Houston officials ramping up COVID-19 testing, capacity limits following surge in cases
Houston's leaders and health officials are now using a term we haven’t heard since the start of this pandemic: ‘it’s time to flatten the curve’ meaning COVID-19 cases are headed in the wrong direction and fast.
Texas requests federally-supported COVID-19 testing sites, monoclonal antibodies
The State of Texas has requested resources for federally-supported COVID-19 testing locations in Harris County and five other counties, additional federal allocations of monoclonal antibodies and medical personnel, Governor Greg Abbott announced.
Houstonians reevaluating New Year's Eve plans amidst Omicron surge
The countdown to 2022 begins. However, with the latest Omicron surge, many Houstonian’s New Year's Eve plans are changing at the last minute.
Cirque du Soleil forced to cancel remaining Houston shows after COVID-19 outbreak forced weeks of closures
After weeks of cancellations, Cirque du Soleil has been forced to close the curtains on its Alegria performance in Houston for the rest of its run.
Do at-home COVID-19 tests detect the omicron variant?
Government scientists have been checking to make sure rapid tests still work as each new variant comes along. This week, the FDA said preliminary research indicates they detect omicron, but may have reduced sensitivity.
Some Texas Walmart, Sam’s Club pharmacies to dispense COVID-19 antiviral medications
Select Texas Walmart and Sam’s Club pharmacies will begin dispensing the COVID-19 antiviral medications Paxlovid and Molnupiravir to customers with prescriptions, according to a news release.
Israel to offer 4th vaccine dose to most vulnerable
Israel has approved a fourth vaccine dose for people most vulnerable to COVID-19, becoming the first country to do so as it braces for a wave of infections fueled by the omicron variant.
JetBlue cuts 1,280 flights through mid-January amid omicron challenges
JetBlue is proactively cutting about 1,280 flights beginning Thursday through mid-January 2022 in anticipation of more COVID-19 cases among its crew.
COVID-19 leaves US children hospitalized in near-record numbers
During the week of Dec. 21-27, an average of 334 children with the coronavirus were admitted per day to hospitals, a 58% increase from the week before.
LL Cool J's NYE performance canceled after rapper tests positive for COVID-19
Actor and Grammy Award-winning rapper LL Cool J has tested positive for COVID-19 and has canceled his upcoming New Year’s Eve appearance.
Calls to cancel New Years Eve celebration in Times Square, mayor says show will go on
Even as COVID cases rise, preparations continue in Times Square for the most famous New Year’s Eve celebration in the world. Now, there are calls to cancel the event as have officials in other major cities.
J&J COVID-19 booster found to cut omicron hospitalizations in South African study
Johnson & Johnson’s COVID-19 booster shot was found to reduce the risk of omicron-related hospitalization by about 85%, according to a South African clinical trial.
Mexico approves use of Cuba’s Abdala coronavirus vaccine
Mexico’s health safety council has approved the use of Cuba’s three-dose Abdala coronavirus vaccine.
Virus postpones Westminster Kennel Club’s annual dog show
The Westminster Kennel Club’s annual dog show has become the latest major event to be postponed or canceled.
1 in 4 Texans testing positive for COVID-19, according to new data
New data released on Wednesday by the Texas Department of State Health Services has revealed that one in four Texans have tested positive for coronavirus.
Cirque Du Soleil cancels Houston performances amid COVID-19 outbreak
Houston residents hoping for a magical show were met with some disappointment after Cirque du Soleil canceled performances due to a COVID-19 outbreak.