New COVID Origins Data Point to Raccoon Dogs in China Market

BEIJING (AP) — Genetic material collected at a Chinese market near where the first human cases of COVID-19 were identified show raccoon dog DNA comingled with the virus, adding evidence to the theory that the virus originated from animals, not from a lab, international experts say.

NYC Ending COVID-19 Vaccination Mandate for City Employees

NEW YORK — New York City, which once had the nation’s strictest workplace vaccination rules for COVID-19, is ending one of its last such mandates, saying it will no longer require the shots for municipal employees including police officers, firefighters and teachers.

Macao Eases COVID Rules

MACAO — Only a few tourists crisscrossed the wavy black and white paving of Macao's historic Senado Square on a recent weekday and many of the shops were shuttered.

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Canada, Australia Impose COVID rules on travelers from China

BEIJING — Australia and Canada have joined a growing list of countries requiring travelers from China to take a COVID-19 test prior to boarding their flight, as China battles a nationwide outbreak of the coronavirus after abruptly easing restrictions that were in place for much of the pandemic.

Long Covid: Could Mono Virus or Fat Cells be Playing Roles?

A British historian, an Italian archaeologist and an American preschool teacher have never met in person, but they share a prominent pandemic bond.

China Races to Vaccinate Elderly, But Many are Reluctant

BEIJING (AP) — Chinese authorities are going door to door and paying people older than 60 to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

Greece’s Anti-Vaxxers Get Pass, Vaccinated Seen Needing Fourth Shot

ATHENS – While the New Democracy government is easing health restrictions for rabid anti-vaxxers, those fully vaccinated against COVID-19 may need a fourth shot in the autumn.

Number of COVID Patients in US Hospitals Reaches Record Low

NORFOLK, Va. (AP) — COVID-19 hospitalization numbers have plunged to their lowest levels since the early days of the pandemic, offering a much needed break to health care workers and patients alike following the omicron surge.

Greece’s COVID-19 Cases Set to Surpass 2 Million, Deaths Rising

ATHENS – With health restrictions eased, Greece is on a path in February to go past 2 million cases of COVID-19 and 24,000 deaths since the pandemic began its onslaught in March, 2020, still continuing.

Russia’s Daily COVID-19 Count Soars Above 110,000

MOSCOW — The daily count of new coronavirus infections in Russia spiked above 110,000 on Saturday as the highly contagious omicron variant races through the vast country.