Another summer COVID surge is here, but does it matter? What to know
COVID-19 is on the upswing again and levels of the virus are “very high” throughout the country, including in the D.C. area. Here’s what to know about the latest surge.
The Latest
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The CDC has relaxed COVID guidelines. Will schools and day cares follow suit?
Four years after the COVID-19 pandemic closed schools, the CDC says parents can start treating the virus like other respiratory illnesses.
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Older US adults should get another COVID-19 shot, advisers say
Older U.S. adults should roll up their sleeves for another COVID-19 shot, even if they got a booster in the fall, an influential government advisory panel said.
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Newest COVID shots are 54% effective in preventing symptoms, CDC finds
The latest COVID-19 vaccines are 54% effective at preventing symptomatic infection in adults.
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In a break with CDC, California quietly changed its Covid isolation guidelines
In California, a person who tests positive for Covid and has no symptoms does not need to isolate, according to new state health guidelines.
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As winter virus activity picks up, CDC warns of ‘urgent need' to boost vaccine coverage
Not enough Americans are being vaccinated against Covid, the flu and RSV to stem rising numbers of the respiratory illnesses, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Thursday.
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Virginia expects to wipe out pandemic unemployment backlog next summer
The Virginia agency that processes unemployment benefits doesn’t expect to finish clearing its pandemic-related backlog until next summer. A top agency official gave that update to lawmakers at an oversight hearing in Richmond on Wednesday. Jeff Ryan of the Virginia Employment Commission says first-level appeals are the largest pressure point... -
Insurance hurdles for new Covid vaccines largely resolved, Biden administration says
Reports of people being denied insurance coverage for the latest Covid vaccines emerged last week as the shots were rolled out to pharmacies
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A blood test for long COVID is possible, a study suggests
More than three years into the pandemic, the millions of people who have suffered from long COVID finally have scientific proof that their condition is real.
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Merck Covid drug linked to virus mutations that can spread between people, new study says
There is still no evidence that molnupiravir, sold under the brand name Lagevrio, has produced more transmissible or severe variants of Covid.
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Free COVID tests now available again through the mail. How to get yours
As cases and hospitalizations climb in the U.S., government officials are bringing back a program that brings free COVID tests mailed directly to residents.
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U.S. will again offer free at-home Covid tests starting Monday
Americans will soon be able to use COVIDtests.gov to request four free tests, the Biden administration said in a release.
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New Covid boosters could reach Americans as soon as Thursday – here's what you need to know
Updated Covid boosters from Pfizer and Moderna will soon be administered at pharmacies, and many other locations across the U.S.
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CDC recommends updated Covid shot for everyone ages 6 months and up
Everyone ages 6 months and older should get the updated Covid vaccine this fall, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Tuesday.
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FDA approves updated Covid vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna as hospitalizations rise
The Biden administration said it expects the new Pfizer and Moderna vaccines targeting the omicron variant XBB.1.5 to be available in mid-September.
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Montgomery County elementary school boosts security after criticism of mask requirement
Four people in a kindergarten classroom at Rosemary Hills Elementary School tested positive for COVID, prompting Principal Rebecca Irwin Kennedy to send a letter to parents on Tuesday. Kennedy said in the letter that students in the class would be required to wear a mask for the next 10 days.
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FDA could greenlight new COVID boosters as early as Friday
The Food and Drug Administration plans to greenlight updated versions of the COVID-19 booster as early as Friday, according to four people familiar with the agency’s plans.
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COVID is on the rise again. What to know on variants, symptoms and vaccines
An uptick in COVID cases and hospitalizations has brought new concerns about whether the upcoming vaccines will be effective against the latest variants.
