A researcher called Roger Ekirch has said that insomnia is the remnant of biphasic sleep rather than a disorder.

Ekirch is a university distinguished professor in the department of history at Virginia Tech. He has published the details of his findings in his book called "At Day's Close: Night in Times Past."

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Widespread beliefs about sleeping include advice on how much sleep is enough, what quality sleep means and how to achieve it, but when these pronouncements are wrong, they can do more harm than good, researchers argue.

About one-third of adults in the US report sleeping less than the recommended seven hours, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/not-sleeping-enough-your-brain-might-be-eating-itself-319676">Also read |&nbsp;Not sleeping enough? Your brain might be eating itself</a>

There are basically two types of sleep, each tied to specific brain waves and neuronal activity. Rapid eye movement REM, with the eyes moving quickly from side to side behind closed eyelids, is deep sleep with vivid dreams. Non-REM sleep is largely dreamless.

During REM sleep, the brain forms new neural connections by building and strengthening synapses - the junctions between nerve cells, or neurons - that enable them to communicate, reinforcing learning and consolidating memories. During sleep, the brain also repairs the modicum of daily neurological damage it typically experiences to genes and proteins within neurons as well as clearing out byproducts that build up.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/getting-more-sleep-isnt-always-beneficial-study-402671">Also read |&nbsp;Getting more sleep isn't always beneficial: Study</a>

With many people anecdotally reporting sleep problems due to the new coronavirus - including difficulty falling asleep, trouble staying asleep and vivid dreams, Ekirch investigated their impact on people’s health and daily rhythms.

''A large number of people who today suffer from middle-of-the-night insomnia, the primary sleep disorder in the United States and I dare say in most industrialised countries,&nbsp;rather than experiencing a quote-unquote, disorder, are in fact, experiencing a very powerful remnant, or echo of this earlier pattern of sleep,'' said Ekirch.

Sleep is known to be critical to physical and mental health,&nbsp;essential for tissue repair, cell regeneration, immune function, memory, and for regulating mood and emotions.

(With inputs from agencies)

A researcher called Roger Ekirch has said that insomnia is the remnant of biphasic sleep rather than a disorder. Ekirch is a university distinguished professor in the department of history at Virginia Tech.

A researcher called Roger Ekirch has said that insomnia is the remnant of biphasic sleep rather than a disorder. Ekirch is a university distinguished professor in the department of history at Virginia Tech. He has published the details of his findings in his book called "At Day's Close: Night in Times Past." Widespread beliefs about sleeping include advice on how much sleep is enough, what quality sleep means and how to achieve it, but when these pronouncements are wrong, they can do more harm than good, researchers argue. About one-third of adults in the US report sleeping less than the recommended seven hours, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Also read | Not sleeping enough? Your brain might be eating itself There are basically two types of sleep, each tied to specific brain waves and neuronal activity. Rapid eye movement REM, with the eyes moving quickly from side to side behind closed eyelids, is deep sleep with vivid dreams. Non-REM sleep is largely dreamless. During REM sleep, the brain forms new neural connections by building and strengthening synapses - the junctions between nerve cells, or neurons - that enable them to communicate, reinforcing learning and consolidating memories. During sleep, the brain also repairs the modicum of daily neurological damage it typically experiences to genes and proteins within neurons as well as clearing out byproducts that build up. Also read | Getting more sleep isn't always beneficial: Study With many people anecdotally reporting sleep problems due to the new coronavirus - including difficulty falling asleep, trouble staying asleep and vivid dreams, Ekirch investigated their impact on people’s health and daily rhythms. ''A large number of people who today suffer from middle-of-the-night insomnia, the primary sleep disorder in the United States and I dare say in most industrialised countries, rather than experiencing a quote-unquote, disorder, are in fact, experiencing a very powerful remnant, or echo of this earlier pattern of sleep,'' said Ekirch. Sleep is known to be critical to physical and mental health, essential for tissue repair, cell regeneration, immune function, memory, and for regulating mood and emotions. (With inputs from agencies)

Researcher says insomnia is remnant of biphasic sleep, not a disorder

Centres for Disease Control and Prevention explained the scientific rationale for shortening their isolation and quarantine guidelines for COVID-19 and said that the guidelines also apply to children.

