California coronavirus updates: State adopts CDC recommendation for shortened quarantine period, but with testing requirement

9:15 a.m.: California adopts CDC recommendation for shortened quarantine period, but with testing requirement

California will permit vaccinated individuals who have examined constructive for the coronavirus however haven’t got signs to end isolation and quarantine after five days, however solely with a unfavourable take a look at.

The ​​transfer comes after the Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention shortened its recommended quarantine time from 10 to 5 days earlier this week for anybody who has examined constructive however shouldn’t be displaying signs. 

Below the brand new California steerage, all individuals who take a look at constructive for COVID-19 ought to keep dwelling for no less than 5 days. After that, you’ll be able to finish isolation after your signs disappear and also you take a look at unfavourable for the virus on or after day 5.

Anybody who’s unvaccinated or eligible for a booster shot and has not obtained one ought to isolate after publicity. People who find themselves absolutely vaccinated and boosted needn’t isolate after being uncovered to somebody with COVID-19.

The steerage recommends that anybody who exams constructive ought to nonetheless put on a well-fitting masks round others for 10 days, even after a unfavourable take a look at.

Whereas well being specialists have stated current research do assist a shortened quarantine normally, some have expressed concern over the brand new CDC guidelines as it’s still possible to transmit the virus after five days.

8:52 a.m.: California prisons fight COVID-19 outbreaks amid staff concerns

With the brand new and extra infectious omicron variant sweeping California, attorneys representing inmates say violations of well being orders by jail employees threat a repeat of the outbreaks that killed dozens within the first 12 months of the pandemic. 

According to the Associated Press, the newest statistics present massive percentages of staff who’re required to be examined twice weekly aren’t doing so, and most face no penalties. Corrections officers say these figures are suspect however cannot present up to date information. They’re shutting down admissions to at least one jail amid an outbreak. 

The priority comes as new circumstances soar throughout California and state fashions predict a gradual improve in hospitalizations and intensive care admissions over the subsequent month.

9:49 a.m.: US children being hospitalized with COVID-19 at near-record levels

The omicron-fueled surge that’s sending COVID-19 circumstances rocketing within the U.S. is placing youngsters within the hospital at near file numbers.

According to the Associated Press, specialists lament that many of the younger youngsters in hospitals with COVID-19 are usually not vaccinated. Vaccines are usually not presently authorized for youngsters youthful than 5 years outdated.

Two months after vaccinations have been authorized for 5- to 11–12 months olds, about 14% are absolutely protected, CDC information reveals. The speed is larger for 12- to 17-year olds, at about 53%.

In California, 80 COVID-19 contaminated youngsters have been admitted to the hospital through the week of Dec. 20-26, in contrast with 50 within the final week of November, well being officers stated.

9:23 a.m.: WHO leader worried about ‘tsunami’ of omicron and delta COVID-19 cases

The top of the World Well being Group stated he’s anxious in regards to the omicron and delta variants of COVID-19 producing a “tsunami” of circumstances between them, in keeping with the Related Press.

High officers with the U.N. well being company cautioned Wednesday that it’s nonetheless too early to be reassured by preliminary information suggesting that the omicron variant results in milder illness.

The WHO’s director-general urged everybody to make a “new 12 months’s decision” to get behind a marketing campaign to vaccinate 70% of nations’ populations by the start of July.

Ninety-two of WHO’s 194 member international locations missed a goal to vaccinate 40% of their populations by the top of the 12 months.

9:15 a.m.: Health experts plead for nursing home residents and staff to get booster shots

Federal Well being officers are urgent nursing dwelling staff to get their booster photographs amid a spike in COVID-19 circumstances amongst staffers and a regarding lag in booster vaccination for residents and employees.

In response to the Related Press, Well being Secretary Xavier Becerra stated the nation can not afford one other COVID-19 surge in nursing houses.

With medical specialists advising {that a} booster shot is crucial to defending in opposition to the omicron variant, Becerra stated solely 57% of nursing dwelling residents and 25% of employees have gotten boosters.

These numbers are clearly behind booster charges of almost 66% for senior residents and about 45% for the grownup inhabitants generally.

9:38 a.m.: California records 5 million known coronavirus infections

California has turn into the primary state to file greater than 5 million recognized coronavirus infections, in keeping with the Related Press.

The state dashboard reported the numbers yesterday, which have been delayed due to the vacation weekend.

The grim milestone, as reported by the California Division of Public Well being, wasn’t totally sudden in a state with 40 million residents — particularly after a surge of latest infections amid vacation events and indoor household gatherings.

California’s caseload is comparable, by inhabitants, to different massive states. Texas has had greater than 4.4 million case, whereas Florida topped 3.9 million as of Sunday.

9:30 a.m.: Here’s how Biden’s COVID-19 at-home testing program will work

President Joe Biden stated the federal authorities will purchase half a billion COVID-19 fast take a look at kits and distribute them freed from cost for individuals to make use of at dwelling.

Nevertheless, it’ll be a couple of extra weeks earlier than any exams go into the mail as a result of the primary batch of the five hundred million exams aren’t anticipated to be prepared for cargo till early January.

According to the Associated Press, the administration can be nonetheless finalizing how the formidable program will work.

Right here’s some solutions to some frequent questions on this system.

My drugstore doesn’t have any exams. How can I get a free package from the federal government?

You’ll should undergo a brand new authorities web site to request a package, however the web site received’t be useful till after the primary batch of take a look at kits have been delivered. The concept is that anybody who desires a package would log into this web site to request one.

Will I be restricted to at least one take a look at, or can I request a number of?

That is nonetheless to be decided.

Is there one other technique to get a take a look at package without spending a dime?

Biden just lately stated in a speech that beginning subsequent month, personal insurers will cowl the price of at-home testing. Folks must purchase the take a look at both at a retailer or on-line after which search reimbursement from their medical health insurance supplier.

Biden stated that the federal government may even present entry to free-at-home exams for individuals who could not have medical health insurance.

8:51 a.m.: Number of COVID-19 cases soars to highest level

Greater than a 12 months after the vaccine was rolled out, new circumstances of COVID-19 within the U.S. have soared to the very best stage of latest each day circumstances on file at over 265,000 per day on common.

