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.

Minute Maid Park to remain open for COVID-19 testing during New Years holiday
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Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner says while many testing sites are closed for the New Year holiday, Minute Maid Park will remain open. During a press conference, he said COVID-19 testing is a critical component that adds an additional layer of protection against the virus.

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.

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.