The Dec 27 guidance reduced isolation restrictions for people with COVID-19 from 10 to five days if they are no longer feeling symptoms or have a fever. In the following five days, they are required to wear masks at all times around others.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-sets-global-record-of-over-1-million-daily-covid-19-cases-after-fauci-warns-of-vertical-increase-442179">US sets global record of over 1 million daily Covid-19 cases after Fauci warns of 'vertical increase'</a>

Despite hints from other federal officials that it was reconsidering its position, the CDC on Tuesday maintained that people who catch COVID-19 are not required to undergo testing before they can emerge from five days of isolation.

Last week, the CDC announced a reduction in isolation time for Americans who caught the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">Coronavirus</a> but did not experience any symptoms or only experienced a brief illness. For isolation to end, a person must have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without using fever-reducing medications and all other symptoms have resolved, according to the CDC.

Previously, CDC officials said the changes were in line with evidence that people with coronaviruses are most infectious two days before and three days after symptoms develop.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/omicron-skin-lips-and-nail-symptoms-that-mean-you-need-urgent-covid-19-treatment-442234">Omicron: Skin, lips, and nail symptoms that mean you need urgent COVID-19 treatment</a>

Experts have questioned how the new recommendations were crafted and why they changed amid the spike in cases linked largely to the highly contagious omicron variant. Many health professionals have criticised the guidelines for failing to specify a negative antigen test as a requirement for leaving isolation.

CDC posted documents on Tuesday designed to answer these questions as well as others. In response to questions raised by school leaders around the country, the CDC said the guidance applies to both school children and adults. 
As part of its justification for the revisions, the agency cited more than 100 studies from 17 countries that found most transmission occurs early in an infection.

CDC officials acknowledged that the data were derived from studies carried out when delta and other pre-omicron variants caused the majority of infections. However, the agency also pointed to limited, early data from the US and South Korea, which suggest that the time between exposure and the onset of symptoms may be shorter for the omicron strain than for the earlier variants.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Will Rich Countries extend the Pandemic?

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Furthermore, the CDC addressed its decision not to call for a negative test prior to releasing the population from isolation.

The agency says lab tests can yield positive results even after someone has stopped being contagious, and an at-home test result can be misleading. In light of that, the agency recommends wearing masks everywhere after the five-day period of isolation ends.

Moreover, the agency admitted that many people did not follow the previous isolation and quarantine recommendations anyway. It has been found that only 25 to 30 per cent of people isolated for a full 10 days under the old guidelines.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends people exposed to this virus be quarantined for five days unless they have recently received their first dose of vaccine. This is also true if they have recently gotten booster shots. The agency also suggested that anyone exposed "regardless of vaccination status" should get tested five days later.

(With inputs from agencies)

Centres for Disease Control and Prevention explained the scientific rationale for shortening their isolation and quarantine guidelines for COVID-19 and said that the guidelines also apply to children.

Centres for Disease Control and Prevention explained the scientific rationale for shortening their isolation and quarantine guidelines for COVID-19 and said that the guidelines also apply to children. The Dec 27 guidance reduced isolation restrictions for people with COVID-19 from 10 to five days if they are no longer feeling symptoms or have a fever. In the following five days, they are required to wear masks at all times around others. Also read | US sets global record of over 1 million daily Covid-19 cases after Fauci warns of 'vertical increase' Despite hints from other federal officials that it was reconsidering its position, the CDC on Tuesday maintained that people who catch COVID-19 are not required to undergo testing before they can emerge from five days of isolation. Last week, the CDC announced a reduction in isolation time for Americans who caught the Coronavirus but did not experience any symptoms or only experienced a brief illness. For isolation to end, a person must have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without using fever-reducing medications and all other symptoms have resolved, according to the CDC. Previously, CDC officials said the changes were in line with evidence that people with coronaviruses are most infectious two days before and three days after symptoms develop. Also read | Omicron: Skin, lips, and nail symptoms that mean you need urgent COVID-19 treatment Experts have questioned how the new recommendations were crafted and why they changed amid the spike in cases linked largely to the highly contagious omicron variant. Many health professionals have criticised the guidelines for failing to specify a negative antigen test as a requirement for leaving isolation. CDC posted documents on Tuesday designed to answer these questions as well as others. In response to questions raised by school leaders around the country, the CDC said the guidance applies to both school children and adults. As part of its justification for the revisions, the agency cited more than 100 studies from 17 countries that found most transmission occurs early in an infection. CDC officials acknowledged that the data were derived from studies carried out when delta and other pre-omicron variants caused the majority of infections. However, the agency also pointed to limited, early data from the US and South Korea, which suggest that the time between exposure and the onset of symptoms may be shorter for the omicron strain than for the earlier variants. Watch | Gravitas: Will Rich Countries extend the Pandemic? Furthermore, the CDC addressed its decision not to call for a negative test prior to releasing the population from isolation. The agency says lab tests can yield positive results even after someone has stopped being contagious, and an at-home test result can be misleading. In light of that, the agency recommends wearing masks everywhere after the five-day period of isolation ends. Moreover, the agency admitted that many people did not follow the previous isolation and quarantine recommendations anyway. It has been found that only 25 to 30 per cent of people isolated for a full 10 days under the old guidelines. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends people exposed to this virus be quarantined for five days unless they have recently received their first dose of vaccine. This is also true if they have recently gotten booster shots. The agency also suggested that anyone exposed "regardless of vaccination status" should get tested five days later. (With inputs from agencies)

