In the News

High demand and scarce supply opened the door to bad actors, and officials in some states are having a hard time keeping up their oversight amid the proliferation.
 

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has said Americans should wear the most protective mask they can, but stopped short of recommending an N95 or similar face covering.
 

At this difficult moment of the pandemic, a great deal of distress is the result of a basic disconnect. Even as Americans hear frightening news about record numbers of infections and hospitalizations, there is growing confusion about testing, booster doses and medications — the very tools we use to protect ourselves from Covid-19. [Opinion]

Pandemics do end, even if Omicron is making it difficult to know when. But when it does, it will not completely go away. The world will have to learn to live with this virus. Luckily, there are some defenses now.
 

Could the omicron surge be starting to peak in the United States? Some researchers see early signs in some areas of the country.
 

Americans' views of life with COVID, and the ultimate goal we're trying to achieve, appear to be evolving quickly at this point in the pandemic.

As evidence mounts that the omicron variant is less deadly than prior COVID-19 strains, one oft-cited explanation is that viruses always evolve to become less virulent over time. The problem, experts say, is that this theory has been soundly debunked.
 

Here's what we know so far about the different ways to swab for COVID-19 rapid tests and how effective they are.

Third shots for adolescent boys and young men were already a hard sell. Then came Omicron.
 

Amesh Adalja discusses the role of the COVID vaccine as new variants emerge on ‘Kennedy.’

COVID case numbers are still going up. Kids under 5 won't be eligible for vaccination for months. How can parents make smart decisions in the meantime?
Tara Kirk Sell and Kawsar Talaat are quoted. 

A massive increase in gun sales in early 2020 seems to have contributed to the recent rise in homicides.
Daniel Webster and Cass Crifasi are quoted.