The World Health Organization warns of very high risk posed by the omicron variant The newly identified strain of the coronavirus, which could be more transmissible than the previously dominant delta variant, has global health officials worried about a possible new surge in cases. Scott Neuman
The Omicron variant is the latest proof that the pandemic isn't over There are cases of this new coronavirus variant reported in several countries. How much protection can fully vaccinated people expect to have against this new strain? Noel King
As Omicron spreads, studies suggest that travel bans alone don't do much good Public health experts warn that the rush to impose travel bans on southern African countries after the Omicron variant was identified can work against scientific transparency. Jaclyn Diaz
Fauci says the omicron variant will inevitably appear in the U.S. The omicron variant has not been detected in the U.S., but Dr. Anthony Fauci says it is certain to be at some point. Fauci and Dr. Francis Collins appealed for people to get vaccinated as a defense. Wynne Davis
The WHO is seeking a new treaty on handling future pandemics. It could be a hard sell At a special session this week, the World Health Organization hopes to start sketching out a new world order. "We don't have rules of the game," says WHO head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. Jason Beaubien
How vaccine makers plan to address the new COVID-19 omicron variant A new coronavirus variant, first discovered in South Africa, has begun to spread around the globe. Vaccine producers say they're working to get ahead of the new strain. Dustin Jones
The consequences of hacking our dreams As advertisers explore the potential to market products while we sleep, a group of scientists are concerned what possible downsides could come with hacking dreams.
Peru has the world's highest COVID death rate. Here's why An isolated city on the Amazon illustrates why Peru has the highest COVID death rate in the world. One infectious disease expert called the country's awful record the result of a "perfect storm." Jason Beaubien
At least 2 people in the U.K. have the omicron variant, health secretary says The cases involve travel to southern Africa, where the latest COVID variant of concern was first identified, the British health secretary said. No cases have been identified in the U.S. so far. Nicole Hernandez
WHO is trying to start outlining international rules for COVID outbreaks Representatives from 194 countries will start negotiations on a possible new pandemic treaty. Officials say a lack of clarity on countries' obligations has hindered the response to COVID. Jason Beaubien