California will end mask mandate on Feb. 15, LA County will not align with state's changes
California's indoor masking requirement will end next week for vaccinated people but masks still are the rule for schoolchildren. However, local health officials can continue their own requirements.
Donors needed: Breast milk in short supply amid COVID-19 surge, winter weather woes
The Human Milk Banking Association of North America said it is in urgent need of donor breast milk which is essential to “saving the most vulnerable babies’ lives.”
Ottawa declares state of emergency as ‘freedom convoy’ protest enters 2nd week
Residents of Ottawa are furious at the nonstop blaring of horns, traffic disruption and harassment as the so-called “freedom truck convoy” protest enters its second week.
Jobs increase by large amount in U.S. last month, surprising experts
Many experts expected job numbers to fall last month. Instead, they increased, suggesting a lot more hiring is likely to come.
Sonoma County to lift capacity caps on indoor, outdoor gatherings
Sonoma County will lift its restrictions on large gatherings next week as the county's COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations continue to decline, county Health Officer Dr. Sundari Mase said Friday.
California tops 80,000 COVID deaths as virus cases tumble
Coronavirus deaths in California have topped 80,000 and another 3,000 people are projected to die by month’s end even as infections, hospitalizations and intensive care cases are falling.
Oakland First Fridays returns as omicron recedes, U.S. COVID deaths hit 900k
The COVID-19 death toll has reached 900,000 people in the U.S., with the most recent 100,000 lives lost in a short period since mid-December.
Starbucks blames store closures, reduced hours on staff shortages from COVID
The coffee chain says it will continue to pay workers who take time off for COVID related reasons, but that means that some locations will be restricting hours or in some cases temporarily closing down to provide enough time for workers to recover.
Contra Costa County not requiring proof of vaccination at some indoor businesses
Contra Costa County announced Friday that it will lift its requirement that patrons of indoor businesses like restaurants and gyms verify their full vaccination status.
US job growth soars past expectations with 467,000 added, shaking off omicron surge
U.S. job growth blew past expectations in January, as the economy brushed off a record-breaking surge in COVID-19 cases nationwide that threatened to sideline millions of workers and kept many consumers at home.
COVID falling in 49 of 50 states as deaths near 900,000
With the brutal omicron wave rapidly loosening its grip, new cases of COVID-19 in the U.S. are falling in 49 of 50 states, even as the nation's death toll closes in on another bleak round number: 900,000.
Spain to drop masks outdoors as omicron surge decelerates
Spain will end a mandate to wear masks outdoors next week, reversing a late December order against an unprecedented surge of coronavirus infections fueled by a highly contagious mutation, Health Minister Carolina Darias said.
San Francisco updates mask guidance for youth sports, quarantine guidelines for childcare programs
San Francisco children in youth sports programs who have received all COVID-19 vaccine doses for which they are eligible will be allowed to remove their masks during indoor practices under new guidance from the San Francisco Department of Public Health.
Mayor Garcetti says he holds his breath when taking photos maskless at Rams NFC Championship game
“I wore my mask the entire game and when people ask for a photograph I hold my breath and put it [mask] here and people can see it. There’s a 0% chance of infection from that,” Garcetti said.
COVID-19 vaccines: will we need more boosters or a new shot?
COVID-19 vaccines have saved an unknown number of lives but will it be necessary for us to get boosters every few months? What about a new formula or a new shot entirely? This is the next debate on COVID-19 vaccines.
San Francisco drops indoor mask mandate at gyms, offices and college classrooms
Let's see your face! As of Tuesday, it's OK for people to ditch their indoor masks in San Francisco at the office, gym, college classroom, religious gatherings and other so-called "stable cohorts" where everyone is vaccinated.
California governor criticized again for not wearing a mask
Gov. Gavin Newsom told reporters that he removed his mask only briefly for the photo with Magic Johnson and was otherwise "very judicious" about keeping it in place. He indicated he also removed it occasionally to sip water.
Free COVID-19 tests: At-home kits expected to arrive this week
If you belong to one of the 66 million U.S households that ordered the free COVID-19 at-home tests from the federal government, you might see them arrive in your mailbox soon.
Santa Clara County marks 2 years since its first detected COVID infection as pandemic continues
Dr. Cody said in the coming months, the county will transition away from mass testing and vaccination. It will leave such actions to private health care providers.
Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau tests positive for COVID-19
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tested positive for COVID-19 but said he's feeling fine and will continue working remotely.