Check out CDC's new COVID guidelines and the scientific rationale behind them

On Thursday, a panel of US government-appointed medical experts unanimously recommended Pfizer's and Moderna's mRNA Covid vaccines over Johnson &amp; Johnson's due to its weaker protection and greater risks.&nbsp;

There was a 15-0 vote in favour of the new guidance, which applies to everyone over the age of 18.

Rochelle Walensky, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), signed off on the measure Thursday evening. "Today's updated recommendation emphasizes CDC's commitment to provide real-time scientific information to the public," she said in a statement, encouraging American citizens to get vaccinated and get coronavirus booster shots.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-drug-regulator-gives-go-ahead-for-pfizer-covid-pills-emergency-use-437518" hreflang="en">EU drug regulator gives go-ahead for Pfizer Covid pill's emergency use</a>

The recommendation steers the public away from J&amp;J's drug, which initially won praise in part because it could be stored at room temperature and performed well against earlier strains of the Coronavirus after just one shot.

However, it was later linked to clotting, especially among women of childbearing age, which led authorities to temporarily suspend its use then resume it in April. Since then, it has remained a distant third choice of vaccination among Americans.

It was discovered this week that this clotting effect is more prevalent than initially thought, and not necessarily restricted to females.

Additionally, preliminary laboratory testing indicates that the jab provides little protection against the new Omicron variant -- at least against infection.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-uk-reports-over-88000-covid-cases-highest-daily-since-pandemic-began-437395" hreflang="en">Omicron: UK reports over 88,000 Covid cases, highest daily since pandemic began</a>

CDC called the vote after new safety data raised concerns.&nbsp;

According to new data released by the CDC, nine people have died so far because of low platelet counts or Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS), with around 16 million doses of vaccine administered.

As of August 31, there were 54 cases, 36 of which required intensive care. The survivors had long-term effects such as paralysis in some cases.

Women aged 30-49 were at the greatest risk, where TTS occurred at around a rate of one in 100,000.

The risk, however, isn't limited to women, with two of the nine deaths occurring among men. Additionally, the CDC said the death toll may be underestimated.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-vaccines-likely-to-be-less-effective-against-omicron-variant-who-437383" hreflang="en">Covid vaccines likely to be less effective against Omicron variant: WHO</a>

TTS has caused fatalities in about one out of seven cases.&nbsp;

CDC scientist Sara Oliver told a committee of independent experts, they had several choices, including recommending not to use the vaccine altogether.&nbsp;

The panel of experts agreed, however, that the J&amp;J vaccine should remain available for people who, for whatever reasons, may refuse mRNA vaccines, despite their higher efficacy and lower risks.&nbsp;

In its discussion of risks and benefits, the CDC also said that the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines carry risks, primarily for younger men who may in very rare cases develop myocarditis or pericarditis -- inflammation of or around the heart.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Lab leak "most likely" source of Covid-19, British MPs told

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No fatalities have been reported from these cases, and the two vaccines offer a much greater level of protection than the J&amp;J shot.

"The Johnson and Johnson Covid-19 vaccine is a life saving tool for individuals in high risk populations," Penny Heaton, global therapeutic area head of vaccines at J&amp;J argued.

The panel agrees with the company that recommending against the J&amp;J shot completely would send an undesirable message to other areas of the world where the jab may be the only option.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

On Thursday, a panel of US government-appointed medical experts unanimously recommended Pfizer's and Moderna's mRNA Covid vaccines over Johnson & Johnson's due to its weaker protection and greater risks.

