World Health Organization calls new COVID strain a "variant of concern"
The U.S. moved to ban travelers from eight African countries in the wake of the announcement.
COVID-19
New COVID variant found in South Africa
A new strain of the coronavirus found in South Africa is alarming scientists around the world. CBS News foreign correspondent Debora Patta and CBS News reporter and researcher Max Bayer explain why this new variant is so concerning.
Pfizer is testing its vaccine against new COVID-19 strain
Drugmaker said it could develop a vaccine for the Omicron variant in 100 days, but government clearance could take longer.
How could U.S. respond to new COVID variant?
Some governments have already started imposing travel restrictions because of a new potentially dangerous COVID-19 variant detected in South Africa. Britain has banned flights from South Africa and other neighboring countries, and Israel and Singapore also announced tighter border restrictions in response to the latest threat. CBS News chief White House correspondent Nancy Cordes joined CBSN to discuss a possible U.S. response.
Coronavirus variant found in Israel
The new coronavirus variant has been detected in Israel. The corruption trial of former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continues with more high-profile testimony. CBS News radio correspondent Robert Berger joins CBSN from Jerusalem with these and other stories from the nation.
Millions expected to shop on Black Friday amid busy holiday season
According to the National Retail Federation, more than 108 million people plan to shop in stores or online on Black Friday.
New COVID-19 variant raises global concerns
A new COVID-19 variant with origins in South Africa has been discovered, CBS News foreign correspondent Debora Patta reports. The World Health Organization is working to address concerns about the variant. Dr. Ron Elfenbein, the medical director and owner of FirstCall Medical Center, joins CBSN to discuss the variant, vaccine efforts and COVID-19 surges amid the holidays.
New COVID variant sparks travel bans and an anxious wait for data
South African scientists were quick to detect and report the strain, but it's been detected in 3 other nations. Full analysis will take weeks, but some countries are already banning flights.
FDA says experimental COVID-19 pill from Merck is effective
Federal health regulators said they will seek input from outside experts on risks of birth defects and other potential problems during pregnancy.
South Africa detects new coronavirus variant amid spike in cases
Scientists say the new variant is a concern because of its high number of mutations and rapid spread among young people in one of the country's provinces.
South Africa identifies new coronavirus variant
Scientists have discovered a potentially dangerous new variant of the coronavirus in South Africa. Researchers there are trying to reverse-engineer the Moderna vaccine with the blessings of the World Health Organization. Debora Patta reports.
Scientists warn of COVID surge following holidays
More than 53 million Americans are expected to travel for Thanksgiving this year. Medical officials say they are worried that holiday gatherings could cause a spike in infections. A new forecast from the CDC predicts that COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths will be on the rise over the next few weeks. Intensive care physician Dr. Lakshmana Swamy joins CBSN to discuss.
Military to help overwhelmed Michigan hospitals treat COVID patients
The CEO of the statewide hospital group said the situation is "dire" and the Department of Defense's support is "desperately needed."
Millions take to the road and sky before holiday
More than 50 million Americans are expected to travel for Thanksgiving -- the highest number of estimated travelers since before the pandemic. Errol Barnett takes a look.
Health officials urge COVID caution for holiday
As Americans prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving, health officials are urging people to take precautions to protect against the spread of COVID-19. Nikki Battiste shares more.
COVID patients flood Minnesota hospitals
Hospitals in Minnesota are dealing with an overwhelming number of COVID-19 patients. Nearly 9,000 patients are in the ICU, and many hospitals can no longer accept new patients. CBS Minnesota's Caroline Cummings joins CBSN's Tanya Rivero to discuss.
Most Connecticut cities reach state's red alert for COVID infections
Sixty-five percent of Connecticut's 169 cities and towns are now in the red alert level, the state's highest of four levels for COVID-19 infections, according to state data released Wednesday.
U.S. COVID infections on the rise
COVID-19 cases have jumped more than 16% over the past week, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, with at least 30 states reporting increasing cases and hospitalizations. Columbia University Pediatric surgeon Dr. Susannah Hills spoke with CBSN's Anne-Marie Green about what people should keep in mind during the holiday season.
Biden applauds unemployment dip to 52-year low
President Biden touted the drop in first-time unemployment benefit claims to a 52-year low, though he faces other economic problems like rising prices and supply chain issues amid speculation on a possible second term. Sabrina Rodríguez, national political correspondent for Politico, joins CBSN to discuss the news from the White House.
WorldView: COVID mandates spark violent protests
Vaccine mandates have sparked violent protests across the French Caribbean. CBS News foreign correspondent Chris Livesay joins CBSN AM from Rome with more on that story and other international headlines.
Canada becomes first country to fully approve Johnson & Johnson vaccine
The full authorization makes Canada the first country to do so for Johnson & Johnson's COVID vaccine.
"General Hospital" actor Steve Burton fired for refusing vaccine
Steve Burton has intermittently starred on the soap opera since 1992, portraying the character of Jason Morgan.
Scientists work to decode Moderna's COVID vaccine to help Africa
Only 5% of Africans are fully vaccinated against the coronavirus, thanks largely to big pharmaceutical companies supplying wealthy nations first. Rebels in lab coats are trying to redress the imbalance.
Delta variant makes up 99% of U.S. COVID cases
COVID-19 cases are surging in several parts of the U.S. ahead of the holidays. Infections are also rising among children. Emergency medicine physician Dr. Hiral Tipirneni joins CBSN's Elaine Quijano to discuss the latest pandemic news.
Biden releases oil reserves to battle gas prices
President Biden announced plans to release oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve in an effort to bring down high gas prices. Ed O'Keefe shares more.
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