COVID-19

Health

The Downs And Ups Of Africa's Current COVID Surge

Nurith Aizenman / NPR

The World Health Organization has reported a downturn after 8 weeks of increasing cases. But the good news comes with a large dose of caution.
Health

An Olympic Opening Ceremony For An Olympics Like None Other

Mandalit del Barco / NPR

The Tokyo Summer Olympics were delayed by a year due to the coronavirus pandemic. Now, a year later, the Games are set to officially begin with a subdued but celebratory opening ceremony.
Health

The Delta Variant Will Drive A Steep Rise In U.S. COVID Deaths, A New Model Shows

Rob Stein / NPR

New estimates show the U.S. is on track to see a big rise in cases and more than triple the number of deaths by October.
Health

The NFL Warns Teams Will Forfeit Games And Players Won't Be Paid In COVID Outbreaks

Becky Sullivan / NPR

In a memo sent to all 32 teams, the league announced that if games are canceled due to COVID-19 outbreaks among unvaccinated players, the season won't be extended for rescheduled games.
Health

Czech Olympic Team Investigates Charter Flight After 4 Athletes Test Positive

Bill Chappell / NPR

Much of the scrutiny is falling on a doctor who was on the flight who was reportedly not vaccinated and who has spouted outlandish theories about the COVID-19 pandemic.
Health

The Lambda Variant: What You Should Know And Why Experts Say Not To Panic

Laurel Wamsley / NPR

Cases of the variant have popped up in several states. But neither the WHO nor the CDC considers it a variant of concern, and the fast-spreading delta variant continues to dominate U.S. cases.
Health

Democrats Want To Hold Social Media Companies Responsible For Health Misinformation

Shannon Bond / NPR

Democratic senators have introduced a bill that would hold Facebook, YouTube and other social media companies responsible if they promote harmful health claims on their platforms.
Health

Public Health Experts Call On CDC To Change Its Mask Guidance

Pien Huang / NPR

The agency argues that vaccinated people are safe without masks. But the guidance leaves room for plenty of unvaccinated people to mingle dangerously, and many argue that this is fueling case surges.
KPBS Midday Edition

COVID-19 Cases, Hospitalizations Surge Among Unvaccinated San Diegans

City News Service

A significant increase in COVID-19 cases has prompted San Diego County public health officials Thursday to renew their efforts to get county residents vaccinated from the virus.
Health

China Has Rejected A WHO Plan For Further Investigation Into The Origins Of COVID-19

The Associated Press / NPR

Chinese officials say they cannot support a second phase of a study into the origins of the pandemic, including new investigation into the theory that the virus might have leaked from a Chinese lab.