CVS launches sweepstakes to encourage COVID-19 vaccination, offering cruises, Super Bowl VIP tickets

CVS Health is joining other major corporations by rolling out a sweepstakes to encourage COVID-19 vaccination at its stores, offering monetary prizes, free cruises, tropical vacations and VIP Super Bowl tickets.

Facebook ends ban on posts claiming COVID-19 is man-made

Facebook will no longer ban posts suggesting COVID-19 was man-made amid mounting calls to further investigate the pandemic’s origins, marking a reversal for the social media giant.

Ohio announces 1st winners of Vax-a-Million lottery

Ohio is ready to announce the first winners of its Vax-a-Million incentive prizes meant to boost lagging vaccination rates. 

Colorado joins Ohio in offering $1M COVID-19 vaccine lottery

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis on Tuesday announced that the state will be offering five $1 million lottery prizes, totaling $5 million, to residents who have been vaccinated.

Palo Alto may end street dining after state reopens

It’s another sign of normalcy returning to one Peninsula city. Streets closed for outdoor dining during the pandemic may reopen sooner than anticipated. The idea has some restaurant owners and retailers divided.

Suicidal man dies following struggle with Vacaville police

Sam Yasko died following a struggle with Vacaville police officers. His mother is suing the city and department alleging excessive force caused her son's death in late 2017.

San Jose, other Bay Area cities rank among top for COVID-19 vaccinations in the U.S.

New data shows the San Jose metro area not only had the nation's highest percentage of residents vaccinated against COVID-19, but it’s also among the leaders for lowest rates of new cases.

US reaches 50% of adults fully vaccinated against COVID-19, CDC data says

The United States reached a notable milestone on Tuesday with 50% of adults becoming fully vaccinated against COVID-19 nationwide. according to data collected by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Foster Farms plant in California cited over COVID outbreak

The company also failed to effectively communicate with its own management about outbreaks, and failed to communicate measures it was taking to prevent exposure to the virus, according to Cal/OSHA.

With COVID dashing party plans again, some parents pay for private proms

Some parents are planning private proms for their children in the class of 2021. They booked a location, hired security guards, secured liability insurance, and did everything else that goes into organizing a high school prom.

Pfizer begins testing COVID-19 booster shot with pneumococcal vaccine in older adults

Pfizer is testing a booster of its COVID-19 vaccine in combination with a pneumococcal vaccine candidate in fully vaccinated older adults. The study will analyze safety and the immune responses produced by each.

Moderna says its COVID-19 vaccine strongly protects kids as young as 12

Moderna said Tuesday its COVID-19 vaccine strongly protects older kids after a study of more than 3,700 12- to 17-year-olds. The company plans to submit its teen data to the FDA in early June.

Bay Area Olympic athlete, coach react to travel advisory to Japan

The U.S. State Department is warning U.S. citizens against travel to Japan because of rising COVID-19 infection rates. It comes two months before Tokyo is set to host the Summer Olympics.

SFUSD accused of exploiting loophole to receive reopening funds without reopening

With $12-million in school funding on the line, a group of state legislators is calling out the San Francisco Unified School District. They say the district took advantage of reopening dollars, without actually reopening in-person learning to enough students.