'Get tested' after anime convention attendee at Javits Center tests positive for omicron variant

New York officials were urging anyone who attended the NYC Anime 2021 convention at the Javits Center to get tested for COVID after an attendee contracted the omicron variant last month.

Germany bans unvaccinated from nonessential stores, recreational venues

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said people who aren't vaccinated against COVID-19 will be excluded from nonessential stores, cultural and recreational venues.

Greece to impose monthly fine on unvaccinated residents over 60

Greek residents have until Jan. 16 to get their first jabs, or will be fined 100 euros ($113) for every month they remain unvaccinated.

US unemployment claims rise by 28,000, but still low at 222,000

U.S. unemployment claims climbed by 28,000 last week to 222,000, even though the U.S. job market has been rebounding from the coronavirus recession.

UCSF doctor detects 1st U.S. omicron case in 8 hours

Doctors at a UCSF lab worked fast to confirm the first COVID omicron case in the country, pinpointing the virus to a person in San Francisco.

1st omicron case in US found in San Francisco

A person in California became the first in the U.S. to have an identified case of the COVID-19 omicron variant, the White House announced Wednesday as scientists continue to study the risks posed by the new strain of the virus.

WHO urges elderly to postpone travel plans amid rise of omicron variant

The World Health Organization on Tuesday advised elderly and immunocompromised individuals to postpone travel plans amid the emergence of the omicron coronavirus variant.

Newsom: Omicron variant won’t spark California shutdown

Confirmation of the first U.S. case of the omicron variant in California was not surprising and shouldn’t force another shutdown heading into the holidays, Gov. Gavin Newsom said Wednesday.

Omicron variant impacts Wisconsin restaurant in ironic way

It is a family business that has been around for more than 30 years. But a West Bend restaurant's name is being tossed around now more than ever.

Trump tested positive for COVID-19 days before debate with Biden, Mark Meadows says in book

A book by Donald Trump's ex-chief of staff says Trump tested positive for COVID-19 three days before his first debate in September 2020 with Joe Biden and days earlier than that diagnosis was previously disclosed.

Racism is a 'public health threat,' Biden says in new HIV/AIDS strategy

In its new HIV/AIDS strategy released Wednesday on the annual commemoration of World AIDS Day, the Biden administration is calling racism “a public health threat” that must be fully recognized as the world looks to end the epidemic.

Biden encourages young girl with stutter, invites her to White House

President Joe Biden, who has been open about having a speech impediment his whole life, was seen giving words of encouragement to a young girl in Massachusetts who has a stutter, even inviting her to the White House.

Omicron-specific vaccine testing underway: Moderna chairman responds to first omicron variant detected in US

Moderna chairman Noubar Afeyan joined "The Claman Countdown" Wednesday shortly after the first case of the omicron variant was reportedly detected in the U.S. to express concern for the nature of the new strand.

Marcus Lamb, CEO of anti-vaccine Daystar Christian network, dies of COVID-19

“It’s with a heavy heart we announce that Marcus Lamb, president and founder of Daystar Television Network, went home to be with the Lord this morning,” the network said a tweet Tuesday.

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.