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.

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."

Mother charged after son found in trunk of car at COVID-19 testing site, DA says

A Houston-area mother is charged after her teen son was found in the trunk of her car at a COVID-19 drive-thru testing site, according to court documents. She says her son had tested positive for COVID-19 and was trying to prevent her exposure.

Breaking down COVID-19 variants: Houston Methodist Hospital sequencing genomes

Researchers at Houston Methodist Hospital have been studying the genomics of bacteria for more than a decade. Now they're using that knowledge to help them sequence COVID-19.

COVID vaccine mandate: Supreme Court weighs rules for businesses, health care

The Supreme Court is hearing arguments about the vaccine-or-testing requirement for large employers and a separate mandate for health care workers.

Royal Caribbean, Norwegian cancel cruises amid omicron outbreak fears

Royal Caribbean Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line announced the cancellation of some voyages amid the spread of omicron and “ongoing travel restrictions.”