According to the Associated, the surge has been primarily pushed by the extremely contagious omicron variant. COVID-19 deaths within the U.S. have climbed over the previous two weeks from a median of 1,200 per day to round 1,500.

The variety of People now within the hospital with COVID-19 is operating at round 60,000, or about half the determine seen in January. In response to information saved by Johns Hopkins College, the earlier file was 250,000 circumstances per day, set in mid-January.

12:22 p.m.: Sacramento cancels Old Sacramento New Years’ Eve fireworks due to omicron

Town of Sacramento is canceling the New Years’ Eve fireworks present on the Outdated Sacramento waterfront.

The choice was made “on the recommendation of public well being officers” as a result of omicron’s unfold. It is the second 12 months in a row this occasion has been canceled as a result of a COVID-19 surge.

County well being officers stated that Sacramento’s each day case charge has jumped from 15.1 per 100,000 residents to 22.6 previously 5 days, which works out to a 50% improve.

9:26 a.m.: Fauci suggests Americans should be vaccinated for domestic air travel

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the highest U.S. infectious illness professional, stated the nation ought to take into account a vaccination mandate for home air journey.

According to the Associated Press, his current feedback sign a possible embrace of an concept the Biden administration has beforehand eschewed.

Fauci stated such a mandate would possibly drive up the lagging U.S. vaccination charge in addition to confer stronger safety on flights as an infection charges spike.

The Biden administration has to this point balked at imposing a vaccination requirement for home air journey, so his science advisers have but to make a proper suggestion for such a request.

Officers who spoke on the situation of anonymity stated a vaccine mandate for aircraft journey might set off a authorized conundrum.

9:12 a.m.: The flu is making a strong comeback this winter

The U.S. flu season has arrived on schedule after taking a 12 months off. In response to the Related Press, flu hospitalizations are rising and the primary two little one deaths have been reported.

Final 12 months’s flu season was the bottom on file. That’s seemingly as a result of COVID-19 measures — similar to faculties closing and folks sporting masks — prevented the unfold of influenza. It’s additionally attainable that the coronavirus by some means pushed apart different viruses.

This 12 months’s flu pressure additionally appears to trigger extreme illness, particularly within the aged and the very younger. Well being officers are urging individuals to get their flu vaccines.

9:20 a.m.: COVID-19 pills come with a catch

Newly contaminated COVID-19 sufferers have two new remedy choices that may be taken at dwelling.

Nevertheless, that comfort comes with a catch — the tablets should be taken as quickly as attainable as soon as signs seem, in keeping with the Related Press.

This brings up the problem of getting examined, getting a prescription and beginning the capsule inside 5 days of the beginning of signs, when many could not even know they’re sick with COVID-19.

The just lately licensed tablets have been proven to cut back the possibilities of hospitalization or loss of life from COVID-19 in high-risk sufferers. The tablets are supposed for these with gentle or reasonable COVID-19 who usually tend to turn into critically in poor health.

9:03 a.m.: Omicron didn’t stop holiday shoppers from spending money

Whereas the most recent COVID-19 variant has upended vacation plans for tens of 1000’s of vacationers, it didn’t appear to do a lot injury to vacation buying, in keeping with the Related Press.

Airways canceled a whole bunch of flights on Sunday and Monday, citing staffing issues tied to COVID-19 and stretching the nation’s aircraft journey woes past Christmas. There may be nonetheless no clear indication of when a standard schedule would resume.

Nevertheless, whereas individuals missed their flights, consumers discovered themselves shrugging off the omicron variant. Vacation gross sales rose on the quickest tempo in 17 years.

Omicron is prone to gradual the financial system’s unexpectedly sturdy rebound from final 12 months’s coronavirus recession and will add extra warmth to already simmering inflation, but it surely’s not but clear how deep the harm will go or how lengthy it’ll final.

8:50 a.m.: Omicron continues to disrupt year-end travel plans

Flight cancellations that disrupted vacation journey stretched into Monday, with main U.S. airways every canceling dozens of flights.

In response to the Related Press, staffers at totally different airliners have been calling out sick due to COVID-19, inflicting a scarcity in current days. FlightAware, a web site that tracks flight cancellations, discovered that airways have canceled roughly 4,000 flights to, from, or contained in the U.S. since Friday.

Delta, United, JetBlue and American have all stated that the omicron variant was inflicting staffing issues. European and Australian airways have additionally canceled holiday-season flights as a result of the employees have been out sick with COVID-19, however different components similar to climate have performed a job as effectively.

10:03 a.m.: Cal State system to require students, faculty and staff to get COVID-19 booster shots

The California State University system introduced that it’ll require college, employees, and college students attending courses or engaged on campus to obtain a COVID-19 booster shot.

College students, college, and employees can be required to be vaccinated by Feb. 28, 2022, or six months after they obtain their remaining dose of their first set of vaccinations. Nevertheless, particular person campuses could set up an earlier date for compliance based mostly on native circumstances.

“Vaccination, together with a booster when eligible, stays our only technique in opposition to an infection and extreme illness,” CSU Chancellor Joseph I. Castro stated. “Implementing the booster requirement now will assist mitigate the potential unfold of the variant on campuses as they repopulate in January after the winter break.”

CSU’s COVID-19 vaccination coverage does permit college students and staff to hunt exemptions based mostly on medical or non secular grounds.

9:29 a.m.: FDA approves Pfizer’s COVID-19 pill

The U.S. has licensed the primary capsule in opposition to COVID-19, a Pfizer drug that People take at dwelling to cut back the chance of hospitalization and loss of life, in keeping with the Related Press.

The Meals and Drug Administration announcement comes because the nation braces for a wave of latest infections from the omicron variant threatening already-strained hospitals.

Pfizer’s prescription capsule is the primary U.S. remedy that doesn’t require an injection or an IV, making it a long-awaited milestone within the battle in opposition to the virus.

Nevertheless, preliminary provides can be extraordinarily restricted with simply sufficient to deal with tens of 1000’s of individuals because it was licensed just for high-risk sufferers who’re probably to get extreme sickness.

