More than 800,000 Americans have died of COVID. Vaccines could have saved 163,000.

The Kaiser Family Foundation estimated COVID-19's avoidable toll since June, when vaccines became widely available.

• Dec 15, 2021

Pro sports taking big COVID hit as Omicron variant spreads rapidly

The NFL, NBA and NHL are all affected. More and more players are sidelined after testing positive for the virus and some games are being postponed.

• Dec 15, 2021

U.S. hits 800,000 COVID deaths

The U.S. reached a grim milestone: 800,000 people have died from COVID-19. Elise Preston has more.

• Dec 14, 2021
• 2:26

U.S. COVID-19 death toll approaches 800,000

Tuesday marks one year since the first American received a COVID-19 vaccine after the vaccines were authorized. Since then, more than 200 million Americans have been fully vaccinated with more than 54 million Americans getting a booster. Despite the success of the nation's immunization efforts, the death toll has continued to climb, and the U.S. is expected to hit 800,000 coronavirus-related deaths by the end of the day. Dr. Louise Aronson, a professor of medicine at the University of California, San Francisco's division of geriatrics and the author of the New York Times bestseller "Elderhood," spoke with CBSN's Tanya Rivero about what this means for the U.S. battle against COVID-19.

• Dec 14, 2021
• 9:05

2 Pfizer doses 70% effective against Omicron hospitalization, data show

Preliminary analysis of the latest real-world data from South Africa shows that while two shots of the vaccine alone may not stop an infection, it will help avoid serious illness.

• Dec 14, 2021

Pfizer seeks FDA authorization for COVID pill

Pfizer has submitted a request for the Food and Drug Administration to provide emergency use authorization for its oral antiviral pill to help fight COVID-19 in high-risk adult patients. Dr. Payal Patel, an infectious disease physician at the University of Michigan, joins CBSN to with more on Pfizer's new pill and the pandemic.

• Dec 14, 2021
• 8:39

Kroger to end paid COVID-19 leave for unvaccinated workers

Grocery chain is also adding a $50 monthly surcharge for unvaccinated employees enrolled in its health care plan.

• Dec 14, 2021

Despite Omicron's takeover, expert says South Africa "in a good space"

Unlike previous COVID variants, Omicron has not brought a spike in hospitalizations. One vaccinologist thanks natural immunity, and says it will be a "true test" for the vaccines.

• Dec 14, 2021

The latest on Omicron variant

Health officials are working to learn more about the new Omicron COVID-19 variant. Michael George speaks with CBS News chief medical correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook about what is known and what can be expected.

• Nov 27, 2021
• 2:03

Pfizer says new trial data confirms high efficacy of its COVID antiviral pills

Early data from the company's experiments suggest the pill will be effective against all variants, including Omicron.

• Dec 14, 2021

California joining New York in reinstituting indoor mask mandate

The mandates for public places are slated to be in effect until January 15. But some county officials in New York are balking.

• Dec 14, 2021

South Africa president positive for COVID-19

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has tested positive for COVID-19, amid the spread of the Omicron variant in the country. The 69-year-old is experiencing mild symptoms and is fully vaccinated. CBS foreign correspondent Lucy Craft joins "CBSN AM" from Tokyo with more on this story and other international headlines.

• Dec 13, 2021
• 3:46

One year since first Pfizer vaccination

It has been exactly one year since the Food and Drug Administration authorized the Pfizer vaccine — the first of three COVID-19 vaccines now in use in the United States. During that time, more than 480 million shots have been administered. But even with those protections, case numbers have gone up 22% in the past two weeks. That sharp increase is a stark reminder that despite the effectiveness of the vaccines, the virus is still able to spread. Michael George has the latest.

• Dec 11, 2021
• 3:03

Britain announces new COVID restrictions

Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced plans to speed up the COVID-19 booster vaccine rollout amid an increase in Omicron variant cases in the country. Charlie D'Agata reports.

• Dec 13, 2021
• 1:58

First Omicron death confirmed in U.K. as PM warns of "tidal wave" of infection

Prime Minister Boris Johnson says the variant will account for a majority of new COVID cases in London within a day as it spreads at a "phenomenal rate."

• Dec 13, 2021

Scientist in South Africa says Omicron "may have" peaked in Johannesburg

Dr. Tulio Oliveira, who leads the team that first reported the Omicron variant, says it "may have" reached its peak in Johannesburg.

• Dec 12, 2021
• 8:24

Face The Nation with Margaret Brennan: Sununu, de Oliveira, El-Erian

Missed the second half of the show? The latest on a winter COVID surge in New Hampshire, the Federal Reserve's failure to curb inflation, and Johannesburg's battle with the Omicron variant.

• Dec 12, 2021
• 22:39

Most Americans still making holiday plans despite Omicron variant

The Omicron variant has been detected in dozens of states across the U.S., but CBS News national correspondent Mark Strassmann reports on a new CBS News poll that indicates its spread is not deterring Americans from gathering this holiday season. Then, CBSN's Lana Zak sits down with CBS News reporter and researcher Max Bayer to discuss the latest on the Omicron variant.

• Dec 12, 2021
• 8:39

Gottlieb says COVID increase driven by "dense epidemics," cold weather

Dr. Scott Gottlieb says the increase in COVID-19 cases is driven by "dense epidemics" in several states and people spending more time indoors during the winter.

• Dec 12, 2021
• 5:04

Full transcript of "Face the Nation" on December 12, 2021

On this "Face the Nation" broadcast, Governors Andy Beshear and Asa Hutchinson join Margaret Brennan.

• Dec 12, 2021

Omicron found in 57 countries, but Delta still dominant

CBS News’ Elizabeth Palmer reports 35 million COVID-19 vaccine doses are administered worldwide every day, but it's a long way from enough to end the pandemic.

• Dec 12, 2021
• 1:52

U.S. COVID-19 cases continue to spike as Omicron is found in 27 states

CBS News’ Mark Strassmann reports on the ongoing impacts of the coronavirus pandemic in the United States.

• Dec 12, 2021
• 2:09

Open: This is "Face the Nation," December 12

Today on "Face the Nation," a rare cluster of December tornadoes leave a catastrophic trail through the Southeast and Midwest as COVID-19 cases continue to spike in the colder temperatures.

• Dec 12, 2021
• 1:46

Americans plan social holiday season despite Omicron - CBS News poll

People who are vaccinated call for requirements on planes, public places.

• Dec 12, 2021

One year after FDA authorized Pfizer's COVID vaccine, cases are on the rise

Saturday marks one year since the Food and Drug Administration authorized Pfizer's COVID-19​ vaccine.

• Dec 11, 2021

Show More