COVID-19

The World Health Organization deemed it a variant of concern, and the U.S. is banning travel from parts of Africa where it's spreading. Here's what scientists know and what they're trying to learn.

Disney has paused its vaccine mandate for Walt Disney World employees after a new Florida law barring workplace vaccine mandates. Meanwhile, new discussion on the definition of "fully vaccinated."

The FDA on Friday granted emergency use authorization for the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna booster shots. The boosters have already been available for people 65 and older and to high-risk adults.

COVID exposures can cause lockdowns.

Austria has placed some 2 million unvaccinated people on partial lockdown. Similar restrictions in Berlin have been placed on people who aren't fully vaccinated.

The federal government directed nursing homes to open their doors wide to visitors, easing many remaining pandemic restrictions.

Health leaders are urging people to continue masking, distancing, and vaccinating as activities move inside in colder weather.

More lockdowns are in the offing, as Germany and Austria shatter daily case counts and Russia has become become the world leader in new COVID-19 deaths.

The state attorneys general argue the vaccine mandate will lead to shortages of health care workers and could threaten the jobs of millions.

WSIU's Jennifer Fuller talks with Dr. Tracey Smith of the Illinois Public Health Association