9:18 a.m.: Secret Service says nearly $100 billion in pandemic relief funds was stolen

The U.S. Secret Service says almost $100 billion has been stolen from COVID-19 aid applications set as much as assist companies and people who misplaced their jobs because of the pandemic.

In response to the Related Press, this staggering sum represents solely a small proportion — lower than 3% — of the pandemic advantages program funds.

The estimate is predicated on Secret Service circumstances and information from the Labor Division and the Small Enterprise Administration, nonetheless, it doesn’t embrace circumstances dealt with by the Justice Division.

The Secret Service’s nationwide pandemic fraud restoration coordinator stated that the company has greater than 900 lively felony investigations into pandemic fraud.

5:15 p.m.: California to require health care workers get booster shots

California is anticipated to require well being care staff to obtain a COVID-19 booster shot, in keeping with a tweet by Gov. Gavin Newsom.

“With Omicron on the rise, we’re taking speedy actions to guard Californians and guarantee our hospitals are ready,” Newsom tweeted Tuesday night. He stated extra particulars can be given Wednesday. The governor has a public look scheduled at a vaccine clinic in Alameda County that day.

The state has required health care workers to be vaccinated since August, after initially placing a vaccine or testing coverage in place in July. 

California will be a part of plenty of different states and establishments which can be requiring boosters. New Mexico was the first state to require well being care staff and public staff to get a booster shot.

Wednesday may even be one week since state well being officers reinstated an indoor mask mandate for indoor areas for all Californians no matter vaccination standing. 

2:50 p.m.: First Sacramento County omicron variant cases confirmed

Sacramento County introduced its first confirmed omicron COVID-19 circumstances Tuesday, a day after the variant turned the most common in the United States.

County well being officers reported two circumstances, although stated they’re unrelated and neither has a historical past of journey. One particular person has gentle signs and the opposite is asymptomatic, however was discovered via weekly testing. One particular person is vaccinated and the opposite shouldn’t be.

“The Omicron variant will be very contagious,” Sacramento County Public Well being Officer Olivia Kasirye stated in an announcement. “Our greatest safety in opposition to COVID-19 continues to be the vaccine. We urge all eligible residents to get vaccinated as a way to shield themselves, and their household and buddies.”

As of Monday, 64% of Sacramento County residents have been absolutely vaccinated.

Whereas these are the primary confirmed circumstances in Sacramento County, researchers from Stanford College introduced earlier this month that that they had discovered traces of the omicron variant in the county’s wastewater in samples taken Nov. 30. California well being officers introduced on Dec. 1 that one particular person in San Francisco examined constructive for the variant once they returned to the Bay Space from South Africa.  

The primary confirmed omicron case within the area was found in Yolo County Dec. 9. Final week an outbreak of the brand new variant was recognized at a West Sacramento high school.

12:02 p.m.: Infectious disease expert recommends wearing N-95 masks while traveling

The CDC has confirmed that the omicron variant is now probably the most dominant COVID-19 variant within the U.S. On the finish of final week, it accounted for simply 3% of circumstances, but it surely now makes up 73%.

UC Davis Well being Chief of Pediatric Infectious Illnesses Dr. Dean Blumberg stated that since omicron is so contagious, vaccines and masks are important. Nevertheless, fabric masks are difficult since they aren’t standardized.

“The disposable surgical masks, these are standardized, so these are worthwhile utilizing,” he stated. “Double masking is one other technique, and in the event you’re going to be someplace the place you’re not capable of social distance for a protracted time period, utilizing an N-95 is a good suggestion.”

Greater than 109 million persons are anticipated to journey over the subsequent two weeks, regardless of the most recent COVID-19 surge.

Blumberg recommends N-95 masks for aircraft journey and crowded buses and trains.

11:47 a.m.: City of Sacramento launches e-gift card program to encourage residents to support local businesses affected by the pandemic

Town of Sacramento has launched “Store 916,” a citywide e-gift card program to entice individuals to spend their cash at native companies.

Consumers who purchase a present card starting from $25 to $100 will get a bonus reward card wherever between $10 to $50.

The playing cards can be utilized at collaborating retailers, eating places and different shops. Store 916 is funded with $200,000 from the federal American Rescue Plan as part of the Metropolis Council’s authorized $8.2 million framework for enterprise restoration efforts.

“That is the primary ARP-funded enterprise program to launch, and the objective is to maintain native {dollars} native,” Assistant Metropolis Supervisor Michael Jasso stated.

Companies inside the metropolis of Sacramento which have 500 or fewer full-time staff, besides home-based companies, franchises, liquor-only shops, and hashish companies, can participate in the program.

The promotion will run till Feb. 15, however bonus reward playing cards will expire by Feb. 27. Bonus playing cards are additionally restricted to 5 per purchaser.

9:40 a.m.: Omicron’s domination brings fear and uncertainty in the US

Simply as People and Europeans have been eagerly awaiting their most traditional vacation season in a few years, the omicron variant has turned everybody’s plans the other way up by unleashing a contemporary spherical of concern and uncertainty.

Everybody, from vacationers, consumers, party-goers and extra, have all been affected. In response to the Related Press, the Rockettes have canceled their annual Christmas present in New York Metropolis.

The Nationwide Hockey League suspended its video games till after Christmas, and cities like Boston now plan to require diners, revelers and consumers to indicate proof of vaccination to enter eating places, bars, and shops.

3:06 p.m.: Omicron now makes up a majority of new U.S. COVID-19 cases

Omicron has raced forward of different variants and is now the dominant model of the coronavirus within the U.S. 

In response to the Related Press, on Monday federal well being officers stated that omicron accounted for an estimated 73% of latest infections final week. The Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention numbers present almost a six-fold improve within the proportion of infections in just one week. 

Because the finish of June, the delta variant has been the primary model inflicting U.S. infections. Scientists in Africa first sounded the alarm about omicron lower than a month in the past.

Read more from NPR.

9:45 a.m.: Omicron may be sidelining two COVID-19 treatments

The rapidly-spreading omicron variant could quickly depart U.S. docs with out two of the usual remedies they’ve used to struggle COVID-19, in keeping with the Related Press.

