Delta Variant

The omicron variant, though much more contagious than the delta strain, is still prevalent in the U.S. but is less likely than delta to cause long COVID, according to a new study.

Omicron poses about half the risk of long COVID as delta, new research finds

6:30pm June 16, 2022

by Rob Stein

Some scientists estimate that cases of long COVID from omicron will still rise, however, because of high transmissibility and the misconception that people don't have to worry about catching it.

A healthcare worker administers a COVID-19 PCR test at a free test site in Farragut Square on Dec. 28 in Washington, D.C. On Tuesday, the CDC revised data reflecting the prevalence of the omicron variant in new COVID-19 cases.

The CDC slashes estimates of omicron's prevalence in the U.S.

8:50pm December 28, 2021

by Vanessa Romo

New data from the CDC released on Tuesday, shows that while omicron remains the dominant variant, delta – which is the more severe strain – is still a worrisome driving force behind the current surge.

A sign asking patrons to wear a mask is seen at the entrance of a restaurant in New York City on Aug. 3. The spread of the delta variant led to sharply slower economic growth in the July-to-September quarter.

Economy

How the economy went from sizzle to fizzle, and why there's hope for a way back

5:10pm October 28, 2021

by Scott Horsley

The U.S. economy slowed sharply in the third quarter as the delta variant and persistent supply chain woes weighed on growth. The months ahead should be better.

Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell speaks during a Senate Banking Committee hearing in Washington, D.C., on July 15. The Fed issued new economic projections at the conclusion of its policy meeting on Wednesday.

The Fed Says Inflation Is Hotter Than Expected — But It Should Cool Next Year

4:55pm September 22, 2021

by Scott Horsley

The Federal Reserve is projecting higher inflation this year than it had previously forecast, but says prices will cool more next year.

The pandemic appears to have peaked or be on the verge of peaking, with cases projected to slowly decline this fall and winter. As recently as Sept. 8, people were waiting at COVID-19 testing site in Kentucky, where over 4,000 new cases were confirmed tha

Is The Worst Over? Modelers Predict A Steady Decline In COVID Cases Through March

8:19am September 22, 2021

Though infections are still sky-high, the U.S. may be turning a corner, according to a consortium of researchers who forecast the pandemic. And we may well be spared a winter surge.

The CDC's new research found that those who were vaccinated were nearly five times less likely to get infected, 10 times less likely to get so sick they ended up in the hospital and 11 times less likely to die.

Unvaccinated People Are 11 Times More Likely To Die Of COVID-19, New Research Finds

7:20pm September 10, 2021

by Vanessa Romo

The COVID-19 vaccines continue to provide powerful protection, even against the delta variant, the CDC said. It also found that vaccinated people were 10 times less likely to be hospitalized.

In a fleeting elevator contact, an individual with a good mask — an N95 or KN95, for example — would be unlikely to become either infected or spread the coronavirus, an expert on COVID-19 says.

Health & Safety

Coronavirus FAQs: A Vaccinated Person's Guide To COVID Exposure And Elevator Etiquette

6:41pm September 10, 2021

by Marc Silver

Should you quarantine? Get tested? Mask up? Insist on masks for others? There are many tricky situations to navigate in our delta variant, semi-vaccinated world. Here's advice from experts.

Health & Safety

NC COVID-19 Case Rates Now Highest Among Children

5:04pm September 09, 2021

by April Laissle

One-third of North Carolina's new COVID-19 cases are among children, the largest portion since the pandemic began.

In Idaho, a record number of people are hospitalized with COVID-19, raising the possibility of rationing medical care. Many states are grappling with the fallout of the delta variant's surge in cases.

Health & Safety

A COVID Surge Is Overwhelming U.S. Hospitals, Raising Fears Of Rationed Care

7:00am September 05, 2021

by Will Stone

The delta variant is pummeling America's hospitals, taxing an already-depleted health care workforce. Once again, some states are facing the prospect of rationing medical care.

A community worker delivered daily necessities to a household in Ruili City in China's Yunnan Province during a July lockdown triggered by COVID cases. Ruili closed off its city proper and asked all residents to quarantine at home. Classes were suspended.

Health & Safety

China Is Imposing Strict Lockdowns To Contain New COVID Outbreaks. But There's A Cost

8:10pm September 02, 2021

by Emily Feng

The severe restrictions on travel and movement are having a serious impact on citizens, international workers, students and more as China grapples with the pandemic.