COVID Variant

A new variant, named B.1.1.529, was named a “variant of concern” by the World Health Organization and given the name “omicron” from the letter in the Greek alphabet.

South African scientists identified a new version of the coronavirus that they say is behind a recent spike in COVID-19 infections in Gauteng, the country’s most populous province.

A new variant of interest identified by the World Health Organization is showing signs of being able to evade immunity from both vaccines and previous COVID-19 infections.

Crediting another boost in vaccine supply, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy announced an additional wave of eligibility coming next month. People ages 55 and older, as well as anyone that has intellectual and development disabilities ages 16 and older, can schedule an appointment starting April 5.

New York has ramped up COVID-19 vaccine rollout not only by expanding eligibility but also by increasing vaccination hubs. Some of these sites have been placed to address socio-economic disparities, and more are on the way, but state data show that the gap hasn’t improved much. The first dose of the vaccine was given in New York City in...

NBC New York’s Ray Villeda reports.

NBC New York’s Gilma Avalos and Myles Miller provide team coverage on Rutgers University requiring students be vaccinated in order to return to campus this fall, and NYC’s plan to reopen Broadway.

Mayor Bill de Blasio announces a new plan to help Broadway get back to business which includes vaccinating the theater community.

A plateau of new coronavirus cases has kept New York among the highest caseloads in the country, and concerns about upcoming reopenings are growing louder, especially with the spread of a new COVID-19 strain new New York City. Increased indoor dining capacity, indoor fitness classes resuming, weddings and lifting cluster zone restrictions are some of the economic recovery steps Gov….

The Times Union of Albany reported Wednesday that the governor had his brother, mother and at least one of his sister’s among those who were tested by top Health Department officials, some of whom were tested several times.

New York City announced Wednesday the expansion of the 3-K program to all school districts — the same day that a new window for choosing in-person learning for all public school students kicked off.

New York City announced Wednesday the expansion of the 3-K program to all school districts — the same day that a new window for choosing in-person learning for all public school students kicked off. New York City families who opted out of in-person learning last year while coronavirus cases skyrocketed now have another opportunity to bring students back to class,…

Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that NYC office workers can return to the workplace from May 3rd, Ray Villeda reports

Mayor Bill De Blasio announced today that all city workers will begin to return to their offices by May 3.

More than two million people have joined the list of New York residents who are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. The governor said newly eligible people can start signing up for vaccines starting 8 a.m. Tuesday. Currently, everyone age 60 and older can get vaccinated, as well as certain essential workers and people with select health conditions that leave them…

NBC New York’s Checkey Beckford reports.

After a big reopening week for restaurants and businesses across the tri-state area, another massive step in the pandemic recovery is taking place in New York City Monday. NBC New York’s Lynda Baquero and Checkey Beckford report.

After having its doors closed for months, public high schools in New York City reopen Monday for in-person learning. Meanwhile, New Jersey is taking a slower approach in reopening businesses as per-capita cases rise to a national high, with Gov. Phil Murphy saying more reopenings are unlikely in the short term. (New Jersey has the third-highest average of daily new...

After a big reopening week for restaurants and businesses across the tri-state area, another massive step in the pandemic recovery is taking place in New York City Monday, even amid the discovery of the first local case of the Brazilian variant of COVID-19. One of those steps is expanding vaccine eligibility to another swath of New Yorkers. People 50 years…

NBC New York’s Anjali Hemphill reports.