CDC recommends all schools continue to use masks

The CDC said that all kindergarten through grade 12 schools "should implement and layer prevention strategies and should prioritize universal and correct use of masks and physical distancing."

Some aren’t ready to give up masks despite new CDC guidance

With COVID-19 cases on the decline after more than 580,000 deaths and with more than a third of the U.S. population fully vaccinated, millions are deciding whether to continue wearing face masks, which were both a shield against infection and a point of heated political debate over the last year. People have myriad reasons for deciding to stop, or continuing to wear, a mask.

6 county executives ask Cuomo to follow CDC rules on masks

Six of New York’s county executives are calling for Gov. Andrew Cuomo to update the state’s COVID-19 protocols in accord with new federal guidelines that ease rules for fully vaccinated people.

Walensky cites 'evolving data,' denies 'pressure' for sudden change in mask policy

CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said Sunday that the agency has always followed "evolving data" on the pandemic and cited two studies published Thursday for the sudden change in mask policy.

Despite CDC guidance, some aren't ready to give up masks

Not everyone is giving up wearing a face mask despite the latest government guidance that means fully vaccinated Americans can uncover their faces in many cases.

Hundreds of bodies found buried along Indian riverbanks believed to be COVID-19 victims

India has been devastated in recent weeks by a surge in COVID-19 cases and deaths, and recent rains exposed cloth coverings of bodies buried in shallow sand graves on a wide, flat riverbank.

Publix brings back free cookies for kids at store bakeries

Kids will once again be able to get a free cookie from the Publix bakery. The supermarket chain confirmed that their free kids cookie program has been reinstated after suspending all food handouts in stores at the beginning of the pandemic.

Trader Joe's ditches mask mandate for vaccinated customers

Trader Joe's grocery stores will no longer be requiring masks for vaccinated customers in line with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), according to the company's website.

Minnesota's mask mandate ends, officially

Gov. Tim Walz officially removed Minnesota's statewide mask mandate Friday.

Novavax delays timeline for COVID-19 vaccine regulatory clearance, production of shots

Novavax said in an earnings call this week that won't be able to get its COVID-19 vaccine authorized until at least July, and a shortage of materials have delayed its production goals.

Restaurant owners face severe staff shortage: 'Everybody is hunting for the same people'

Michael Schwarz, the general manager of Port Canaveral’s gem, Fishlips Waterfront Bar & Grill, says they used to have 160 employees. Now, they are down to just 90. Another issue is keeping employees they have.

Walt Disney World to increase capacity as Q2 revenue drops on continued weakness in parks

Disney's second-quarter revenue dropped as the pandemic continued to weigh on its theme parks. However, CEO Bob Chapek said signs of recovery can be seen across the company and capacity will continue to expand at Walt Disney World.

Florida jobless claims drop as state prepares to reinstate 'work search' rule

An estimated 14,872 first-time unemployment claims were filed last week in Florida, down from the average over the past three months as the state pushes to get people back into the workforce during the lingering COVID-19 pandemic.

NIH report details how severe forms of COVID-19 cause lung failure and death

A recent report from the National Institutes of Health details how more severe forms of COVID-19 have caused some to have lung failure and even die from the disease.