On Thursday, a panel of US government-appointed medical experts unanimously recommended Pfizer's and Moderna's mRNA Covid vaccines over Johnson & Johnson's due to its weaker protection and greater risks. There was a 15-0 vote in favour of the new guidance, which applies to everyone over the age of 18. Rochelle Walensky, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), signed off on the measure Thursday evening. "Today's updated recommendation emphasizes CDC's commitment to provide real-time scientific information to the public," she said in a statement, encouraging American citizens to get vaccinated and get coronavirus booster shots. Also read | EU drug regulator gives go-ahead for Pfizer Covid pill's emergency use The recommendation steers the public away from J&J's drug, which initially won praise in part because it could be stored at room temperature and performed well against earlier strains of the Coronavirus after just one shot. However, it was later linked to clotting, especially among women of childbearing age, which led authorities to temporarily suspend its use then resume it in April. Since then, it has remained a distant third choice of vaccination among Americans. It was discovered this week that this clotting effect is more prevalent than initially thought, and not necessarily restricted to females. Additionally, preliminary laboratory testing indicates that the jab provides little protection against the new Omicron variant -- at least against infection. Also read | Omicron: UK reports over 88,000 Covid cases, highest daily since pandemic began CDC called the vote after new safety data raised concerns. According to new data released by the CDC, nine people have died so far because of low platelet counts or Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS), with around 16 million doses of vaccine administered. As of August 31, there were 54 cases, 36 of which required intensive care. The survivors had long-term effects such as paralysis in some cases. Women aged 30-49 were at the greatest risk, where TTS occurred at around a rate of one in 100,000. The risk, however, isn't limited to women, with two of the nine deaths occurring among men. Additionally, the CDC said the death toll may be underestimated. Also read | Covid vaccines likely to be less effective against Omicron variant: WHO TTS has caused fatalities in about one out of seven cases. CDC scientist Sara Oliver told a committee of independent experts, they had several choices, including recommending not to use the vaccine altogether. The panel of experts agreed, however, that the J&J vaccine should remain available for people who, for whatever reasons, may refuse mRNA vaccines, despite their higher efficacy and lower risks. In its discussion of risks and benefits, the CDC also said that the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines carry risks, primarily for younger men who may in very rare cases develop myocarditis or pericarditis -- inflammation of or around the heart. Watch | Gravitas: Lab leak "most likely" source of Covid-19, British MPs told No fatalities have been reported from these cases, and the two vaccines offer a much greater level of protection than the J&J shot. "The Johnson and Johnson Covid-19 vaccine is a life saving tool for individuals in high risk populations," Penny Heaton, global therapeutic area head of vaccines at J&J argued. The panel agrees with the company that recommending against the J&J shot completely would send an undesirable message to other areas of the world where the jab may be the only option. (With inputs from agencies)

Citing risk of clotting, US expert panel votes for the use of Moderna, Pfizer vaccines, over J&J

Expert advisers to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will meet Thursday to discuss what federal health officials see as a concerning increase in the rates of a rare but serious blood-clotting disorder linked to Johnson &amp; Johnson’s coronavirus vaccine.

The Advisory Committee on Immunisation Practices will see new data at the meeting that shows elevated risks of the condition in men and women, according to one federal official, setting the stage for the experts to possibly recommend new restrictions on the use of the vaccine.

The Food and Drug Administration on Tuesday said that although problems arose in men and women, the highest rate was in about 1 in 100,000 in women ages 30-49.

Among the women who were diagnosed with the syndrome, which can impair clotting and cause internal bleeding, about 1 in 7 died, the FDA said. The federal official who described the planning for Thursday’s meeting said that updated figures showed roughly nine deaths from the disorder.

The panel on Thursday may advise that the vaccine only be given to people who cannot access a different brand or who want it despite the risk, or restrict it to certain groups.

The Washington Post first reported the plans for Thursday’s meeting and the new federal data.

Jake Sargent, a spokesperson for Johnson &amp; Johnson, said the company shares with regulators reports of side effects in people who have received the vaccine and strongly supports “raising awareness of the signs and symptoms of this rare event.”

About 16 million people in the United States have received a single shot of the Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine as their primary immunisation, compared to 73 million fully immunised with Moderna’s vaccine and 113 million with Pfizer’s. Among the people in the United States who have received a booster shot, just 1.5% have gotten the one from Johnson &amp; Johnson.

