Oxford scientist behind COVID-19 vaccine says next pandemic may be worse

Professor Sarah Gilbert, one of the scientists behind the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, is warning that more money needs to be devoted to research and preparations.

Cruise ship with COVID-19 outbreak docks in New Orleans

Norwegian Cruise Line issued a statement that confirmed a “handful of COVID-19 cases among guests and crew.” The company said all of the identified cases involved people without symptoms of the illness.

5 in California contract omicron linked to Wisconsin wedding

 At least five people in Northern California have contracted the omicron variant of the coronavirus, and the outbreak is linked to a wedding in Wisconsin last month, public health officials said Friday.

California parents knowingly sent child to school with COVID

Northern California parents knowingly sent their COVID-19 positive child and a sibling to school last month in violation of isolation and quarantine rules, causing a coronavirus outbreak in an elementary school, officials said Saturday.

Violations issued to LA County and companies over foul odor in Carson area

Thousands of residents from Carson, West Carson and portions of Gardena, Torrance, Redondo Beach, Wilmington and Long Beach have reported the noxious rotting-egg-like smell. Many have complained of headaches, burning eyes, nausea and other discomfort.

Omicron variant: Pfizer running ‘neutralization tests’ with its COVID-19 vaccine

Companies Pfizer and BioNTech are currently running tests in response to the rapidly spreading omicron variant with data likely available in the coming weeks.

Omicron variant: South Africa may offer glimpse into the future

The new omicron variant appears to be driving a dramatic surge in South Africa, providing the world a glimpse of where the pandemic might be headed.

Long-term COVID-19 smell, taste loss could impact millions, researchers say

As COVID-19 continues to spread, researchers say a significant number of people worldwide may face a long-term or even permanent loss of smell and taste as more become infected.

FDA expands emergency use of 2 COVID-19 monoclonal antibody treatments to infants

Monoclonal antibodies are proteins made in a lab which copy the human immune system’s ability to fight off harmful pathogens such as the novel coronavirus, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Study suggests past COVID-19 infection may not fend off omicron variant

A research group has been tracking reinfections in South Africa and reported a jump with the arrival of omicron that they hadn't seen when two previous variants, including the extra-contagious delta variant, moved through the country.

November jobs report: US employers added a sluggish 210,000 jobs

U.S. employers slowed the pace of their hiring in November, adding 210,000 jobs, as the economy contends with inflation and shortages.

Rapid COVID testing site opens at LAX for international travelers

One day after confirming the county's first case of the Omicron variant of COVID-19, a rapid-testing site will open at Los Angeles International Airport Friday that will offer free -- but voluntary -- COVID tests for arriving international passengers.

U.S. citizen describes stressful trip to South Africa

Brett Nestadt boarded a plane headed for Johannesburg. It'd been 3 years since he'd seen his family in South Africa and was excited for the reunion. But while he was midair, news broke that the omicron variant had been discovered in South Africa.

1st confirmed omicron variant case in Minnesota connected to NY anime convention

The first case of the omicron variant of COVID-19 has been confirmed in Minnesota, the Minnesota Department of Health announced Thursday. The confirmation comes one day after the first U.S. cases of the omicron variant were detected in California.

Los Angeles County confirms first case of omicron variant

The Los Angeles County resident who tested positive for the omicron COVID-19 variant was fully vaccinated and returned to the county after traveling to South Africa from London on Nov. 22.