COVID-19

News related to the outbreak, impact and efforts to combat the novel coronavirus COVID-19

CDC recommends Americans 6 months and older to get updated COVID-19 vaccine

Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna Boosters set to roll out as CDC emphasizes Long COVID prevention, while President Biden encourages nationwide vaccine uptake.

FDA approves updated COVID-19 vaccines targeting prevalent variants

Newly authorized vaccines designed to bolster protection against severe outcomes, including hospitalization and death, include a component for Omicron variant XBB.1.5.

371 defendants face criminal charges as DOJ unveils nationwide action against COVID-19 fraud

Attorney General Merrick Garland: "The COVID-19 public health emergency may have ended, but the Justice Department’s work to identify and prosecute those who stole pandemic relief funds is far from over."

New study links COVID-19 to higher likelihood of high blood pressure

Research in New York City academic health system reveals association between COVID-19 and hypertension development.

NIH commences phase 2 long COVID treatment trials, HHS establishes long COVID research office

NIH: "Treatments will include drugs, biologics, medical devices, and other therapies" and are "designed to evaluate multiple treatments simultaneously."

White House launches new Pandemic Preparedness and Response Policy office

The office will be led by Major Gen. (ret) Paul Friedrichs, who has served as the Pentagon's Joint Staff Surgeon.

HHS suspends funds to Wuhan lab over failure to provide COVID-related research

The NIH has concluded that the lab "likely violated protocols of the NIH regarding biosafety" and did not comply with federal regulations.

CDC approves new RSV vaccines for people 60 and older

The new vaccines from GSK and Pfizer are expected to be available this fall.

Biden revokes COVID-19 vaccine requirement for federal workers and air travel

The Homeland Security Department and the U.S. Health and Human Services Department have also announced an end to vaccine requirements.

WHO declares end to COVID-19 global emergency

CDC also says its COVID-19 public health emergency declaration will end on May 11.