The side effect, known as thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome, can impair clotting and cause internal bleeding. An increased risk for the condition has been linked to the Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine and the shot from AstraZeneca, which is not authorised in the United States. It has not been linked to the vaccines from Moderna or Pfizer.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-possibly-an-engineered-virus-and-leaked-from-wuhan-lab-harvard-scientist-437263">Also read |&nbsp;COVID-19 possibly an engineered virus and leaked from Wuhan lab: Harvard scientist</a>

On Tuesday, the FDA announced that it added a warning to the vaccine’s fact sheets for patients and providers, saying the shot should not be given to anyone who has had a clotting problem after a first dose. The agency said that it “continues to find” that the benefits of the vaccine outweigh its risks.

As more cases of the clotting disorder were adjudicated by federal health officials in recent months, FDA and CDC officials grew increasingly alarmed by the numbers presented to them by the CDC’s immunisation safety office, which monitors reports in the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System, or VAERS, a decades-old system that relies on self-reported cases from patients and health care providers.

The reports of the condition grew worrisome enough in recent weeks that federal officials determined they needed to call an emergency meeting of the CDC advisers.

In April, soon after Johnson &amp; Johnson’s vaccine started being administered in the United States, federal officials briefly recommended halting use of the shot because of concerns about the risk of blood clots. At the time, the condition had emerged in six women, all of whom developed the illness within one to three weeks of vaccination. One of the women had died. By May, 28 cases had been confirmed.

The updated FDA fact sheet for providers says that “currently available evidence supports a causal relationship” between the condition and Johnson &amp; Johnson’s vaccine.

The new data come during a surge in virus cases driven by the delta coronavirus variant and omicron, the version of the virus that has already become dominant in some countries and is spreading fast in the United States.

Several laboratory experiments suggest that a single dose of Johnson &amp; Johnson’s shot may offer little defense against infection with omicron. The company said late last month that it is testing blood samples from clinical trial participants who have received its shot as a booster to see how their vaccine-induced antibodies fare against omicron.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-develops-new-software-to-predict-actions-that-can-trigger-outsized-chinese-reactions-437252">Also read |&nbsp;US develops new software to predict actions that can trigger 'outsized' Chinese reactions</a>

The shot has largely fallen out of favor in the United States, despite early hopes that its one-and-done format would be easy to deploy in more isolated communities and among people skittish about receiving two doses.

Federal health officials in October authorised booster shots for people who had received a single shot of Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine at least two months earlier. They allowed for a “mix and match” approach, allowing people to get a second shot of a Pfizer or Moderna vaccine. Among people in the United States who originally received a single Johnson &amp; Johnson shot and then got a second shot, fewer than 28% have gotten Johnson &amp; Johnson as their booster.

Expert advisers to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will meet Thursday to discuss what federal health officials see as a concerning increase in the rates of a rare but serious blood-clotting disorder linked to Johnson & Johnson’s coronavirus vaccine.

