COVID-19 boosters: Fauci says definition of ‘fully vaccinated’ could change

The definition of being fully vaccinated could change as boosters become more widely available to adults in the U.S. but that’s only if the data shows it is necessary, according to Dr. Anthony Fauci.

Proof of COVID-19 vaccine will be required for all US land border crossers

The rules pertain to non-U.S. nationals. American citizens and permanent residents may still enter the U.S. regardless of their vaccination status.

Jury finds CVS, Walgreens, Walmart responsible for role in opioid crisis

The counties blamed pharmacies operated by CVS, Walgreens and Walmart for not stopping the flood of pills that caused hundreds of overdose deaths and cost each of the two counties about $1 billion, their attorney said.

California COVID: Good case numbers but surge threat remains

 California now has one of the lowest coronavirus infection rates in the country, with 1.9% of people testing positive for the disease in the last week as the nation’s most populous state has so far avoided the uptick feared heading into the end-of-year holidays.

More US adults opting to never have children, Pew survey finds

The number of childless adults between 18 and 49 years of age who have chosen to not have children in the future has increased 7% since the Pew Research Center conducted the same survey in 2018.

Fauci warns against ‘prematurely’ dropping mask rules amid COVID-19 spike

Dr. Anthony Fauci responded to a move by Washington, D.C. officials to remove indoor mask mandates, saying the move is premature and could lead to a spike in cases amid a recent COVID-19 surge in parts of the country.

COVID-19 infected deer could act as ‘reservoirs’ for virus, study suggests

Penn State veterinarians found an explosive number of COVID-19 cases in deer, leaving them to wonder if humans can contract the virus from the animals.

Child COVID-19 vaccines help prevent new variants, experts say

Scientists say vaccinating kids should not only slow the spread of the coronavirus but also help prevent potentially-dangerous variants from emerging. Each new infection brings another opportunity for the virus to mutate and evolve dangerous new traits.

Harris to announce $1.5B investment to fight health care worker shortage

The money, which includes funds from the American Rescue Plan and other sources, will support more than 22,700 providers, marking the largest number of providers enrolled in these programs in history, according to the White House.

Indoor masking returns to Santa Cruz County ahead of holidays

Santa Cruz County Health officials say COVID-19 cases have bumped up to roughly 27 a day, a 29% increase in two weeks, and if history repeats, cases will also rise after Thanksgiving. 

Mask-wearing cuts new COVID-19 cases by 53%, global studies suggest

A team reviewed the results of several studies worldwide and said findings suggest that mask-wearing was found to reduce new COVID-19 cases by more than half.

COVID-19 boosters: CDC director OKs shots for all adults after FDA approval

The FDA has authorized Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 booster shots to all U.S. adults, ahead of approval from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

2,000 Kaiser mental health clinicians walk out during sympathy strike

Kaiser Permanente employees are walking out on the job Friday for a second day; in this case, about 2,000 mental health workers plan to strike. Although they are still bargaining themselves, they're walking out in solidarity with their colleagues. 

Bucs WR Antonio Brown accused of obtaining fake COVID-19 vaccination card

Bucs wide receiver Antonio Brown is accused of paying for a fake COVID-19 vaccination card by a former live-in chef, who also says the player owes him $10,000.

Macy's Christmas tree lighting in San Francisco held a week early

A holiday tradition returned to San Francisco's Union Square Thursday night, as city officials gathered for the lighting of the Macy's Christmas tree.

Fauci worried about uptick in COVID-19 hospitalization among fully vaccinated

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s leading expert on infectious diseases says he's concerned over the uptick in hospitalizations among people fully vaccinated for COVID-19.