Cloth masks aren't enough to fight off omicron variant, health experts say
As cases of the Omicron variant continue to surge across the nation, and in the Bay Area, doctors say it now maybe time to upgrade your mask. Health experts say single layer cloth or surgical masks may not be enough to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus variant.
Silicon Valley companies attend CES virtually, delay return to office plans
The Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas kicked off Wednesday, with some notable Silicon Valley tech companies opting to attend the industry trade show virtually.
Nonprofit reports COVID outbreaks at 2 shelters in San Francisco
The nonprofit St. Vincent de Paul of San Francisco on Wednesday reported an outbreak of COVID-19 cases at two shelters in the city.
Thanks to COVID, Newark's government building closures feels like going back in time
In the Alameda County town of Newark, you may still be able to fight city hall. You just can't go inside it.
California extends indoor mask mandate until mid-February
California’s indoor mask mandate was extended into mid-February to help prevent the astonishing spike in coronavirus cases from overwhelming hospitals but the state’s health director said Wednesday additional restrictions are not being considered.
Demand for COVID test kits in Fremont snarls traffic
Fremont Unified held a drive-through COVID test distribution event on Wednesday for students and staff, but the large turnout led to heavy traffic congestion.
San Francisco teachers' union says walkout possible if safe working conditions not met
There's a looming threat that educators may walk off the job if safe working conditions are not met.
Yale students must quarantine on campus amid COVID-19 surge, encouraged not to eat at local restaurants
For meals, students have access to 'grab-and-go' food from the school or may order curbside pickup.
California extends mask mandate through Feb. 15
California's mandatory indoor mask mandate, which was set to expire next week, has been extended until Feb. 15.
Newsom slammed for California student COVID test shortage
Millions of test kits were sent to families before and during winter break but millions more were not — raising concerns about school safety now that the state’s 6 million K-12 students are returning to classrooms amid soaring rates of COVID cases.
Sundance Film Festival cancels in-person events amid COVID-19 surge
Sundance Film Festival organizers said they wanted to move events online because of the surge in COVID-19 cases.
2022 Grammy Awards postponed amid Omicron surge
The Recording Academy announced Music's Biggest Night has been postponed due to the uncertainty of the Omicron variant.
‘Flurona’: What you need to know about the flu, COVID-19 dual illness
Cases of “flurona,” which is the casual term to describe a patient diagnosed with COVID-19 and influenza at the same time, are popping up in the United States.
Omicron symptoms: Is that runny nose COVID-19 or a common cold?
How can you tell the difference between COVID-19, a common cold and the flu? Cook Children's Medical Center said it can be nearly impossible to tell without a test because the most common symptoms of the omicron variant are similar to those of a cold or the flu.
San Francisco teachers claim district didn't plan well for latest COVID surge
The San Francisco Unified teacher union says there is a lack of planning from the district during this latest COVID surge as more than 600 teachers called in sick the day before.
'Flurona' in California: Testing site in LA County confirms first known local case
Officials at the 911 COVID Testing site in Brentwood said a child they tested for both the flu and COVID-19 tested positive for both. In addition, the boy’s mother tested positive for COVID-19 the next day.
Classes continue in Palo Alto schools, with restrictions for indoor sports
With negative COVID-19 tests in hand, elementary school students returned to the classroom Tuesday at Palo Alto Unified schools. Close to 150 Stanford University students are isolating in campus housing.
East Bay mom warns dangers of COVID after baby's battle in ICU
The spreading omicron variant is taking a toll on the youngest people in the country. Doctors with the American Academy of Pediatrics report 325,000 children tested positive for COVID last week.
San Francisco seeing 829 new COVID cases daily as omicron's expected peak nears
The current COVID-19 surge, driven by the omicron variant, is expected to peak in about two weeks, according to San Francisco health officials.
Bay Area residents struggle to find OTC COVID test kits and testing sites
Omicron has created a situation where finding test sites that can accommodate you, or even finding do-it-yourself tests, can be a challenge, though not an impossible one. There are hit-or-miss situations folks are facing as they seek confirmation of their COVID status.