Antibody medication from Regeneron and Eli Lilly have been the go-to medication to maintain sufferers out of the hospital, however the drugmakers are warning that their infused drugs are far much less potent in opposition to the most recent variant.

A 3rd drug from GlaxoSmithKline could also be efficient, but it surely’s not extensively accessible within the U.S.

For now, federal officers are stockpiling doses to be used within the coming weeks, as specialists predict omicron might dominate the U.S. outbreak by early subsequent 12 months.

9:41 a.m.: Hospitals around the country are struggling again as beds keep filling with COVID-19 patients

Many hospitals throughout the nation are struggling to deal with burnout amongst docs, nurses and different staff.

Already buffeted by a crush of sufferers from the continued surge of the delta variant, they’re now bracing for the fallout of omicron, according to the Associated Press.

Some states have discovered themselves turning to tough selections. Ohio has turn into the most recent to deploy the Nationwide Guard to overwhelmed services, Nebraska hospitals could quickly ration care, and Kansas and Missouri are delaying surgical procedures.

Los Angeles has needed to swap up their Grand Park New Years’ Eve celebration to return to digital after plans have been in movement to do a small invite-only social gathering of first responders and frontline staff. Whereas in New York Metropolis, Christmas reveals and a few Broadway performs have shuttered their doorways once more for the season.

“We’re in a state of affairs the place we are actually going through a vital delta surge, and we’re trying over our shoulder at an oncoming surge,” Chief Medical Adviser Dr. Anthony Fauci stated of the 2 COVID-19 variants.

The nationwide seven-day common of COVID-19 hospital admissions was 60,000 by Wednesday, far off final winter’s peak however nonetheless 50% larger than in early November. The state of affairs is extra acute in cold-weather areas, the place persons are more and more gathering inside and new infections are piling up.

9:23 a.m.: Military service members are finding it challenging to get religious exemptions for COVID-19 shot

Greater than 12,000 army service members are refusing the COVID-19 vaccine and looking for a spiritual exemption. To this point, they’re having no success, as not a single request has been granted.

In response to the Related Press, the providers are urgently attempting to maintain the pandemic in test by getting nearly all troops vaccinated. Nevertheless, the army branches are besieged with exemption requests they’re unlikely to approve.

In the meantime, troops claiming non secular causes for avoiding their vaccinations are perplexed as a result of the exemptions are theoretically accessible however seemingly not possible to acquire.

Getting an exemption is rooted in a course of that predates the pandemic. It has been used for selections similar to whether or not troops on responsibility can put on head coverings or beards for non secular causes.

9:44 a.m.: CDC is now endorsing ‘test-to-stay’ policies in schools

U.S. well being officers are endorsing “test-to-stay” insurance policies that permit shut contacts of scholars contaminated with the coronavirus to stay in school rooms in the event that they take a look at unfavourable, according to the Associated Press.

On Friday, the Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention determined to extra firmly embrace the method after analysis of such insurance policies within the Chicago and Los Angeles areas discovered COVID-19 infections didn’t improve when faculties switched to test-to-stay.

Initially, the CDC had really useful that when anyone in a college exams constructive, these deemed to be in shut contact with them ought to keep out of college for 10 days.

9:18 a.m.: Can our family pets get COVID-19? Yes, but the risk of them spreading to us is low.

Well being officers say pets and different animals can catch COVID-19, however the threat of them spreading it to people is low, according to the Associated Press.

Canines, cats, ferrets, rabbits, otters, hyenas and white-tailed deer are among the many animals which have examined constructive, normally after contracting it from contaminated individuals.

The Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention stated people with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 ought to keep away from contact with pets, livestock and wildlife, in addition to different individuals.

They stated one of the best ways to stop the virus from spreading to our furry members of the family is to regulate the unfold amongst people.

8:57 a.m.: Some colleges and universities are reimposing mask mandates or weekly COVID-19 testing

Schools throughout the U.S. are beginning to require booster photographs, extending masks mandates and reverting to on-line courses as they brace for the brand new omicron variant.

As reported by the Associated Press, greater than 30 schools have stated they’ll require boosters. Others are extending masks mandates into the subsequent 12 months or will get college students examined weekly, like at Stanford College.

Nonetheless, different universities are planning to begin subsequent time period on-line to stop outbreaks after the vacations. The brand new variant comes as a intestine punch to varsities that have been hoping to chill out security measures this spring and take a step in the direction of normalcy.

2:26 p.m.: Kings facing possible COVID-19 outbreak

The Sacramento Kings are grappling with a possible COVID-19 outbreak among the many staff and probably different employees. 

An NBA supply has confirmed with CapRadio that interim head coach Alvin Gentry examined constructive for the virus this week. That supply additionally says there are further circumstances and no less than two gamers in what the league refers to as “well being and security protocols.” The staff canceled a planned practice Thursday.

The league guidelines for COVID-19 can get a little bit difficult. If a participant or coach enters these so-called protocols, it doesn’t imply they’ve examined constructive for the virus. It could point out they’ve been in shut proximity to somebody who’s the virus, a attainable publicity. 

To return to the staff, a person will want a number of unfavourable COVID-19 exams in a 24-hour interval.

The Kings have a recreation in Sacramento Friday night time, and the NBA, which is answerable for the league schedule, would announce if that recreation occurs as deliberate or is canceled.

The virus is affecting different NBA groups this week, together with the Chicago Bulls, who’ve had two video games canceled, and in addition star gamers similar to Giannis Antentokuompo and Russell Westbrook, who’ve entered COVID-19 protocols in current days.

10:11 a.m.: Pandemic and other factors leading to decline in California urban school enrollments

A brand new report from the Public Coverage Institute of California checked out positive factors and losses in Ok-12 public faculty enrollment and located that a number of the state’s city counties are shedding a major variety of college students whereas extra rural ones are gaining them.

PPIC researcher Julien LaFortune defined that the decline might be attributed to some components, together with the pandemic.

“After a decade of roughly flat enrollment statewide, we have been starting to see a decline in the previous couple of years, and that was projected to proceed via the 2020s, as a result of plenty of demographic components, similar to inhabitants progress and declining fertility” LaFortune stated.

Final 12 months, enrollments in city faculty districts declined much more than projected, because of the pandemic, particularly with youthful youngsters.

