Parents against masks hold rally outside Loudoun County school board meeting
A group of parents rallied outside the Loudoun County Public Schools headquarters ahead of Tuesday night's school board meeting.
11 cases of new omicron sub-variant BA.2 detected in California, at least 2 in Santa Clara Co.
The California Department of Public Health confirmed that there are 11 cases of the new omicron subvariant in the state.
Montgomery County Public School leaders discuss school closures and COVID-19 decision making
After nearly two weeks of parents voicing frustrations, Montgomery County Public School leaders have shared more details behind how COVID-19 school closure decisions are being made during this latest Omicron variant wave.
Omicron vs. delta: Study examines difference between two coronavirus variant symptoms
The differences between omicron and delta variant symptoms were analyzed as part of a COVD-19 infection survey.
As omicron cases surge, so do breakthrough infections
A fully vaccinated East Atlanta man recently contracted a breakthrough infection, likely caused by the highly contagious omicron variant.
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.
What face mask should you be wearing? Mask confusion cleared up by health experts
Two years into this pandemic, there’s likely a collection of different masks in every household. However, some may be searching for more KN95 and N95 masks after the CDC began a move this week toward recommending only those masks be used. The CDC then walked those comments back.
Empty grocery store shelves common sight across DMV as winter weather looms
Possible winter weather this weekend on top of the omicron variant are hurting the supply chain, leading to empty aisles at the grocery stores and leaving essentials such as milk, bread and meat in high demand.
Maryland to distribute 20 million free N95 and KN95 masks to residents
Maryland will begin distributing 20 million free N95 and KN95 masks starting next week.
Poolesville HS students stage walkout to promote proper mask-wearing practices
Students at Poolesville High School want their peers, faculty and members of their community to wear their masks properly.
Montgomery Co. Public Schools changing COVID-19 protocols amid concerns from parents
Montgomery County Public Schools is nixing the threshold it was using to help determine whether schools should transition from in-person to virtual learning due to positive COVID-19 cases.
Omicron variant less likely to require hospitalization, studies show
Scientists stress that even if the findings of these early studies hold up, any reductions in severity need to be weighed against the fact omicron spreads much faster than delta and is more able to evade vaccines.
COVID-19 surge: Here’s what’s canceled or closing across the US
As the omicron variant continues to spread across the country, many events are getting canceled and businesses are closing.
Houston reports what is believed to be the first US death from omicron variant of COVID-19
An unvaccinated man in his 50s with underlying health conditions is believed to have been the first American to die from the omicron variant of COVID-19. Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo confirmed on Monday that he became the first to die from omicron in the county.
Omicron variant appearing milder than delta, South African doctors say
In the two weeks since omicron first was reported in Southern Africa, other doctors have shared similar stories. All caution that it will take many more weeks to collect enough data to be sure, their observations and the early evidence offer some clues.
WHO warns omicron variant fears may set off hoarding of COVID-19 vaccines
The World Health Organization has expressed concerns that rich countries spooked by the emergence of the omicron variant could step up hoarding of COVID-19 vaccines.
Omicron variant may be less dangerous than delta, US health officials say
“Thus far, it does not look like there’s a great degree of severity to it,” Dr. Anthony Fauci said.
Omicron variant: Pfizer running ‘neutralization tests’ with its COVID-19 vaccine
Companies Pfizer and BioNTech are currently running tests in response to the rapidly spreading omicron variant with data likely available in the coming weeks.
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.