Reimbursement for at-home COVID test becomes available
Bay Area stores are facing a shortage of at-home COVID antigen tests, just as a new policy begins Saturday spurring demand by allowing people with private health insurance to get reimbursed for at-home test kits purchased on or after January 15th.
Increasing COVID-19 outbreaks among California nursing home workers
With the rapid spread of the omicron variant, data shows 10,000 California nursing home workers are infected right now, with roughly 800 new cases of COVID-19 tallied each day. The state is allowing health care workers who test positive and are asymptomatic to continue coming to work.
Santa Clara County's biggest hospitals coming up short on COVID tests, county says
In Santa Clara County, most residents are turning to county-operated testing and vaccination sites rather than their own health care provider, public health officials said Friday during a plea for the county's biggest hospital systems to step it up.
Sonoma County faces its first full weekend under new COVID restrictions
Sonoma County's first full weekend of stepped up COVID rules and prohibitions of certain activities has led to some confusion about what really is and is not off limits until February 11.
SF Sketchfest postponed to 2023 for safety reasons
The 20th annual SF Sketchfest has been rescheduled for 2023 due to safety concerns from the COVID-19 pandemic, organizers announced on Friday.
Free at-home COVID tests: Website to start accepting orders Jan. 19
After facing heavy criticism last month for not securing enough tests for Americans, the Biden administration has launched a website that will allow households to order at-home test kits — starting Jan. 19.
California hospital has 700 employees in isolation because of Covid
Hundreds of employees at one hospital in California are in self-isolation following COVID-19 exposure, amid a nationwide surge of the omicron variant, health officials said Wednesday.
San Francisco teachers' unions, district reach tentative agreement over COVID protocol
San Francisco Unified School District on Thursday announced they have reached a tentative agreement with several teachers' unions over COVID health and safety protocol.
Port backups, labor shortage due to sickness keeps items off of shelves
The ports remain jammed, so much so, that products keep arriving late. Now, Bay Area air quality officials want the diesel-powered container ships anchored in the Bay to go out to wait at sea instead of idling in the bay.
Persistent pandemic empties the streets of San Francisco
Around the city, there are many empty streets and traffic is noticeably light. People expressed frustration and fatigue that despite vaccinations and masking, the pandemic is still not over.
Australian Open draw delayed amid uncertainty over Djokovic
The Australian Open draw was delayed at least 75 minutes Thursday amid uncertainty over top-ranked Novak Djokovic's visa status.
Nonprofits offer big incentives as national blood shortage hits crisis level
The Red Cross has declared a national blood crisis and is now offering people the chance to go to the Super Bowl if they donate blood.
Bay Area teachers push for more remote options; state says that should be last resort
Educators at more Bay Area schools are planning sickouts this week: They say the move is needed to put pressure on school districts to provide more COVID safety measures.
San Jose orders boosters for city workers
San Jose city workers must get booster shots for the coronavirus as a condition of their employment.
Parent volunteers help keep short-staffed schools open
The S.O.S. went out from the Palo Alto Unified School District and parents answered the call Wednesday.
Oakland's COVID vaccination proof rules go into effect February 1
Vaccination proof will be required to gain entry to indoor public spaces in Oakland come February as omicron continues to spread rapidly.
Gov. Newsom promises to expand COVID-19 testing amid omicron surge
Newsom’s main goal is to continue the expansion of COVID testing. There are currently 50 mobile testing sites in California, the state plans to expand that number to 80.
California governor says help is on the way for state's fatigued healthcare workers
California Gov. Gavin Newsom said during a press briefing Wednesday that help is in the way for the state’s healthcare workers who are "emotionally and physically" exhausted.
Noodle Belly owner donates 10,000 KN95 masks to Oakland high school students
Eugene Lee, whose restaurant is next to the Fruitvale BART station, decided to donate after he learned there is a pressing need from teachers and students who want higher quality masks during the omicron surge.
San Francisco COVID cases reach 'all-time high'
San Francisco's latest battle with COVID has reached unprecedented levels.