10:05 a.m.: New California mandates end distinction between vaccinated and unvaccinated employees

California office regulators are poised to increase the state’s coronavirus pandemic laws into subsequent 12 months with some revisions.

In response to the Related Press, the primary change within the California Occupational Security and Well being Requirements Board’s revised guidelines would erase present distinctions between vaccinated and unvaccinated staff, which means that each can be prohibited from workplaces if they arrive in shut contact with somebody contaminated with the virus.

Uncovered staff who’re vaccinated however asymptomatic must keep dwelling for 14 days even when they take a look at unfavourable. Once they return to work, they must put on masks and keep 6 toes from different individuals for about two weeks.

9:52 a.m.: The Army gets 98% of their active service members vaccinated against COVID-19

The Military says 98% of its lively responsibility drive has gotten no less than one dose of the obligatory coronavirus vaccine as of this week’s deadline for the photographs, in keeping with the Related Press.

However the Military additionally stated that 3,800 troopers flatly refused and will begin being faraway from the army subsequent month. The Military has greater than 478,000 lively responsibility troopers and had the most recent vaccine deadline for his or her lively responsibility troops yesterday.

Nevertheless, the Military did are available in with the second highest vaccination charge amongst those that have gotten no less than one shot at 97.9%.

The Navy leads with greater than 98%. The Air Power is at 97.5%, and the Marine Corps is at 95%.

10:33 a.m.: Kings coach tests positive for COVID

Alvin Gentry, who took over because the Sacramento Kings head coach final month, has examined constructive for COVID-19, in keeping with ESPN.

He won’t be at Wednesday’s recreation on the Golden 1 Middle in opposition to the Washington Wizards. ESPN additionally studies that the staff canceled morning follow and is conducting further exams to find out if there are different circumstances.

A number of NBA groups and gamers have been affected by a current uptick in circumstances. The league canceled its first video games of the season as a result of COVID-19 this week, and several other star gamers — together with NBA Finals MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks — are usually not enjoying as a result of league protocols.

9:44 a.m.: WHO says omicron is spreading faster than any previous variant

If you happen to’re anxious in regards to the new omicron COVID-19 variant, you’re removed from alone — The World Well being Group is warning that omicron is spreading like no different pressure has earlier than, according to NPR.

Omicron has been present in 77 international locations lower than a month after it was formally reported. The WHO added, “the fact is that omicron might be in most international locations, even when it hasn’t been detected but.”

The variant’s unusually excessive variety of mutations on its protein spike shortly prompted fears that it could be extra transmissible than another variant and that it might doubtlessly elude vaccine protections.

Whereas early information from South Africa reveals that the variant has led to fewer hospitalizations, specialists nonetheless stress that the dynamic may not be the identical for each nation. A few of South Africa’s state of affairs might have extra to do with the very excessive proportion of residents who’ve been beforehand contaminated.

Because of the notably excessive transmission charge, well being officers are bracing for a wave of latest sufferers, simply the identical.

9:35 a.m.: Evictions rise months after the federal moratorium ends

Housing advocates say evictions are rising across the nation a number of months after a federal moratorium was allowed to finish.

According to the Associated Press, there’s been an increase in evictions, but it surely nonetheless is beneath pre-pandemic ranges in most states and cities due to an infusion of federal rental help and different pandemic-related cash like little one tax credit score funds.

Nevertheless, a part of the eviction improve is because of courts catching up on the backlog of eviction circumstances. Advocates say the surge reveals the bounds of federal emergency rental help in locations the place distribution stays gradual and tenant protections are weak.

Rising housing costs in lots of markets are also enjoying a job.

Information collected by the Eviction Lab at Princeton College present that evictions have been rising in many of the 31 cities and 6 states the place it collects information for the reason that federal moratorium led to August.

9:26 a.m.: Pfizer’s data shows that its COVID-19 pill is effective against severe illness

Pfizer just lately launched further information about its COVID-19 capsule that reveals it could successfully forestall hospitalizations and loss of life when taken by individuals with gentle to reasonable sickness inside the first few essential days of signs.

Dubbed Paxlovid, the drugs is taken twice a day for 5 days and mixed with a second drugs referred to as ritonavir, a generic antiviral, as reported by NPR.

The outcomes from their research embrace greater than 2,200 individuals at excessive threat for growing critical sickness. It discovered that the drug diminished their threat of hospitalization or loss of life by 89%, in contrast with a placebo, when taken inside three days of first signs of sickness.

In response to Pfizer’s research, when sufferers took the remedy inside 5 days of displaying signs, the drug diminished the chance of hospitalization and loss of life by 88%.

9:15 a.m.: New data suggests vaccines not as effective at stopping omicron infection, but stops limits severe disease

An evaluation of knowledge from South Africa reveals the omicron variant seems to trigger much less extreme illness than earlier coronavirus mutations, however the Pfizer vaccine appears to supply much less protection in opposition to an infection.

Regardless of this, the vaccine nonetheless gives good safety in opposition to hospitalization.

In response to the Related Press, these findings haven’t been peer-reviewed, however they line up with different early information about omicron.

Some specialists cautioned it’s too quickly to attract conclusions about outcomes from omicron. The evaluation is from insurer Discovery Well being and the South African Medical Analysis Council.

10:48 a.m.: South African researchers find that omicron may be more mild than delta

Well being specialists nonetheless don’t know if the omicron variant is inflicting milder COVID-19, however extra indicators is perhaps rising from South Africa.

As reported by the Related Press, docs say there are sufferers they’re seeing now that aren’t as in poor health as these contaminated with the delta variant.

Latest information reveals far fewer hospitalizations and deaths in comparison with earlier waves. Nevertheless, it’s solely been two weeks since omicron first was reported within the nation, and scientists warning that it’ll take many extra weeks to know whether or not early observations maintain up.

Whereas delta remains to be the dominant pressure worldwide, omicron is popping up in dozens of nations and has turn into dominant in South Africa.

9:32 a.m.: Some states turn once again to the National Guard for help with COVID-19 surges

Many U.S. states determined to defend in opposition to COVID-19 are calling on the Nationwide Guard and different army personnel to help.

