On COVID vaccinations, Pope says health care is a 'moral obligation'
Francis says individuals have a responsibility to care for themselves "and this translates into respect for the health of those around us."
Health
News brief: Bronx fire, record COVID-19 cases, U.S.-Russia talks on Ukraine
A fire in a New York City high-rise apartment building has killed 19 people. New coronavirus cases are up to about 700,000 per day. The U.S. and Russia are holding talks Monday in Geneva.
The role of tiny blood clots in long COVID
NPR's Michel Martin speaks with scientist Resia Pretorius of Stellenbosch University in South Africa about the key role of microclots in the diagnosis and treatment of long Covid.
Canada's COVID testing crisis
Canada has reported COVID-19 case numbers in recent days many times higher than it has seen at any other point during the pandemic. Demand has overwhelmed testing capacity in much of the country.
Classes for Chicago students are in limbo as teachers, mayor wrangle over omicron
Teachers began refusing to show up for their jobs in-person on Wednesday amid skyrocketing COVID-19 cases, prompting the cancellation of classes for more than 300,000 public school students.
Viruses evolve and weaken over time — what does that mean for the coronavirus?
Ayesha Rascoe talks with biologist Jennie Lavine from biotech firm Karius about how viruses evolve, why they tend to become weaker over time, and what this means for the coronavirus.
Britney Spears left her guardianship, but others who want independence remain stuck
If a judge rules a person can't make their own decisions, the next step can be a legal guardianship or conservatorship. Some states allow less restrictive options, but advocates say it's not enough.
Rebuilding trust in public health
NPR's Michel Martin speaks with infectious disease epidemiologist and science communicator Jessica Malaty Rivera about the CDC's messaging and rebuilding trust with the public.
CDC is criticized for failing to communicate, promises to do better
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention held only two telebriefings in 2021. That lack of transparency has prompted criticism — and a pledge from director Dr. Rochelle Walensky to be more open.
Countries reimpose lockdowns with omicron spread
As the omicron variant of COVID-19 has spread rapidly around the world, some countries have re-imposed lockdowns.