Omicron COVID-19 variant detected in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has confirmed its first case of the omicron variant of the coronavirus in an unvaccinated person who returned from Nigeria.

Study suggests past COVID-19 infection may not fend off omicron variant

A research group has been tracking reinfections in South Africa and reported a jump with the arrival of omicron that they hadn't seen when two previous variants, including the extra-contagious delta variant, moved through the country.

Travis County temporarily closes rental assistance application portal

It will stop accepting new applications after 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, December 5, 2021. Sunday is also the last day to drop off paper applications at drop boxes located at Community Centers.

November jobs report: US employers added a sluggish 210,000 jobs

U.S. employers slowed the pace of their hiring in November, adding 210,000 jobs, as the economy contends with inflation and shortages.

EPA head tours ‘Cancer Alley,’ other embattled communities, pledges action

EPA Administrator Michael Regan recently completed a tour from Mississippi to Texas, highlighting low-income, mostly minority communities affected by industrial pollution.

Omicron: WHO says measures used against delta should work for new variant

The WHO says measures like higher vaccination rates, social-distancing guidelines and wearing masks should remain the foundation for fighting the pandemic.

1st confirmed omicron variant case in Minnesota connected to NY anime convention

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.

Vaccine inequity: Global initiative to share shots struggles to meet goal

The vaccine alliance that helps run COVAX warned in internal documents that a substantial number of doses might only show up in late 2022 or even 2023.

Emergency SNAP benefits extended for December 2021 in Texas

More than 1.5 million SNAP households will see the additional amount on their Lone Star Card by December 31.

Omicron COVID-19 variant detected in Hawaii

The omicron variant has been detected in at least 23 countries and at least three other states.

Oklahoma files lawsuit over National Guard COVID-19 vaccine mandate

“Biden’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate ensures that many Oklahoma National Guard members will simply quit instead of getting a vaccine, a situation that will irreparably harm Oklahomans’ safety and security,” said Attorney General John O’Connor.

Mosquito trap tests positive for West Nile in Cedar Park

The trap sample was collected from a trap site near West Whitestone Boulevard (RM 1431) and West New Hope Drive in Cedar Park.

NFL suspends Bucs' Antonio Brown, Mike Edwards for violating COVID-19 protocols

The NFL has suspended Antonio Brown and Mike Edwards of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for violating the league's COVID-19 protocols after finding they misrepresented their vaccination status.

Omicron COVID-19 case detected in Colorado

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis tweeted for the public to not “panic” and further stressed the need for Coloradans to get vaccinated or boosted as well as adhere to preventative health guidelines.

Amid omicron COVID-19 variant worries, US still battling delta wave

While all eyes are on the new and little-understood omicron variant, the delta form of the coronavirus isn’t finished wreaking havoc in the U.S., sending record numbers of patients to the hospital in some states, especially in the Midwest and New England.

India confirms 1st 2 cases of the omicron variant

The Health Ministry said the cases involved two men in southern Karnataka state, a 66-year-old man who had traveled to India from South Africa and a 46-year-old doctor.

US to require all inbound travelers to take COVID-19 test 1 day before flight

All travelers to the U.S. must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test within one day of boarding their flights, regardless of nationality or vaccination status, the White House said.

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.