In response to the Related Press, hospital employees and different care facilities are being worn down by an increase in virus circumstances that started earlier than Thanksgiving, with many scorching spots within the Northeast and Higher Midwest states.

The seven-day rolling common for each day new circumstances within the nation rose over the previous two weeks to 117,677 by Thursday, in comparison with 84756 on Thanksgiving Day.

9:44 a.m.: Adult in Sacramento region tests positive for omicron

An individual within the Sacramento area has examined constructive for the omicron variant of COVID-19.

Public well being officers in Yolo County say the case is in an grownup in West Sacramento. County spokesperson John Fout stated the particular person was examined on Dec. 2.

When a constructive outcome got here again earlier this week, the UC Davis Genome Middle sequenced the pattern.

“On Monday, we had a sign that there was one thing totally different about this explicit take a look at, that it wasn’t delta,” Fout stated. “So then they determined to run the total, full sequencing, after which that later confirmed that that was omicron.”

He stated the California Division of Public Well being confirmed the outcome. The one who examined constructive is experiencing gentle signs. Contract tracing has been performed, and no different further circumstances have been discovered.

9:21 a.m.: Anti-vaccine group targets president of California’s medical board

The president of California’s medical board, Kristina Lawson, says a bunch of anti-vaccine activists talked her at dwelling and adopted her to her workplace the place 4 males confronted her after work in a darkish parking storage.

She described it as a terrifying expertise, as reported by the Associated Press. As she described it on social media, a bunch with America’s Frontline docs stalked her dwelling and adopted her to her workplace.

The group informed police they needed to interview Lawson, however she stated they by no means referred to as the board or her office to request to talk along with her. The medical board points medical licenses and disciplines docs.

8:59 a.m.: Companies are rethinking their return-to-office plans

Firms are rethinking their plans to ship staff again to the workplace as the brand new omicron variant provides one other stage of uncertainty.

In response to the Related Press, Google and Ford are amongst these as soon as once more delaying their return-to-office plans. Different companies whose staff are already again within the workplace are contemplating including additional precautions like masks and COVID-19 testing.

These strikes are the most recent marker of corporations nonetheless making an attempt no matter they’ll to get staff again at their desks. Nevertheless, with worries a few spike in new circumstances or new variants shifting return-to-office deadlines.

10:15 a.m.: FDA clears booster shots to people 16 and older

The U.S. is increasing entry to COVID-19 boosters, opening a 3rd dose of Pfizer’s vaccine to individuals as younger as age 16, as reported by the Related Press.

However it’s not but clear if youthful teenagers will want a booster, and the Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention should suggest that 16 and 17 12 months olds get the booster earlier than they’ll really get the photographs.

The U.S. and plenty of different nations already urge adults to get a booster to pump up their immunity months after preliminary vaccinations. Presently, the Pfizer vaccine is the one choice authorized for youngsters and youngsters within the nation.

9:40 a.m.: Here’s how we’ll know when the pandemic is over

There’s no clear-cut definition for when a pandemic begins and ends or how a lot of a risk the worldwide outbreak poses for every nation.

In response to the Related Press, again in January 2020, the World Well being Group designated the coronavirus outbreak a world well being disaster “of worldwide concern.”

A few months later, WHO described it as a “pandemic,” reflecting the unfold of the virus. The pandemic could also be extensively thought-about over when WHO decides COVID-19 is not an emergency of worldwide concern, a designation its specialists have been reassessing.

Nevertheless, when the acute phases of the disaster eases inside particular person international locations might range.

9:20 a.m.: US vaccinates about 200 million people, but hospitalizations still rising

The U.S. has reached a COVID-19 milestone of roughly 200 million absolutely vaccinated individuals, however circumstances and hospitalizations are nonetheless spiking, even in extremely immunized pockets of the nation like New England.

In response to the Related Press, the state of affairs shouldn’t be as dire as final 12 months’s post-holiday surge earlier than the general public had any entry to vaccines. Nonetheless, specialists say that the roughly 60% of the U.S. inhabitants that’s vaccinated shouldn’t be sufficient to stop hotspots.

The colder climate, Thanksgiving and upcoming holidays combined with pandemic fatigue are all enjoying a job in elevated circumstances. On the identical time, researchers are attempting to determine the remaining questions on omicron.

9:46 a.m.: COVID-19 drives up recall attempts in California and nationally

It’s not simply Gov. Gavin Newsom: Voters throughout California and the nation are focusing on their metropolis, county and faculty board officers for recall.

Geoff Pallay with the election monitoring web site Ballotpedia says 120 native officers in California have been the topic of a recall try this 12 months. That’s almost twice the annual common of 67 over the previous decade.

Pallay says COVID-19 guidelines have performed a serious position within the uptick. 

“Issues like closing up faculties or masks necessities or vaccine necessities. COVID-related remembers … have been a major contributor to the general rise in remembers nationwide,” Pallay informed California lawmakers at a listening to this week.

Nationally, 491 native recall makes an attempt have been filed in 2021, in comparison with a median of 324 per 12 months within the decade prior, Pallay stated.

College closures are on the heart of a recall in opposition to three San Francisco College Board members set for February 2022. Shasta County Supervisor Leonard Moty is also facing a February recall election after voters say he didn’t do sufficient to struggle California’s pandemic restrictions.

However the recall fever doesn’t all the time pan out. In response to Ballotpedia, 9% of this 12 months’s native recall makes an attempt in California have certified, although 32% are nonetheless in a signature gathering or overview section.

After the unsuccessful try and take away Newsom, the Legislature is reviewing the foundations governing state and native remembers. Lawmakers will seemingly introduce a invoice with proposed adjustments subsequent 12 months, although any main tweaks would require voter approval.

9:10 a.m.: Pfizer says their vaccine offers some protection against omicron

Pfizer says a booster dose of its COVID-19 vaccine seems to supply essential safety in opposition to the brand new omicron variant, in keeping with the Related Press.

Pfizer and its companion BioNTech examined how effectively vaccine-produced antibodies might neutralize omicron in lab dishes, and so they discovered vital weakening after the usual two doses. Nevertheless, a booster dose elevated the antibody ranges by 25-fold.

