U.S. COVID hospitalizations hit new record high, raising risks for patients There are more patients and, in some places, not enough health care workers to go around. Research shows the crowding will impact care and increase mortality for all patients. Will Stone
College students are forced to adapt after a return to virtual classes As COVID-19 cases spike, many college students returning for spring semester have had to quickly switch from in-person learning to online classes again. Michelle Aslam
How to get insurance to pay for at-home COVID tests, according to the White House The Biden administration says Americans should be able to order COVID tests online later this month. Those who are eligible can get eight free over-the-counter at-home tests a month. Jonathan Franklin
Pandemic blog: Schools respond to Omicron surge Updated news about the coronavirus pandemic in Seattle and Washington state. KUOW Staff
Djokovic's fate remains unclear as Australian Open saga continues NPR's Ari Shapiro talks to Stephanie Ferrier of the Australian Broadcasting Corp. about Novak Djokovic, his reinstated visa and where things stand with the Australian Open.
How the current COVID surge is hurting learning and kids' mental health Thousands of schools around the country have once again shifted to remote learning as COVID cases rise. It's taking a huge toll on children. Anya Kamenetz
Canada's COVID testing crisis Canada has reported COVID-19 case numbers in recent days many times higher than it has seen at any other point during the pandemic. Demand has overwhelmed testing capacity in much of the country. Emma Jacobs
Rebuilding trust in public health NPR's Michel Martin speaks with infectious disease epidemiologist and science communicator Jessica Malaty Rivera about the CDC's messaging and rebuilding trust with the public.
Week in Review: Omicron, new state laws, and winter weather Bill Radke discusses the week's news with the Seattle Times Esmy Jimenez, Publicola’s Paul Kiefer, and the Everett Herald’s Isabella Breda. Kevin Kniestedt
Deaths tend to increase as hospitals fill. And hospitals are overflowing due to COVID Some hospitals report less strain as omicron seems to cause less severe illness. But they're still overcrowded with patients. Research shows death rates rise significantly when hospitals are full. Will Stone