US 'herd immunity' uncertain but vaccination will help restore some normalcy, experts say

The question of if and when the U.S. will reach "herd immunity" remains unclear, experts say. But continuing the COVID-19 vaccination drive will help Americans get back to a sense of normalcy in the future.

Senior CDC official who issued early warnings about COVID-19 resigns

In February of 2020, Dr. Nancy Messonnier warned the nation of a potential pandemic, suggesting that social distancing measures should be put into place for schools and businesses.

Chamber of Commerce calls for end to enhanced jobless aid

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is calling for Washington to immediately stop paying out-of-work Americans an extra $300 a week in unemployment benefits, saying the boost in government aid is giving some recipients less incentive to look for work.

Biden says economic recovery a marathon, not a sprint amid weak jobs report

U.S. employers added just 266,000 jobs last month, sharply lower than in March and a sign that some businesses are struggling to find enough workers.

Some Central Florida businesses begin removing ‘Masks Required’ signs

Several businesses across Central Florida are getting rid of signage at their front doors stating that face coverings are mandatory now that Governor Ron DeSantis says COVID-19 restrictions can be lifted.

COVID-19 vaccine boosters likely needed every 9 to 12 months, Moderna president says

Moderna’s CEO said the coronavirus is “not going away,” and the president of the company said its vaccine will likely require a booster shot within a year.

India shatters record, reports more than 412K new COVID-19 cases in 1 day

On Thursday, the number of new confirmed coronavirus cases breached 400,000 for the second time in India since the devastating surge began last month.

Moderna says its COVID-19 vaccine appears safe, 96% effective in teens 12-17

Recent data from an ongoing trial of Moderna’s vaccine in teenagers found that it was 96% effective against COVID-19, and no serious safety concerns were present, according to the company.

IRS delivers another batch of $1,400 stimulus checks: Here's who received them

The IRS will issue an eighth batch of stimulus checks this week, delivering payments to another 1.1 million Americans as part of President Biden's $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan.

New IHME study says COVID-19 has caused over 905,000 deaths in U.S., 6.9 million deaths globally

Updated analysis by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington School of Medicine found that COVID-19 deaths are significantly underreported in almost every country.

In new pandemic low, unemployment numbers fall to 498,000

The number of Americans seeking unemployment aid fell last week to 498,000, the lowest point since the viral pandemic struck 14 months ago and a sign of the job market’s growing strength as businesses reopen and consumers step up spending.

Gov. DeSantis calls cruise industry halt 'fundamentally unfair'

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention just announced the next steps that will bring the cruise industry closer to sailing again. First will come test cruises, to be followed by restricted passenger voyages. However, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said the CDC has been taking too long to green-light sailings and expressed his frustration at a news conference in Satellite Beach on Wednesday.

Flagler Schools to make face coverings optional during summer programs

The Flagler County School District said its current policy requiring face coverings in the classroom will be lifted after June 5, barring any spike in new COVID-19 cases.

Parents protest Central Florida school district's mask mandate

Several parents were outside the Seminole County Schools Administration Building on Tuesday holding signs that said: "unmask our kids."