Special

Former President Barack Obama will deliver a televised prime-time commencement address for the Class of 2020 during an hour-long event that will also feature LeBron James, Malala Yousafzai and Ben Platt, among others. ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC will simultaneously air the special May 16 at 8 p.m.

17 Health Care Workers Who Prove It's the Year of the Nurse

While any and all hospital and health care workers deserve our gratitude and praise during the Coronavirus pandemic, this week is dedicated to a certain group of caregivers.

With schools shut down, here are some ways to celebrate Teacher Appreciation Day

It's Teacher Appreciation Week, and if there has ever been a time when appreciation for teachers is sky high, it is now. With the coronavirus pandemic closing schools, parents are now de facto homeschool teachers, discovering just how hard it is to teach.

11-year-old girl writes thank you letter to mail carrier, gets dozens from USPS workers in return

Emerson Weber's letter to her local mail carrier thanking him for his service evolved into a thoughtful message on mental health, especially during the coronavirus pandemic.

The FDA Tightens the Rules for Covid-19 Antibody Blood Tests

Agency officials raised the bar for validation and accuracy standards, citing concerns about flawed tests and fraudulent marketing. Officials revised their rules to require manufacturers to submit their tests for validation and meet specific standards.

Beyoncé’s BeyGood, Tina Knowles Team Up for COVID-19 Testing Initiative

As part of her daughter’s BeyGood, Tina Knowles has launched the #IDidMyPart initiative. The initiative is encouraging Houston residents to get tested for COVID-19 in light of disproportionate deaths in African-American communities. BeyGood will provide 1,000 test kits, grocery vouchers, essential items and hot meals to Houston residents this weekend.

George W. Bush Calls for End to Pandemic Partisanship

In a video posted online on Saturday, former President George W. Bush called on Americans to put aside partisan differences, heed the guidance of medical professionals and show empathy for those stricken by the coronavirus and the resulting economic devastation.

See Which States Are Reopening and Which Are Still Shut Down

The New York Times is tracking when orders to stay at home are lifted in each state, as well as when broad reopenings are allowed in public spaces, such as restaurants, retail stores, salons, gyms and houses of worship.

Boston police officer belts out 'America the Beautiful' to spread comfort and peace

When a Boston police officer, Kim Tavares, shared a video of her powerful rendition of "American the Beautiful" online, it caught the attention of Kelly Ripa and thousands of others awed by her take on the song.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, John Legend, Angelina Jolie and More: Highlights from the TIME 100 Talks

Thursday’s TIME 100 Talks:Finding Hope event is the first in a new ongoing series of virtual conversations and experiences that will convene members of the TIME 100 community of the world’s most influential people to spotlight solutions to urgent global problems.

Explaining how a plasma transplant may help coronavirus patients recover

Experts are hoping a century-old technique used for treating epidemics may hold new promise for treating COVID-19 patients. It’s the much talked about treatment called convalescent plasma.

Instagram founders launch COVID-19 spread tracker Rt.live

Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger have teamed up to launch Rt.live, an up-to-date tracker of how fast COVID-19 is spreading in each state. “Rt” measures the average number of people who become infected by an infectious person.

FDA authorizes Covid-19 saliva test for emergency use

The FDA has authorized a saliva test for "emergency use" for diagnosing Covid-19. Rutgers University, where the test was developed in collaboration with other groups, announced the FDA authorization on Tuesday after formally receiving it over the weekend.

Google Doodle series will thank coronavirus helpers over the next two weeks

Google released a simple and moving ad thanking healthcare workers around the world for combating COVID-19. The company is now continuing that praise by saying thank you to all coronavirus helpers with a series of Google Doodles over the next two weeks.

the 20 Best 'Thank You Coronavirus Helpers' Videos on YouTube!

These videos are a small way to say thanks to the people who put their lives on the line to save ours everyday. From songs to applause to celebrity tributes, these “Thank You” video will warm your heart and help us all feel a little more connected while social distancing.

How Contact Tracing Works And How It Can Help Reopen The Country

Contact tracing has been a critical tool to control the spread of infectious diseases for decades. Now, public health leaders are calling for communities around the country to ramp up capacity and get ready for a massive contact tracing effort to control the coronavirus.

Red Cross Wants Your Blood Plasma for Antibody Treatments

The American Red Cross is seeking blood plasma donations from COVID-19 coronavirus survivors in the hope that their immune antibodies can help the sickest patients fight the infection.

UPMC and University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine Scientists Announce Potential Vaccine

Scientists at UPMC and the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have announced a potential vaccine against SARS-CoV-2, the new coronavirus causing the COVID-19 pandemic.

'We will succeed'

The Queen has delivered an historic, stirring address to the nation during the coronavirus lockdown. Invoking wartime spirit, the 93-year-old monarch told Britons “we will succeed”, adding that “better days will return.”

Medtronic is mobilizing to fight the COVID-19 pandemic — and we’re inviting innovators everywhere to join us. Currently, there is a shortage of respirators and ventilators around the world. As recently announced, Medtronic is responding to this crisis by making the design files for the PB560 ventilator system available to the public.

in the news

Lawmakers reach COVID-19 relief deal

Big changes are coming to TSA screenings this summer

​UPMC and University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine Scientists Announce Potential Vaccine

'We will succeed'

UPMC and University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine Scientists Announce Potential Vaccine