The businesses stated two doses nonetheless could shield in opposition to extreme sickness, however they’re engaged on growing an omicron-specific vaccine in case it is wanted. Collectively the businesses introduced the findings right this moment in a press launch.

The information is preliminary and hasn’t undergone scientific overview but.

8:49 a.m.: Federal judge blocks President Biden’s vaccine mandate

A federal decide just lately blocked President Joe Biden’s administration from implementing a COVID-19 vaccine mandate for workers of federal contractors in a win for Republican-led states refusing to accommodate pandemic insurance policies.

In response to the Related Press, the decide issued a keep to bar enforcement of the mandate nationwide.

The order got here in response to a lawsuit from a number of contractors and several other states, together with Alabama, Georgia, Idaho, Kansas, South Carolina, Utah and West Virginia. The keep applies throughout the nation as a result of a kind of difficult the order is the commerce group Related Builders and Contractors Inc, whose members do enterprise nationwide.

Individually, Biden has imposed vaccine necessities for the federal authorities and army staff. The mandates are a key a part of the administration’s technique to cease the unfold of COVID-19, which has killed greater than 788,000 People since final 12 months.

10:21 a.m.: University of the Pacific sets up a nursing graduate program for non-nursing backgrounds

The College of the Pacific has created an accelerated graduate program to assist meet California and the nation’s crucial nursing scarcity.

Whereas the pandemic has worsened the issue, UOP has began eager about a program of this sort again in March 2020. Nicoleta Bugnariu, the founding dean of UOP’s College of Well being Sciences, thinks this system might deliver extra individuals into the shrinking business.

“Previous to the pandemic, there was a scarcity of nurses in California. I don’t faux that we all know at that time how lengthy this pandemic will final and the affect, however the place we are actually, that scarcity has elevated,” Bugnariu stated.

In response to UC San Francisco, California is experiencing a scarcity of over 40,000 registered nurses. Whereas the state of affairs has pre-dated the pandemic, issues have solely gotten worse.

Bugnariu stated that one of many main targets is to assist college students take care of the stresses of the job via self-assessment.

“How do I handle this? What can I do for myself to deliver myself to a more healthy, extra grounded heart if you need? After which attain out to a community, construct that neighborhood, so that you don’t do that alone,” she stated.

These foundational expertise have to be developed to assist college students keep within the nursing career long run, she stated.

10:13 a.m.: A new type of COVID-19 vaccine is almost finished with development

There’s one other COVID-19 vaccine able to quickly roll out to the world — Novavax. And whereas it received’t essentially change the present vaccinations we now have, it may well make a big impact on the course of the pandemic in lower-resourced international locations.

According to NPR, the inoculation can be what’s referred to as a “protein subunit vaccine.” It really works by injecting individuals with a tiny portion of the virus, which on this case, can be the spike protein crucial for the virus to enter cells.

This might make a dent within the international unvaccinated inhabitants as a result of protein subunit vaccines are sometimes very secure and don’t require freezers for storage. Because it’ll simply want an everyday fridge, it’ll make disturbing the vaccines a lot simpler.

9:44 a.m.: Marin County parents knowingly sent child sick with COVID-19 to in-person school

Northern California dad and mom knowingly despatched their COVID-19 constructive little one and a sibling to highschool final month in violation of isolation and quarantine guidelines, causing a coronavirus outbreak in an elementary school.

In response to the Related Press, the superintendent of the Larkspur-Corte Madera College District situated in Marin County stated that the kid examined constructive for the virus through the week of Nov. 8.

Each youngsters continued to attend faculty the remainder of the week and into the next week. The kid and their sibling, who later additionally examined constructive, are college students within the district’s Neil Cummins Elementary College. The dad and mom might face a effective or a misdemeanor cost for violating Marin County’s well being order.

9:26 a.m.: Here’s how you can protect yourself from the omicron variant

To guard your self in opposition to the omicron variant, specialists say to do what you’ll in opposition to another variant — getting vaccinated, in the event you’re not already getting a booster in the event you’re eligible, and stepping up different precautions you will have relaxed, like mask-wearing.

For the entire consideration omicron is getting, the overwhelming explanation for infections in lots of locations remains to be the delta variant, according to the Associated Press.

As scientists work on studying extra about omicron, specialists be aware the significance of layering safety. That’s very true with vacation journey and gatherings across the nook. A booster shot might be a kind of protecting layers.

9:05 a.m.: Fauci says early reports from omicron are hopeful

U.S. well being officers say that whereas the omicron variant of the coronavirus is quickly spreading within the nation, early indications counsel it could be much less harmful than delta, the present scourge of hospitalization surges.

In response to the Related Press, the nation’s chief medical adviser, Dr. Anthony Fauci, informed CNN’s “State of the Union” that scientists want extra data earlier than drawing conclusions about omicron’s severity.

However studies from South Africa, the place it’s turning into the dominant pressure, counsel hospitalization charges haven’t elevated a lot. Omicron has been detected in a few third of U.S. states as of Sunday.

Fauci stated the Biden administration is contemplating lifting journey restrictions in opposition to noncitizens coming into the U.S. from a number of African international locations.

11:48 a.m.: Omicron hasn’t reached Sacramento, but it will, county public officer says

The omicron variant of COVID-19 that’s sweeping via a number of South African and European international locations has made its technique to California, with circumstances popping up in San Francisco and Los Angeles.

Whereas Sacramento has not seen any circumstances of the brand new variant, county public well being officer Dr. Olivia Kasirye says it’s nonetheless a variant of concern. She stated that it is tough to foretell when the variant could unfold to Sacramento, however with individuals touring for the vacations, it’s solely a matter of time.

“We all know it’s going to occur sooner or later,” Kasirye stated. “So we simply have to proceed to be vigilant and do the issues that we all know will shield everybody,” like getting vaccinated, getting examined and sporting masks.

As of now, little or no is understood about omicron. It’s not clear how briskly it spreads or how extreme signs will be.

“And naturally which means we additionally want to take a look at, for those who are vaccinated, what’s the stage of safety,” Kasirye stated. “Our hope is that our vaccines will maintain up, and the individuals which can be vaccinated will proceed to be protected.”

