Omicron variant case confirmed in Minnesota
The first case of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 has been confirmed in Minnesota, the Minnesota Department of Health announced Thursday. The confirmation comes one day after the first U.S. cases of the omicron variant were detected in California.
Biden's new winter COVID-19 plan includes reimbursement for at-home tests
Biden is unveiling a winter plan to combat COVID-19 and its new omicron variant with more availability of shots and vaccines but without major new restrictions.
First U.S. case of omicron COVID-19 variant detected in California
The first U.S. case of the omicron COVID-19 variant has been detected in California, the White House announced Wednesday.
Economists: expect inflation to stick around, but it’s not time to panic
On Tuesday, the U.S. Treasury Secretary and Chairman of the Federal Reserve testified in front of a Senate committee commenting on rising inflation rates.
COVID-19 hospitalizations surpass 1,500 in Minnesota
More than 1,500 people are now hospitalized from COVID-19 in Minnesota, according to data released by the Minnesota Department of Health.
Foo Fighters 'unable to perform' in Minneapolis
"Due to Huntington Bank Stadium’s refusal to agree to the band’s COVID safety measures, Foo Fighters are unable to perform at that venue."
Minnesota health officials: No omicron found here -- yet
Minnesota health officials said Monday they had not found any cases of the new omicron COVID-19 variant in the state, while echoing calls for Minnesotans to get their shots to protect against the virus.
Federal Reserve: Omicron variant could make supply chain backlog, inflation worse
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell says that the appearance of a new COVID-19 variant could slow the economy and hiring.
WHO says omicron variant poses 'very high risk'
The U.N. health agency, in a technical paper issued to member states, said "considerable uncertainties” remain about the variant that was first detected days ago in southern Africa.
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.
Canada is latest country to confirm cases of omicron variant
Canada is among several countries Sunday to report omicron cases. Canada said its two known cases are linked to travel from Nigeria.
South African doctor says omicron variant symptoms ‘unusual but mild’
Dr. Angelique Coetzee, a board member of the South African Medical Association, said the COVID-19 omicron variant reported that it presents "unusual but mild" symptoms.
White House blames pandemic for soaring inflation, Biden's low polling
Inflation is soaring, businesses are struggling to hire and President Joe Biden’s poll numbers have been in free fall. The White House sees a common culprit: COVID-19.
Omicron variant emerges in more countries as world on high alert
In the U.S., Dr. Anthony Fauci, the government’s top infectious diseases expert, said he would not be surprised if the omicron variant was already in the United States, too.
Omicron: South African scientists brace for wave propelled by variant
The country’s numbers are still relatively low, but omicron’s speed in infecting young South Africans alarms experts.
11-year-old Northfield girl completes 1,000 kind deeds on Black Friday
With her rainbow shoes on, 11-year-old Nika Hirsch is a girl on a mission at the Mall of America this Black Friday.
Fauci says omicron variant could be ‘red flag,’ urges COVID-19 boosters for all
“I keep saying it over and over, the next couple of months are going to be up to us. I mean, we, right now, have a tool, a very effective tool,” Dr. Anthony Fauci said, urging vaccination amid news of the worrying new omicron variant.
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.
New COVID-19 variant is ‘huge international concern,’ UK health secretary says
The U.K.’s health secretary told Parliament Friday that the new COVID-19 variant was “of huge international concern” and that it was “highly likely” that it has spread to countries beyond where it has been detected.
Omicron variant: What to know about the new COVID-19 strain
South African scientists identified a new version of the coronavirus this week that they say is behind a recent spike in COVID-19 infections in Gauteng, the country’s most populous province.