WHO warns that new virus variant poses 'very high' risk
The World Health Organization warned Monday that the global risk from the omicron variant is "very high" based on the early evidence, saying the mutated coronavirus could lead to surges with "severe consequences."
New variant cause for 'concern, not panic,' Biden tells U.S.
President Joe Biden called the new coronavirus variant omicron a cause for concern but "not a cause for panic" Monday and said he was not considering any widespread U.S. lockdown. He urged Americans anew to get fully vaccinated, including booster shots, and return to face masks indoors in public settings to slow any spread.
Biden vaccine rule for health workers blocked in 10 states
A federal judge on Monday blocked President Joe Biden's administration from enforcing a coronavirus vaccine mandate on thousands of health care workers in 10 states that had brought the first legal challenge against the requirement.
World
New info shows omicron spread wider earlier than thought
New findings about the coronavirus's omicron variant made it clear Tuesday that the emerging threat slipped into countries well before their defenses were up, as two distant nations announced their first cases and a third reported its presence before South African officials sounded the alarm.
World
Honduras leftist leader could present opportunities for US
If Xiomara Castro's wide lead in Honduras' presidential election holds, her leftist government could present challenges, but also opportunities for a Biden administration that has struggled with how to work on the country's problems while keeping current President Juan Orlando Hernández at arm's length.
Nation
Man accused of using relief funds on Lamborghini gets prison
A Houston man has been sentenced to more than nine years in prison after he was accused of using federal COVID-19 relief funding on a Lamborghini, a Rolex watch and trips to strip clubs, federal prosecutors said.
World
Face masks again mandatory in England to combat omicron
England imposed new restrictions to combat the omicron variant on Tuesday, with face masks again compulsory in shops and on public transport.
Business
Final US hurdle for Merck's COVID-19 pill: FDA panel review
An experimental COVID-19 drug that could soon become the first U.S.-authorized pill to treat the coronavirus faces one final hurdle Tuesday: A panel of government experts will scrutinize data on the medication from drugmaker Merck.
Business
US home prices register 19.1% annual gain in September
U.S. home prices rose briskly in September, another sign that the housing market is booming in the aftermath of last year's coronavirus recession.
Nation
US tracking of virus variants has improved after slow start
After a slow start, the United States has improved its surveillance system for tracking new coronavirus variants such as omicron, boosting its capacity by tens of thousands of samples per week since early this year.
Nation
New lead testing method could reveal higher levels in water
For years, testing of the tap water in an upscale Detroit suburb showed the city was in the clear. Then residents got a notice seemingly out of the blue: Their water could be contaminated with elevated levels of lead.
Business
India's economy grows by 8.4% amid signs of recovery
India's economy grew by 8.4% in the July-September quarter from the same period a year earlier, the government announced Tuesday, raising hopes of a recovery after the country suffered historic contractions sparked by the coronavirus pandemic.
World
Veterinarians call for medical care for 2 Pakistan elephants
The head of a team of veterinarians on Tuesday called for urgent medical care for a pair of elephants in Pakistan's port city of Karachi.
Business
World shares, US futures slip on worries over omicron risks
Global shares mostly slipped Tuesday as investors cautiously weighed how much damage the new omicron coronavirus variant may unleash on the global economy.
Business
Greece to mandate COVID-19 vaccination for over-60s
Residents in Greece over age 60 will be fined 100 euros (more than $110) a month if they fail to get vaccinated against the coronavirus, under the first general COVID-19 mandate announced by the country's government.
Business
Consumer prices jump 7.7% in Poland, faster than expected
Poland said Tuesday that consumer prices have risen 7.7% over the past year, evidence that inflation is accelerating even faster than had been expected in the largest central European economy in the European Union.
Nation
'The Lost Daughter' wins big at 31st Gotham Awards
Maggie Gyllenhaal's Elena Ferrante adaptation "The Lost Daughter" won four Gotham Awards including best feature film at the 31st Gotham Awards, the annual New York independent film celebration that serves as a boozy kickoff to Oscar season.
World
Czech politicians put aside difference to back booster plan
The Czech Republic's outgoing and incoming prime ministers put aside their differences on Tuesday to support an initiative to administer 1 million COVID-19 booster shots in a week.
Business
Inflation in 19 nations using euro hits record high of 4.9%
Consumer prices across the 19 countries that use the euro currency are rising at a record rate as a result of a huge spike in energy costs this year, official figures showed Tuesday.
World
Japan confirms first case of new coronavirus variant
Japan confirmed on Tuesday its first case of the new omicron coronavirus variant, a Namibian diplomat who recently arrived from his country, officials said.
World
EMA chief says EU is ready to deal with new omicron variant
The European Union's medical agency chief said Tuesday that it is ready to deal with the new omicron variant, and that it will take two weeks to have an indication whether the current COVID-19 vaccines will be able to deal with it.
Sports
China concerned about omicron effect on Beijing Winter Games
China says the omicron variant of the coronavirus is a concern for organizers of the Beijing Winter Olympics but it remains confident the games will be held as scheduled in February.
World
Cambodia bars entry to travelers from 10 African countries
Cambodia has barred entry to travelers from 10 African countries, citing the threat from the new omicron coronavirus variant.
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