Expert advisers to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will meet Thursday to discuss what federal health officials see as a concerning increase in the rates of a rare but serious blood-clotting disorder linked to Johnson & Johnson’s coronavirus vaccine. The Advisory Committee on Immunisation Practices will see new data at the meeting that shows elevated risks of the condition in men and women, according to one federal official, setting the stage for the experts to possibly recommend new restrictions on the use of the vaccine. The Food and Drug Administration on Tuesday said that although problems arose in men and women, the highest rate was in about 1 in 100,000 in women ages 30-49. Among the women who were diagnosed with the syndrome, which can impair clotting and cause internal bleeding, about 1 in 7 died, the FDA said. The federal official who described the planning for Thursday’s meeting said that updated figures showed roughly nine deaths from the disorder. The panel on Thursday may advise that the vaccine only be given to people who cannot access a different brand or who want it despite the risk, or restrict it to certain groups. The Washington Post first reported the plans for Thursday’s meeting and the new federal data. Jake Sargent, a spokesperson for Johnson & Johnson, said the company shares with regulators reports of side effects in people who have received the vaccine and strongly supports “raising awareness of the signs and symptoms of this rare event.” About 16 million people in the United States have received a single shot of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine as their primary immunisation, compared to 73 million fully immunised with Moderna’s vaccine and 113 million with Pfizer’s. Among the people in the United States who have received a booster shot, just 1.5% have gotten the one from Johnson & Johnson. The side effect, known as thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome, can impair clotting and cause internal bleeding. An increased risk for the condition has been linked to the Johnson & Johnson vaccine and the shot from AstraZeneca, which is not authorised in the United States. It has not been linked to the vaccines from Moderna or Pfizer. Also read | COVID-19 possibly an engineered virus and leaked from Wuhan lab: Harvard scientist On Tuesday, the FDA announced that it added a warning to the vaccine’s fact sheets for patients and providers, saying the shot should not be given to anyone who has had a clotting problem after a first dose. The agency said that it “continues to find” that the benefits of the vaccine outweigh its risks. As more cases of the clotting disorder were adjudicated by federal health officials in recent months, FDA and CDC officials grew increasingly alarmed by the numbers presented to them by the CDC’s immunisation safety office, which monitors reports in the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System, or VAERS, a decades-old system that relies on self-reported cases from patients and health care providers. The reports of the condition grew worrisome enough in recent weeks that federal officials determined they needed to call an emergency meeting of the CDC advisers. In April, soon after Johnson & Johnson’s vaccine started being administered in the United States, federal officials briefly recommended halting use of the shot because of concerns about the risk of blood clots. At the time, the condition had emerged in six women, all of whom developed the illness within one to three weeks of vaccination. One of the women had died. By May, 28 cases had been confirmed. The updated FDA fact sheet for providers says that “currently available evidence supports a causal relationship” between the condition and Johnson & Johnson’s vaccine. The new data come during a surge in virus cases driven by the delta coronavirus variant and omicron, the version of the virus that has already become dominant in some countries and is spreading fast in the United States. Several laboratory experiments suggest that a single dose of Johnson & Johnson’s shot may offer little defense against infection with omicron. The company said late last month that it is testing blood samples from clinical trial participants who have received its shot as a booster to see how their vaccine-induced antibodies fare against omicron. Also read | US develops new software to predict actions that can trigger 'outsized' Chinese reactions The shot has largely fallen out of favor in the United States, despite early hopes that its one-and-done format would be easy to deploy in more isolated communities and among people skittish about receiving two doses. Federal health officials in October authorised booster shots for people who had received a single shot of Johnson & Johnson vaccine at least two months earlier. They allowed for a “mix and match” approach, allowing people to get a second shot of a Pfizer or Moderna vaccine. Among people in the United States who originally received a single Johnson & Johnson shot and then got a second shot, fewer than 28% have gotten Johnson & Johnson as their booster.

CDC panel will discuss blood clot risk linked to Johnson & Johnson vaccine

Omicron, the new variant of Covid was first detected in South Africa on November 24. Ever since then, the variant has been rapidly spreading all across the world. It has created panic all across the globe as countries have banned flights from South Africa and introduced new travel restrictions.&nbsp;

While countries continue to impose travel bans, each week, certain top tourist destinations move up on US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's travel risk list.&nbsp;

France, which was the world's top tourist destination before Covid, has now moved into the 'highest-risk' category. Also, it happens to be among the seven destinations that are at "very high" risk. France is in the midst of a fifth wave of the virus.

Not just France but six other countries belong to this list - Andorra, Cyprus, Jordan, Liechtenstein, Portugal and Tanzania.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-hiv-behind-the-emergence-of-omicron-here-is-what-we-know-so-far-436192">Also read |&nbsp;Is HIV behind the emergence of Omicron? Here is what we know so far</a>

The countries which fall under this category have had over 500 cases per 100,000 residents in&nbsp;28 days. As per CDC, people should avoid travelling to these countries.&nbsp;

A statement by the agency says, "Fully vaccinated travelers are less likely to get and spread Covid-19. However, international travel poses additional risks, and even fully vaccinated travelers might be at increased risk for getting and possibly spreading some Covid-19 variants."

Meanwhile, in late November, French Health Minister Olivier Veran said that the government was taking measures to contain the spread of the newly discovered Covid variant.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Omicron, the new variant of Covid was first detected in South Africa on November 24. Ever since then, the variant has been rapidly spreading all across the world.

