Moderna to make two different omicron boosters: one for US, another for UK, EU
Moderna says its BA.1-targeting vaccine boosts protection against BA.4/5. Enlarge / A vial containing Moderna COVID-19 booster vaccine at a vaccination center. (credit: Getty | SOPA Images) The type of COVID-19 booster dose yo.....»»
Anime convention of 53K is first US case study for omicron spread, CDC says
CDC says over 35,000 anime fans have already been contacted. Enlarge / Costumed attendees take a break during Anime NYC at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City on November 20, 2021. Anime NYC is an annual three-day an.....»»
COVID outbreak on cruise ship in New Orleans may be due to omicron
Some disembarked passengers said they were never told about the outbreak. Enlarge / MARSEILLE, FRANCE - 2020/05/25: The Norwegian Getaway cruise ship arrives in Marseille. (credit: Getty | SOPA images) A Norwegian Cruise Line.....»»
Omicron suspected in cruise-ship outbreak in New Orleans; 17 cases so far
Some disembarked passengers said they were never told about the outbreak. Enlarge / MARSEILLE, FRANCE - 2020/05/25: The Norwegian Getaway cruise ship arrives in Marseille. (credit: Getty | SOPA images) A Norwegian Cruise Line.....»»
In Naming Omicron Variant, Authorities Skipped "Xi" and "Nu"
WHO has been using the Greek alphabet to name coronavirus strains, but avoided two letters that presented problems. From a report: As health authorities around the world grappled with the emergence of a new strain of the coronavirus, virologists were.....»»
Booster Doses are Powerful, May Fight Omicron, Researchers Find
Last week researchers at Northwestern University calculated that one week after a Covid-19 booster shot, median antibody levels were 23 times higher than before the shot. This Thursday the Times of London reported that another study found similar r.....»»
Israel Halts Disputed Omicron Tracing Through Phone Surveillance
An anonymous reader quotes a report from Reuters: Israel said on Thursday it was halting the use of mobile phone tracing to curb the spread of the new coronavirus variant Omicron, a practice that had been challenged by privacy watchdogs. Prime Minist.....»»
COVID vaccinations spike in US as delta rages and omicron looms
Vaccines expected to offer some protection from omicron as speedy spread continues. Enlarge / People line up outside of a free COVID-19 vaccination site that opened today in the Hubbard Place apartment building on December 3, 2021 in W.....»»
How the Omicron Variant Got So Many Scary Mutations So Quickly
The numerous changes in the coronavirus’s spike protein could have arisen in an isolated population or an immunocompromised person, or in animals -- Read more on ScientificAmerican.com.....»»
New York Anime Convention Possibly Infected With Omicron
Long-time Slashdot reader Aighearach shares a report from Reuters: President Joe Biden on Thursday laid out his strategy to fight the coronavirus as the highly contagious Omicron spread across the globe with winter coming and hours after the first kn.....»»
The omicron variant is a mystery. Here’s how science will solve it
So far, panic about the new Covid variant has outpaced actual information. Enlarge (credit: Remko De Waal | Getty Images) Starting last Friday, the race was on—between a virus and information about it. And for a while, the i.....»»
Moderna plans omicron booster for March as Biden unveils winter COVID plan
The plan includes insurance coverage for at-home tests and tighter travel protocols. Enlarge / US President Joe Biden at the White House on December 01, 2021, in Washington, DC. (credit: Getty | Anna Moneymaker) President Joe.....»»
2nd US omicron case just traveled to NYC anime convention with 53K attendees
The NYC event reportedly struggled with crowding and had weak vaccination rules. Enlarge / Costumed people attend Anime NYC at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City on November 20, 2021. (credit: Getty | Kena Betancur).....»»
US Confirms Nation"s First Case of Omicron Covid Variant In California
An anonymous reader quotes a report from CNBC: U.S. health officials have confirmed the country's first case of the new, heavily mutated coronavirus variant called omicron in California, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Wednesday......»»
18 Hours of Omicron Chaos at Schiphol Airport
On November 25, two planes took off from South Africa for Amsterdam. By the time they landed, the Omicron variant had thrown the world into chaos......»»
Omicron found in US—plus 23 other countries in 5 of 6 global regions
If we can't defeat delta, we don't stand a chance against omicron, WHO warns. Enlarge / Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and the chief medical adviser to the president, delivers a.....»»
How Science Will Solve the Omicron Variant’s Mysteries
So far, panic about the mysterious new Covid variant has outpaced actual information. Here’s what scientists around the world are trying to uncover......»»
WHO Says Omicron Has Been Found in 23 Countries Across the World
The World Health Organization said Wednesday that 23 countries across the world have reported cases of the highly mutated omicron Covid-19 variant. From a report: "At least 23 countries from five of six WHO regions have now reported cases of omicron.....»»
Moderna CEO Says Vaccines Likely Less Effective Against Omicron
The head of drugmaker Moderna said COVID-19 vaccines are unlikely to be as effective against the Omicron variant of the coronavirus as they have been previously, sparking fresh worry in financial markets about the trajectory of the pandemic. From a r.....»»
Israel Authorizes Use of Phone Tracking Tech To Contain Spread of Omicron Covid Variant
An anonymous reader quotes a report from Reuters: Rights groups petitioned Israel's top court on Monday to repeal new COVID-19 measures that authorize the country's domestic intelligence service to use counter-terrorism phone tracking technology to c.....»»
US preps vaccine contingencies amid panic over poorly understood omicron
Vaccines offer "at least some protection" against omicron, Biden believes. Enlarge / WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 29: Anthony Fauci (R), Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and Chief Medical Advisor to th.....»»