Coronavirus

The Washington Post reports: The Biden administration announced Thursday that, starting in early spring, the 64 million people on Medicare will be able to get free coronavirus rapid tests from certain pharmacies. The initiative responds to weeks of criticism from members of Congress and advocacy groups that Medicare, the vast federal insurance system for older and disabled Americans, was left …

The Verge reports: Spotify CEO Daniel Ek addressed employees about the Joe Rogan controversy in a 15-minute speech yesterday, of which The Verge obtained audio, defending the company’s choice to work with Rogan, explaining its reasoning, and defining why he believes Spotify is a combination of a platform and a publisher. Notably, Ek did not defend Rogan’s views. “There are …

The Associated Press reports: Three days after being photographed without a face mask at the NFC championship game, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti joined other officials Wednesday to urge fans headed for the Super Bowl to strictly adhere to pandemic safety protocols that include staying masked, except while eating or drinking. The Los Angeles area continues to see high levels …

First, a reminder about this guy: A group of Ontario doctors accused of dispensing vaccine exemptions like candy to the anti-vax crowd are fighting for their “right” not to co-operate with an investigation by their regulatory body. But one of the lawyers usually by their side was conspicuously absent in Superior Court Friday. Constitutional lawyer Rocco Galati, who represents Dr. …

USA Today reports: As the U.S. inches up to a 64% vaccination rate for the entire population, only 42% of those eligible for a booster have gotten the extra shot, and experts aren’t sure what will move the needle, so to speak. Perhaps this will win over some converts: Fully vaccinated Americans are 14 times less likely to die of …

Reuters reports: Major airlines, business and travel groups urged the White House on Wednesday to end COVID-19 pre-departure testing requirements for vaccinated international passengers traveling to the United States. Airlines for America, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, International Air Transport Association, Aerospace Industries Association, the U.S. Travel Association and other groups called for change in a letter to White House …

Reuters reports: France’s vaccine pass will remain in place until hospitals are able to function normally without cancelling non-emergency procedures to make room for COVID patients in intensive care, Health Minister Olivier Veran said on Wednesday. The government says the vaccine pass helps curb the spread of the coronavirus and has spurred more people to get the COVID shot, alleviating …

The National Post reports: A trucker blockade in southern Alberta at the United States border turned violent Tuesday after some protesters breached police barriers to join the demonstration and Mounties backed off out of concern for safety. Premier Jason Kenney called for demonstrators to voice their condemnation of COVID-19 safety measures peacefully and to stop blocking a crucial commerce route. …

The New York Daily News reports: After a blizzard of omicron coronavirus cases buried New York this winter, shattering holiday plans, hammering hospitals and weakening workplaces, the sun is poking out over the pandemic, Gov. Hochul said Tuesday. “This winter surge is melting away,” Hochul said at North Central Bronx Hospital, hailing a statewide daily case count that plunged by …

CTV News reports: Protesters have been bringing in fuel and supplies to those who are hunkered down in their vehicles Tuesday, while others have been seen playing street hockey throughout the day. Buttons and badges that were offered for sale at the convoy Tuesday included those with “mask exemption” messaging, offensive imagery and other anti-mandate language. Some child care centres …

The Hill reports: Unvaccinated adults were 23 times more likely to be hospitalized with COVID-19 during the omicron wave than adults who were vaccinated and boosted, according to a new study that further highlights the importance of coronavirus vaccination and booster shots. The study, released Tuesday, from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found by far the highest …

Reuters reports: The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Monday advised against travel to a dozen countries because of high rates of coronavirus infection, including Mexico, Brazil, Singapore, Ecuador, Kosovo, Philippines and Paraguay. The CDC now lists nearly 130 countries and territories with COVID-19 cases as “Level Four: Very High.” It also added Anguilla, French Guiana, Moldova …

The Washington Post reports: Coronavirus vaccines for children younger than 5 could be available far sooner than expected — perhaps by the end of February — under a plan that would lead to the potential authorization of a two-shot regimen in the coming weeks, people briefed on the situation said Monday. The FDA urged the companies to submit the application …

Reuters reports: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Monday said Canadians were disgusted by the behavior of some people protesting against COVID-19 vaccine mandates in Ottawa and said he would not be intimidated. Police said most demonstrators have been peaceful but local residents complained about blaring truck horns and some demonstrators using the streets as a toilet. Some also harassed a …

The Washington Post reports: The Food and Drug Administration has granted full approval to Moderna’s coronavirus vaccine, the agency announced Monday. Moderna’s vaccine, now known as Spikevax, was previously available under emergency use authorization and is the second coronavirus vaccine to get full FDA approval. Pfizer and BioNTech’s product was approved in August. Moderna, a biotechnology company, said Monday that …

The New York Times reports: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada has tested positive for the coronavirus after an exposure last week. He said on Twitter that he was not feeling ill. He said later in an online news conference that two of his three children had also tested positive. Mr. Trudeau has been isolating since last Thursday, when he …

Reuters reports: Some events at Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s office and residence during a COVID-19 lockdown should not have taken place, an inquiry said on Monday, describing serious failures of leadership and judgment at the heart of the British government. In her inquiry into lockdown-breaking gatherings at Downing Street under Johnson, senior civil servant Sue Gray condemned some of the …

The Associated Press reports: Police in Canada’s capital said Sunday they are investigating possible criminal charges after anti-vaccine protesters urinated on the National War Memorial, danced on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and used the statue of Canadian hero Terry Fox to display an anti-vaccine statement. Ottawa Police said officers are also investigating threatening behavior to police and others. …

The New York Daily News reports: Unvaccinated NYPD officers currently on unpaid leave after a sweeping COVID-19 vaccine mandate late last year will be fired next month if they don’t get the jab, the Daily News has learned. Officers who have refused the shot have until Feb. 11 to comply, according to a memo sent out to NYPD sergeants by …

The Daily Beast reports: In an Instagram video posted Sunday, hours after Spotify announced plans to fight the spread of pandemic misinformation, Rogan apologized to the streaming service and said he’ll do more research before allowing COVID quacks onto his podcast show in the future. The host said he’ll “try harder to get people with differing opinions on” and “do …