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Thousands of unvaccinated health workers would have been covered by the White House's covid shot mandate, but in 10 states they are now at least temporarily unaffected after a federal judge's ruling. Meanwhile, the Pentagon says Oklahoma National Guards must get shots.
Pfizer and partner BioNTech are expected to seek emergency approval for a booster shot of their covid vaccine for younger people, which would be the first approved for those under 18. The FDA is expected to respond next week to the request.
News outlets cover President Joe Biden's remarks over the new covid variant, and his application of a travel ban to buy time against omicron. Officials step up surveillance efforts to spot omicron in new cases, and in New York City, mask-wearing is now recommended again.
The difference one word and one variant make: Previous guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said all in the U.S. 18 or older "may" get an additional covid vaccine shot 6 months after their initial doses. Now, with the threat of omicron, the agency is recommending that all "should" get one. News outlets explore other potential impact from the virus variant's emergence.
Today's early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers weigh in on these covid issues.
On Friday Virginia health officials confirmed that an individual identified as being between the ages of 10 and 19 died of the inflammatory syndrome associated with covid. News outlets cover Virginia's plans to track covid in sewage, L.A. county mask plans, and more.
As omicron hits the world, news outlets cover calls for vaccinating everyone on the planet, a rapid surge in cases in two major South African cities, and the highest covid death rate: In Peru, where it's officially killed 6,000 out of every million people.
Editorial writers tackle these and other public health topics.
Troubling reports about child health: fewer measles shots given worldwide, black infant deaths rising and rural hospitals cut obstetrics units.
Hospitals and care facilities are preparing for a round of health worker resignations, driven by the Jan. 4 federal vaccine mandate deadline. Meanwhile, the pandemic's toll on cancer doctors and contract tracers is also in the news.
News of covid and non-covid research results including lung transplants, exercise and the emotional toll of covid on health workers.
Dr. Anthony Fauci is firing back at Republicans like Senator Ted Cruz, who have attacked him. In other news from the nation's capital, the NIH director says it may be two or three weeks before scientists know enough about the new variant and the Supreme Court hearing an abortion case and a 340B case.
The Food and Drug Administration said the experimental covid drug treatment was effective against the virus. Merck said it reduces hospitalization risks by 30%. But ongoing work is needed to determine its safety for use during pregnancy, including for risk of birth defects.
The newest concerning variant of covid is alarming researchers, and forcing politician's hands, but some early evidence suggests its symptoms may be mild. Vaccine makers are working out their responses, but Moderna says it could be ready in early 2022.
On Sunday, Canada's health minister said two cases of the new variant had been confirmed. Britain has more cases, and a flight in the Netherlands was found to have brought many cases from South Africa. The World Health Organization has, however, urged against travel bans.
Vaccination remains a "key weapon" in the face of the new omicron covid "variant of concern," officials said. President Joe Biden is expected to speak on the matter today, and has been told it may take up to two weeks for scientists to come up with definitive answers and new advice.
Today's early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Despite those covid concerns, vaccination rates remain stubbornly uneven -- especially for kids -- in pockets of the U.S. Of course, fights over vaccine mandates continue.
Opinion writers tackle these covid and vaccine issues.
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