Kasirye stated that it is tough to foretell when the variant could unfold to Sacramento. However when it does, she says her division will be capable of detect it a lot earlier than they’ve previously, due to instruments the county’s lab simply obtained.

“In an effort to establish the variant, it’s a must to do the genome sequencing,” Kasirye stated. “So with the ability to do it in-house will increase our capability to have the ability to proceed the surveillance.”

Previous to having access to the sequencing instruments, Kasirye says the county was sending specimens to the state’s lab, which delayed figuring out new circumstances of variants. As of now, she says delta remains to be the dominant variant in Sacramento.

9:27 a.m.: California confirms second omicron case in Los Angeles

California just lately reported its second confirmed case of the omicron variant in Los Angeles County.

In response to the Related Press, the county’s public well being division stated a county resident is self-isolating after apparently contracting the an infection throughout a visit to South Africa final month.

The U.S. recorded its first confirmed omicron case on Wednesday in a San Francisco resident who had just lately traveled to South Africa and developed gentle signs after returning on Nov. 22. The little-understood variant was first recognized every week in the past in South Africa, and it’s been spreading.

California isn’t the one state with infections — 5 different states, together with New York, Minnesota, Hawaii, and Colorado, have all recognized omicron variant circumstances.

Consultants have stated that this reveals how shortly mutations of the virus can circumnavigate the globe with velocity and ease. Simply someday after the primary recognized U.S. case was present in California, exams confirmed that the omicron variant had contaminated no less than 5 individuals in New York Metropolis, plus a person from Minnesota who attended an anime conference in Manhattan in late November.

Officers reported one other case in a Colorado girl who had just lately traveled to southern Africa. The variant was additionally confirmed in an unvaccinated Hawaii resident with no current journey historical past.

9:23 a.m.: Unvaccinated Nevada state workers will be charged an insurance premium

Nevada state staff enrolled in public worker healthcare plans can be charged as much as $55 monthly in the event that they aren’t absolutely vaccinated, in keeping with the Related Press.

The Nevada Public Staff Advantages Program Board voted on Thursday to impose a surcharge on unvaccinated staff to offset medical prices of those that haven’t gotten photographs. The surcharge will fund the testing that unvaccinated staff are required to endure.

Laura Wealthy, the advantages program’s government officer, stated Nevada can be the primary within the U.S. to impose premiums on state staff who aren’t vaccinated. Nevada estimates roughly 5,000 state staff aren’t vaccinated and hopes that the coverage will persuade extra individuals to get their photographs.

9:20 a.m.: Latest studies suggest previous COVID-19 infection may not fend off omicron variant

South African scientists are warning that the brand new omicron variant could also be inflicting extra reinfections amongst COVID-19 survivors than earlier virus mutations, in keeping with the Related Press.

A analysis group has been monitoring reinfections in South Africa, and so they noticed a leap with the arrival of omicron, saying the timing suggests “substantial” proof that the variant can overcome the immunity safety offered by a previous an infection greater than the extra-contagious delta variant.

The findings are preliminary and have been posted on-line Thursday earlier than scientific overview. The researchers didn’t say what portion of the reinfections have been confirmed as omicron circumstances or look at how a lot safety in opposition to the brand new variant vaccines supply.

11:33 a.m.: Status of COVID-19 vaccine mandate is still up in the air

The Biden administration’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate within the U.S. is on maintain due to authorized challenges, however employers can nonetheless require the photographs, in keeping with the Related Press.

The regulation says companies with 100 or extra staff have to require COVID-19 vaccinations or have staff examined weekly for the virus. It was set to take impact Jan. 4, 2022, however has confronted authorized challenges from companies, Republicans and others.

A federal appeals court docket put the rule on maintain. Then all authorized challenges have been consolidated in one other appeals court docket, which is taking written arguments from events that wish to be a part of the case.

11:26 a.m.: Omicron and delta variants could spell the return of more restrictive safety measures

Governments worldwide are weighing new measures for many who could also be uninterested in restrictions and vaccine mandates, because the delta variant pushes up circumstances in Europe and different components of the world.

According to the Associated Press, totally different international locations have been turning to various measures to get their populations vaccinated and wholesome.

For instance, residents over 60 who refuse to get vaccinated can be hit with month-to-month fines of 100 euros ($113) a month in Greece. Potential carriers of omicron in Israel might be tracked by the nation’s home safety company.

In South Africa, restrictions embrace curfews and bans on alcohol gross sales. Nevertheless, within the U.S., there may be basically no political willpower from both main social gathering to enact any lockdowns or contact tracing. Even implementing easy measures like mask-wearing has turn into a political flashpoint.

Governments are going through a thorny calculus made harder by the prospect of backlash, elevated social divisions and the concern of being voted out of workplace.

10:47 a.m.: While we’re looking at omicron, we can’t forget the delta variant, experts stress

Whereas all eyes are on the brand new and little-understood omicron variant, the delta type of the coronavirus isn’t completed wreaking havoc within the U. S., sending file numbers of sufferers to the hospital in some states, particularly within the Midwest and New England.

In response to the Related Press, the U.S. recorded its first recognized omicron an infection on Wednesday in a completely vaccinated one that had returned to California from South Africa, the place the variant was recognized simply over every week in the past.

For now, the extra-contagious delta variant accounts for virtually all circumstances within the U.S. and continues to inflict distress at a time when many hospitals are battling shortages of nurses and a backlog of sufferers.

The concern now’s that the most recent variant will foist extra sufferers and maybe sicker ones into extra hospital beds.

11:42 a.m.: Mysteries of the omicron variant could take weeks to untangle

Scientists say it might be weeks earlier than they higher perceive how harmful the omicron variant is.

In response to the Related Press, it’s nonetheless unknown whether or not the latest coronavirus “variant of concern” spreads sooner than delta or makes individuals sicker.

In response to the Related Press, it additionally isn’t clear how a lot safety is obtainable both by our vaccines or an individual’s immunity after recovering from one other COVID-19 variant.

There are many guesses however little onerous proof as scientists race to search out solutions amid scrutiny from an anxious public. Within the meantime, scientists urge individuals to get vaccinated and take different public well being measures similar to masking indoors.