COVID-19: Cornell Shutting Campus, Moving To 'Alert Level Red' After Rapid Spread Of Virus COVID-19: Cornell Shutting Campus, Moving To 'Alert Level Red' After Rapid Spread Of Virus
Covid-19: Cornell Shutting Campus, Moving To 'Alert Level Red' After Rapid Spread Of Virus Cornell University has moved all final exams online and canceled university events due to an increase in COVID-19 cases, including cases of the Omicron variant. Cornell University President Martha Pollack  said in a letter to the campus community on Tuesday, Dec. 14, that the university would move to Alert Level Red due to the "rapid spread" of COVID-19 and the fact that the Omicron variant was identified "in a significant number of Monday’s positive student samples." As of Sunday, Dec. 12, there were 469 active COVID-19 cases among students, including 214 new cases, according to the u…
COVID-19: Pfizer Releases Data On Anti-Viral Pill's Effectiveness Vs. Omicron, Severe Disease COVID-19: Pfizer Releases Data On Anti-Viral Pill's Effectiveness Vs. Omicron, Severe Disease
Covid-19: Pfizer Releases Data On Anti-Viral Pill's Effectiveness Vs. Omicron, Severe Disease Brand-new laboratory studies are shedding light on the effectiveness of Pfizer's anti-viral COVID-19 pill both against the Omicron variant and in warding off severe disease. The studies showed the pill, called Paxlovid, reduced the risk of hospitalization or death by nearly 90 percent if given to high-risk adults within several days of their initial COVID symptoms, Pfizer said in a statement released Tuesday morning, Dec. 14. The pill also retains activity against variants, including Omicron, because the drug blocks an enzyme involved in viral replication, Pfizer said. “Emerging …
COVID-19: Here Are Penalties In Place, Info On Vax Requirements As NY Mask Mandate Takes Effect COVID-19: Here Are Penalties In Place, Info On Vax Requirements As NY Mask Mandate Takes Effect
Covid-19: Here Are Penalties In Place, Info On Vax Requirements As NY Mask Mandate Takes Effect Harsh penalties for those refusing to wear a mask indoors and new vaccine requirements are now in effect in New York as the state fends off new variants of the virus as the number of new cases soars. Beginning on Monday, Dec. 13, masks will be required to be worn in all indoor public places unless businesses or venues implement a vaccine requirement due to the rise in new COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations across the state. The new requirements will be in effect through Saturday, Jan. 15, at which point the state will reassess the situation based on the conditions statewide at that time. …
COVID-19: Fourth Shot May Eventually Be Needed, Pfizer Says COVID-19: Fourth Shot May Eventually Be Needed, Pfizer Says
Covid-19: Fourth Shot May Eventually Be Needed, Pfizer Says The CEO of Pfizer said in an interview that he believes a fourth COVID-19 vaccine dose will eventually be needed.  Albert Bourla said on CNBC that real-world data will help determine how well three doses of the vaccine protect against the Omicron variant and how long protection lasts. "And the second point, I think we will need the fourth dose," Bourla told CNBC on Wednesday, Dec. 8. "I’ve said that multiple times. With the previous, I was projecting that that will be on 12 months after the third dose. With Omicron, we need to wait and see because we have very little informat…
COVID-19: NJ Reports Highest Number Of Positive Tests In 1 Day Since January COVID-19: NJ Reports Highest Number Of Positive Tests In 1 Day Since January
Covid-19: NJ Reports Highest Number Of Positive Tests In 1 Day Since January COVID-19 cases are surging in New Jersey as the state reports 17 deaths and 4,782 confirmed cases of the virus -- the highest number of positive tests in one day since January, according to the state's COVID-19 dashboard. The seven-day average for confirmed positive tests also more than tripled the average from a month ago, increasing to 3,519, as originally reported by NJ Advance Media. NEW JERSEY #COVID19 UPDATE:➡️4,782 new positive PCR tests➡️1,120,973 total positive PCR tests➡️988 new positive antigen tests➡️174,032 total positive antigen tests➡️17 new confirmed deaths➡️25,713 total…
COVID-19: Nine New Omicron Cases ID'd in CT COVID-19: Nine New Omicron Cases ID'd in CT
Covid-19: Nine New Omicron Cases ID'd in CT Connecticut saw a slight dip in its daily COVID-19 positive infection rate, though the state recorded nine new infections tied to the Omicron variant, according to health officials. In his latest COVID-19 update, Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont announced that there were 53,948 tests administered on Thursday, Dec. 9, resulting in 3,280 laboratory-confirmed cases of the virus as the daily positive infection rate dipped to 6.08 percent, down from 6.48 percent the previous day.  Lamont said that of the 3,280 new cases, nine were confirmed to be of the Omicron variant, bringing the total to 11 …
