New COVID variant: What scientists are looking for in 'Omicron'
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The new COVID-19 variant "Omicron" is spreading in South Africa. FOX 32 goes 1-on-1 with Dr. Hannah Barbian of Rush University Medical Center.

WHO says omicron variant poses 'very high risk'

The U.N. health agency, in a technical paper issued to member states, said "considerable uncertainties” remain about the variant that was first detected days ago in southern Africa.

Biden COVID-19 vaccine mandate for health care workers blocked in 10 states

A federal judge has blocked President Joe Biden's administration from enforcing a coronavirus vaccine mandate on health care workers in 10 states.

Canada is latest country to confirm cases of omicron variant

Canada is among several countries Sunday to report omicron cases. Canada said its two known cases are linked to travel from Nigeria.

Omicron variant emerges in more countries as world on high alert

In the U.S., Dr. Anthony Fauci, the government’s top infectious diseases expert, said he would not be surprised if the omicron variant was already in the United States, too.

Florida reports lowest daily coronavirus cases per capita in nation

Florida is reporting the lowest amount of coronavirus cases per capita in the nation after Gov. Ron DeSantis was widely criticized by media outlets for his handling of the virus. 

Fauci says omicron variant could be ‘red flag,’ urges COVID-19 boosters for all

“I keep saying it over and over, the next couple of months are going to be up to us. I mean, we, right now, have a tool, a very effective tool,” Dr. Anthony Fauci said, urging vaccination amid news of the worrying new omicron variant.

Omicron variant: World races to contain new 'highly transmissible' COVID-19 strain

The world is racing to contain a new coronavirus variant that is potentially more dangerous than the one that has fueled waves of infection on nearly every continent.

Chicago boy ends 'joke of the day' pandemic tradition
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A Chicago boy with his nose in a joke book has been putting his heart into making people laugh during the pandemic. But now that's all coming to an end, because he's fully vaccinated.

Chicago boy retires his 'joke of the day' after getting fully vaccinated

"The joke of the day was to give people light during COVID. Now I'm vaccinated, it's not really that much COVID anymore. It's less of an aspect now," explained 6th grader Asher Horowitz.

Child COVID-19 cases in US up 32% ahead of Thanksgiving, AAP reports

Between Nov. 11 and Nov. 18, nearly 142,000 child cases were added — an increase of about 32% from two weeks ago and making up 25.1 percent of all the cases reported that week, AAP reported.

Lincoln Square boy retires 'joke of the day' after getting fully vaccinated
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A Chicago boy with his nose in a joke book has been putting his heart into making people laugh during the pandemic. But now that's all coming to an end, because he's fully vaccinated.

CDC tool shows how to improve airflow during indoor gatherings

The CDC rolled out an interactive tool Wednesday to help measure whether or not you have good airflow in your home ahead of holiday gatherings.

Illinois reports 21,034 coronavirus cases, 87 deaths in the past five days

Public health officials on Friday announced 21,034 new cases of the coronavirus in Illinois and 87 additional deaths have been recorded in the past five days.