CDC encourages more Americans to consider N95, KN95 face masks
U.S. health officials on Friday encouraged more Americans to wear the kind of N95 or KN95 masks used by healthcare workers to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
City of Austin hosting mask distributions for local small businesses
Austin will distribute 96,000 masks to small businesses at no cost on Jan. 19. To ensure a smooth drive-thru process, drivers should remain in their vehicles with their trunk open
Free at-home COVID tests: Website to start accepting orders Jan. 19
After facing heavy criticism last month for not securing enough tests for Americans, the Biden administration has launched a website that will allow households to order at-home test kits — starting Jan. 19.
Austin ISD increases substitute teacher pay, staff out due to COVID
Austin ISD has increased the pay rate up to $225 per day for substitute teachers in hopes it will help them fill roles that have been left empty due to COVID.
Hutto ISD schools will be closed Jan 17 - 19 due to COVID
The Hutto Independent School District is closing all campus operations January 17-19. Students and staff will return to the Texas school district on January 20.
US students hold walkouts amid omicron surge, calling for more stringent measures
U.S. students have held or planned walkouts this week across the country to lobby for more remote learning and other measures amid a surge of COVID cases.
'I want to be fired,' Lamar CISD teacher heard on camera ranting towards students
"If I have to keep dealing with kids that are complete and utter morons, I’m done. I’m literally done," the teacher is heard saying. "I don’t even care if I lose my job, I want to be fired at this point."
Teacher shortages: School districts ask staff members, others to fill in as substitutes
U.S. school districts are asking staff members and others to fill in as substitute teachers to keep classrooms running because of staffing shortages amid the pandemic.
270 medical experts write open letter to Spotify calling out Joe Rogan’s ‘harmful’ COVID-19 misinformation
A cohort of medical experts have written an open letter to Spotify urging the platform to take action against Joe Rogan for spreading COVID-19 misinformation.
Free COVID-19 vaccine clinics being held Jan. 14-17 around Travis County
Clinics are open to all eligible individuals without registration or appointment and require neither identification nor insurance. All vaccinations are free.
Center for Covid Control to 'pause' testing nationwide after Washington location shut down
The Center for Covid Control announced it is "pausing operations" at all of its 300 testing locations until Jan. 22 after widespread reports of consumer complaints and allegations of fake tests.
Austin ISD shares COVID guidelines for visual, performing arts events
Austin ISD says its guidelines are for the health and safety of all student performers, staff, and audiences at events.
ACC expanding program offering up to $5K for tuition, fees
The program allows students to work toward a certificate or associate's degree in a “high-demand field” with high-earning potential as identified by the Texas Workforce Commission.
SXSW seeking volunteers for 2022 in-person conference, festivals
All volunteers will be required to show proof of vaccination against COVID-19 before attending pre-event volunteer gatherings and before the first volunteer shift.
Judge: No probable cause found for Cy-Fair ISD teacher allegedly putting COVID-positive son in trunk
An official witness told police Sarah Beam had her son in the trunk of her car to "prevent her from getting exposed to possible COVID" while driving him to get additional testing at a drive-thru testing site.
Biden: US to make 1 billion at-home COVID-19 tests free for Americans
President Joe Biden directed his team to double its procurement of at-home COVID-19 tests to be delivered for free to Americans, along with N95 masks.
$1K fine possible for Austin businesses that don't comply with COVID orders
The orders require businesses to post specific signage regarding masks, COVID-19 testing, and vaccination or face a possible fine of up to $1,000.
Delta: 8,000 employees contracted COVID-19 over past 4 weeks
Delta said nearly 11% of its workers have contracted COVID-19 over the past four weeks. It expects to suffer one more quarterly loss before travel picks up in spring and summer.
Cannabis compounds prevent coronavirus from entering human cells: Oregon State University study
According to a study from researchers at OSU, cannabis compounds show the ability to prevent the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 from entering human cells.
State health officials dispute 30 percent Covid nursing home death count discrepancy by auditor
"In my mind, it proved to me to be a very deadly decision and numbers are bearing it out," said State Rep. Steve Johnson (R-Wayland).