Houston Health Department testing city wastewater for omicron variant

The variant, which has been reported in numerous countries around the world, is the newest variant causing some concern and prompting travel restrictions.

US improves surveillance for tracking new coronavirus variants

Viruses mutate constantly. To find and track new versions of the coronavirus, scientists analyze the genetic makeup of a portion of samples that test positive.

COVID-19 vaccine makers exploring if omicron versions of shots are needed

Officials from Moderna and Pfizer are assessing their responses to the new COVID-19 variant omicron and say it will take months to develop a tweaked shot if needed.

Houston scientist among many studying Omicron Variant

Since this new variant was first identified and announced in South Africa last week, it has now spread to more than a dozen countries including Canada, as scientists race to figure out how much of a threat Omicron is.

Questions remain about the threat of Omicron variant
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FOX 26 Reporter Damali Keith spoke with one scientist about what they know regarding the Omicron variant.

Biden COVID-19 vaccine mandate for health care workers blocked in 10 states

A federal judge has blocked President Joe Biden's administration from enforcing a coronavirus vaccine mandate on health care workers in 10 states.

Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy, several others will miss Thursday's game due to COVID-19

The Cowboys want to prepare for the Saints but COVID-19 has their attention as more cases pop up. Head coach Mike McCarthy, a starting player and three other coaches are out.

Omicron shows need for global accord on pandemics, WHO chief says

The WHO is pushing for an international accord to help prevent future pandemics amid the emergence of the new omicron COVID-19 variant.

Merriam-Webster declares 'vaccine' as 2021 word of the year

Merriam-Webster has declared an omnipresent truth as its 2021 word of the year: vaccine. Last year, it chose “pandemic.”

Tracking the COVID-19 Omicron variant
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The new Omicron variant of COVID-19 has sparked widespread concern over its uncertainty.?On Monday,?a new travel ban will go into effect in the US, to help slow the spread.

Omicron variant: World races to contain new 'highly transmissible' COVID-19 strain

The world is racing to contain a new coronavirus variant that is potentially more dangerous than the one that has fueled waves of infection on nearly every continent.

US, Canada, EU, Japan restrict South Africa travel over Omicron variant

Advisers to the World Health Organization held a special session Friday to flesh out information about the worrying new variant of the coronavirus that has been detected in South Africa.

Harris Co. Judge Lina Hidalgo lowers COVID-19 threat level to 'yellow'

Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo has lowered the COVID-19 threat level to ‘yellow’ or level 3 from ‘orange’ or level 2.

Omicron variant: WHO says new COVID-19 strain shows increased reinfection risk

The World Health Organization called a special session to flesh out information about a worrying new variant of the coronavirus that has been detected in South Africa.

South African health minister calls travel restrictions 'knee-jerk reaction' to variant

Dr. Joe Phaahla, the Health Minister of South Africa took issue with countries who've enacted travel bans on South Africa after they identified a new COVID-19 variant.

Stocks sink on new COVID variant; Dow loses 1,000 points

A day after the Stock Market was closed for Thanksgiving, news of a new COVID-19 variant sent stocks falling, with the Dow losing 1,000 points.