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CORONAVIRUS

Biden tests positive for COVID-19, has ‘very mild symptoms’

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden tested positive for COVID-19 on Thursday and went into isolation with mild symptoms. White House officials went all-out to show that the 79-year-old U.S. leader could power through the virus and keep working because he was vaccinated and boosted. In a navy blazer and Oxford shirt, Biden recorded a video on a White House balcony to send the message that he would be fine and the country should stay calm and carry on. He recognizes the pandemic as a national trauma that has killed more than one million Americans and alarmed millions more, and his ...

Hy-Vee offering COVID-19 test-to-treat services

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa — All Hy-Vee pharmacies now offer test-to-treat COVID-19 services using the COVID-19 antiviral, PAXLOVID, to help treat mild-to-moderate cases, the company announced Tuesday. Earlier this month, the FDA authorized state-licensed pharmacists to prescribe PAXLOVID to eligible patients ages 12 and older, with certain limitations. In order to be prescribed PAXLOVID, patients must test positive for COVID-19. Select Hy-Vee pharmacy locations offer rapid PCR COVID-19 testing (by appointment only) with same-day test results. All Hy-Vee pharmacies offer ...

Trial delayed for man pictured in Pelosi’s office at riot

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — A federal trial has been delayed for an Arkansas man who was photographed with his feet on a desk in House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's office during the Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol riot. A federal judge on Monday moved the trial for Richard Barnett, of Gravette, from Sept. 6 to Dec. 12. The delay was requested because Barnett's attorney has been recovering from COVID-19 and Lyme disease. Barnett was among supporters of President Donald Trump who stormed the Capitol as lawmakers assembled to certify Joe Biden's victory over Trump. Prosecutors say Barnett was carrying a ...

Jan. 6 panel chairman has COVID, prime-time hearing still on

WASHINGTON (AP) — Rep. Bennie Thompson, chairman of the House Jan. 6 committee, has tested positive for COVID-19, but the panel will still hold its prime-time hearing on Thursday, according to a spokesman for the panel. Thompson, D-Miss., announced Tuesday that he tested positive for the virus on Monday and is experiencing mild symptoms. Thompson, 74, said he will be isolating for the next several days, but Jan. 6 committee spokesman Tim Mulvey said the committee's eighth hearing this summer will proceed. He did not say if Thompson will participate virtually. The news of Thompson's ...

UK to offer 4th COVID-19 vaccine shot to all 50 and over

LONDON (AP) — The British government said Friday that everyone 50 or over will be offered a fourth dose of coronavirus vaccine in the fall, lowering the age threshold from the previously announced 65. The Department of Health said it had accepted advice from the U.K.'s independent vaccines adviser about the autumn booster program. Fourth doses will also be given to health care workers, nursing home staff and residents, and all those aged 5 and up with health conditions that make them more vulnerable to severe illness from COVID-19. Most of the same groups will also get a free flu ...

25 million kids missed routine vaccinations because of COVID

GENEVA (AP) — About 25 million children worldwide have missed out on routine immunizations against common diseases like diptheria, largely because the coronavirus pandemic disrupted regular health services or triggered misinformation about vaccines, according to the U.N. In a new report published Friday, the World Health Organization and UNICEF said their figures show 25 million children last year failed to get vaccinated against diptheria, tetanus and pertussis, a marker for childhood immunization coverage, continuing a downward trend that began in 2019. "This is a red alert for ...