COVID-19: FDA Expands Booster Vaccine Eligibility To Include Ages 16 & 17 COVID-19: FDA Expands Booster Vaccine Eligibility To Include Ages 16 & 17
Covid-19: FDA Expands Booster Vaccine Eligibility To Include Ages 16 & 17 The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has expanded eligibility for Pfizer's COVID-19 booster vaccines to include 16- and 17-year-olds. The FDA said in an announcement on Thursday, Dec. 9, that it has amended the emergency use authorization of the booster vaccine to include those aged 16 and older at least six months after they've completed their primary vaccination. “Vaccination and getting a booster when eligible, along with other preventive measures like masking and avoiding large crowds and poorly ventilated spaces, remain our most effective methods for fighting COVID-19,”…
COVID-19: Hudson Valley Sees New Increases In Cases, Infection Rate; Latest Breakdown By County COVID-19: Hudson Valley Sees New Increases In Cases, Infection Rate; Latest Breakdown By County
Covid-19: Hudson Valley Sees New Increases In Cases, Infection Rate; Latest Breakdown By County One new case of the Omicron variant has been reported in the Hudson Valley, which saw another new rise in its COVID-19 positivity rate of those tested for the virus. While some parts of New York are making progress in the fight against the virus, the Hudson Valley has been trending in the wrong direction, with the seven-day average positive infection rate rising to 4.63 percent, according to the latest update from the state Department of Health. After seeing a slight downtick, the positivity rate statewide is also on the rise, up to 4.87 percent of those tested on Monday, Dec. 6. Each of …
COVID-19: First Omicron Case In Westchester Identified In 13-Year-Old COVID-19: First Omicron Case In Westchester Identified In 13-Year-Old
Covid-19: First Omicron Case In Westchester Identified In 13-Year-Old The first case of the COVID-19 Omicron variant has been identified in Westchester. County Executive George Latimer announced the news late Tuesday afternoon, Dec. 7, saying the case is in a 13-year-old.  " We are concerned about this discovery, and are closely monitoring the situation," Latimer said. "With the new variant circulating, the best way we can protect our families and ourselves is by being vaccinated, and by getting a booster shot if you are eligible. “Additionally, I have officially signed the State of Emergency Executive Order for Westchester County. I am taking this act…
COVID-19: Elective Surgeries To Be Halted At 32 NY Hospitals COVID-19: Elective Surgeries To Be Halted At 32 NY Hospitals
Covid-19: Elective Surgeries To Be Halted At 32 NY Hospitals With the number of new COVID-19 infections continuing to surge, and the number of unvaccinated patients being treated for the virus occupying hospital beds, some parts of New York are being forced to cancel or postpone certain elective procedures. As the Omicron variant of the virus spreads, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced that 32 New York hospitals will be blocked from performing non-essential surgeries to prevent a shortage of beds or staff. The emergency order from Hochul goes into effect on Thursday, Dec. 9. The Omicron variant was confirmed to be in New York by the Department of …
COVID-19: Latimer Authorizes State Of Emergency To Prepare For Spike In Cases COVID-19: Latimer Authorizes State Of Emergency To Prepare For Spike In Cases
Covid-19: Latimer Authorizes State Of Emergency To Prepare For Spike In Cases County Executive George Latimer has authorized a potential State of Emergency in Westchester as the region prepares for a post-Thanksgiving spike in new infections. During his latest COVID-19 update on Monday, Dec. 6, Latimer addressed the expected surge of new cases as the county continues to gear up the fight against new variants and strains of the virus. Latimer said that there are currently 2,867 active COVID-19 cases in Westchester compared to more than 5,000 at the same point a year ago, with 84 patients still being treated for the virus as of Dec. 6, up from 52 a week prior. "We are…
COVID-19: NYC Announces First In Nation Vaccine Mandate For All Private-Sector Workers COVID-19: NYC Announces First In Nation Vaccine Mandate For All Private-Sector Workers
Covid-19: NYC Announces First In Nation Vaccine Mandate For All Private-Sector Workers With concerns of a rise in COVID-19 cases linked to the new Omicron variant, a new vaccine mandate for all private-sector workers in New York City will be launched. New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced the measure on Monday morning, Dec. 6. "We've got Omicron as a new factor, we've got colder weather which is really going to create additional challenges with the Delta variant, we have holiday gatherings, so we in New York City have decided to use a preemptive strike," de Blasio said on MSNBC. "We are doing something bold to stop the further growth of COVID and the dangers it's …