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.

Omicron: What to do if you test positive for COVID-19
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Dr. Melanie Mouzoon with Kelsey-Seybold Clinic talks about what to do if you test positive for COVID-19 and when to get tested.

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.

Omicron: How new COVID-19 variant affects children
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Dr. Michael Chang, a pediatric infectious disease expert with Memorial Hermann and UT Health, discusses how the Omicron variant is affecting children.

Fort Bend County Judge on COVID-19 diagnosis, threat level, testing
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Fort Bend County Judge KP George speaks about he is recovering from a breakthrough case of COVID-19, testing sites in the county, and the county's threat level.

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.

CDC director: Omicron variant mostly mild so far

The chief of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says more than 40 people in the country have been found to be infected with the omicron variant so far and more than three-quarters of them had been vaccinated.

WHO: Global COVID cases up 11% last week, biggest increase in Americas

The WHO says the number of new COVID-19 cases worldwide increased by 11% last week, while newly reported deaths were down 4% globally.

Doctor reacts to new CDC COVID-19 quarantine changes

The CDC has shortened quarantine recommendations for those infected or exposed to COVID-19.