Contra Costa County requiring facemasks indoors as COVID cases soar
As the omicron variant continues circulating around the Bay Area, Contra Costa County will soon require that masks be worn in all public indoor spaces, regardless of vaccination status.
Holiday Bowl canceled, UCLA pulls out due to COVID-19
UCLA was scheduled to face North Carolina State in Tuesday's 43rd annual Holiday Bowl. Tuesday afternoon the university announced it would be unable to participate.
Hugh Jackman has COVID; 'Music Man' shows canceled
Hugh Jackman says he tested positive for COVID-19 and is experiencing cold-like symptoms. As a result, Broadway's 'The Music Man' has canceled shows through Jan. 1.
Some Bay Area counties requiring boosters for healthcare workers
About a week after California announced that healthcare workers across the state will be required to get their booster shot, at least two Bay Area counties followed suit.
Apple closes New York City stores to in-person shopping
The list of COVID-induced closures, cancellations, and changes continues to grow in New York City. Apple has closed its locations in the city to in-store shopping.
San Francisco-Marin Food Bank seeks donations amid increased costs due to pandemic
Officials with the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank said Monday that their organization is urgently seeking funds as it continues to face challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
For the fourth day in a row, hundreds of flights are canceled across the US
There were more than 1,000 flights canceled Monday within, into or out of the US. The country has seen well over 3,000 flights canceled over the Christmas holiday the past four days.
Airbnb says it'll 'crack down' on New Year's Eve parties
Airbnb customers who don’t have a positive review history will be subject to restrictions
CDC recommends shorter COVID isolation, quarantine for all
U.S. health officials on Monday cut isolation restrictions for Americans who catch the coronavirus from 10 to five days, and similarly shortened the time that close contacts need to quarantine.
Federal program offers up to $9,000 cash to reimburse COVID-19 funeral costs
The federal program reimburses families up to $9,000 for funeral costs for loved ones who died of COVID-19.
BTS' Jin, Suga and RM test positive for COVID-19
All three had taken their second COVID-19 vaccine doses over the summer, the group's management said.
Florida hits all-time daily COVID-19 case record
Florida had 31,758 new COVID-19 cases on Friday, breaking a record for the most cases in a single day since the start of the pandemic in the U.S. in March 2020, according to data from the CDC.
US will lift travel ban on southern African countries on Dec. 31
The Nov. 29 ban barred nearly all non-U.S. citizens who had recently been in South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique and Malawi.
Times Square New Years Eve ball drop being scaled back
With COVID cases surging in hotspot New York City, plans for the New Year's Eve ball drop in Times Square are being scaled back.
Omicron variant causes Christmas flight cancellations and holiday travel headaches
United Airlines has been forced to cancel 121 flights on Christmas Eve, in part, due to the coronavirus omicron variant.
Omicron blamed for up to 70% of cases in parts of California
The highly contagious omicron variant is evident in 50% to 70% of new coronavirus cases in parts of the most populous state heading into the holidays, California health officials said Thursday.
Merck COVID-19 pill: FDA approves 2nd at-home treatment
Merck’s COVID-19 pill has been authorized by the FDA, providing another easy-to-use medication to fight the rapidly-spreading omicron variant.
Two San Francisco restaurants requiring boosters to dine-in
Two San Francisco restaurants are among the first in the city to require proof of a booster for patrons dining inside. It was back in August that San Francisco became the first major city to restrict indoor dining to vaccinated patrons.
Michigan man who defied state pandemic orders to keep diner open dies of COVID-19
John Parney said he kept the Quincy Diner open partly to pay for medical bills. The south Michigan man wasn't vaccinated when he got infected, but pledged during his illness he would, arguing "the battle, at this point, was worse than any training he endured in the military."
Health officials urge travelers to get COVID test before flying
Spiking omicron variant cases across the country have prompted health officials to advise another layer of security ahead of holiday travel.