Omicron, the new variant of Covid was first detected in South Africa on November 24. Ever since then, the variant has been rapidly spreading all across the world. It has created panic all across the globe as countries have banned flights from South Africa and introduced new travel restrictions. While countries continue to impose travel bans, each week, certain top tourist destinations move up on US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's travel risk list. France, which was the world's top tourist destination before Covid, has now moved into the 'highest-risk' category. Also, it happens to be among the seven destinations that are at "very high" risk. France is in the midst of a fifth wave of the virus. Not just France but six other countries belong to this list - Andorra, Cyprus, Jordan, Liechtenstein, Portugal and Tanzania. Also read | Is HIV behind the emergence of Omicron? Here is what we know so far The countries which fall under this category have had over 500 cases per 100,000 residents in 28 days. As per CDC, people should avoid travelling to these countries. A statement by the agency says, "Fully vaccinated travelers are less likely to get and spread Covid-19. However, international travel poses additional risks, and even fully vaccinated travelers might be at increased risk for getting and possibly spreading some Covid-19 variants." Meanwhile, in late November, French Health Minister Olivier Veran said that the government was taking measures to contain the spread of the newly discovered Covid variant. (With inputs from agencies)

This top tourist destination is now on CDC's 'very high' travel risk list

The United States is set to reopen land and air borders from Monday after it imposed restrictions in March last year as the pandemic took hold worldwide.

The US government will allow entry to fully vaccinated foreign travellers. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a negative COVID-19 test result needs to be shown by&nbsp;air travellers.

Non-US citizens who have not been fully vaccinated will not be allowed to enter the US, the US health agency said with only limited exceptions allowed. The CDC guidelines also required travellers to wear masks in transportation hubs including on planes.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/europe-once-again-at-epicentre-of-coronavirus-pandemic-who-426681">Also Read |&nbsp;Europe once again at epicentre of coronavirus pandemic: WHO</a>

As the US also reopens its land border, reports say vaccination will be required for "non-essential" trips and unvaccinated travellers will be allowed to enter the country for "essential" trips, however, as part of the second phase starting January, visitors would need to be fully vaccinated when they enter the US by land.

According to US health officials, vaccines approved by the FDA and WHO will&nbsp;be accepted for air travellers.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-reports-surge-in-coronavirus-cases-as-govt-keeps-close-watch-421903">Also Read:&nbsp;UK reports surge in coronavirus cases as govt keeps 'close watch'</a>

CDC said travellers should show a negative result to the airline before they board their flight. "The viral test must be conducted on a sample taken no more than 3 days before the flight’s departure," it said even if the person is fully vaccinated.

Travellers who are not fully vaccinated will have to take a viral test no more than one day before the flight's departure, the CDC added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/coronavirus-vaccines-are-helping-prevent-long-covid-study-410188">Also Read |&nbsp;Coronavirus vaccines are helping prevent long Covid: Study</a>

"As we expect high demand when the US lifts its existing air and land travel restrictions Monday, we are taking critical steps to be prepared by providing additional resources," the White House said as United Airlines and Delta airlines braced for an influx of passengers.

(With inputs from Agencies)&nbsp;

The United States is set to reopen land and air borders from Monday after it imposed restrictions in March last year as the pandemic took hold worldwide. The US government will allow entry to fully vaccinated foreign travellers.

The United States is set to reopen land and air borders from Monday after it imposed restrictions in March last year as the pandemic took hold worldwide. The US government will allow entry to fully vaccinated foreign travellers. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a negative COVID-19 test result needs to be shown by air travellers. Non-US citizens who have not been fully vaccinated will not be allowed to enter the US, the US health agency said with only limited exceptions allowed. The CDC guidelines also required travellers to wear masks in transportation hubs including on planes. Also Read | Europe once again at epicentre of coronavirus pandemic: WHO As the US also reopens its land border, reports say vaccination will be required for "non-essential" trips and unvaccinated travellers will be allowed to enter the country for "essential" trips, however, as part of the second phase starting January, visitors would need to be fully vaccinated when they enter the US by land. According to US health officials, vaccines approved by the FDA and WHO will be accepted for air travellers. Also Read: UK reports surge in coronavirus cases as govt keeps 'close watch' CDC said travellers should show a negative result to the airline before they board their flight. "The viral test must be conducted on a sample taken no more than 3 days before the flight’s departure," it said even if the person is fully vaccinated. Travellers who are not fully vaccinated will have to take a viral test no more than one day before the flight's departure, the CDC added. Also Read | Coronavirus vaccines are helping prevent long Covid: Study "As we expect high demand when the US lifts its existing air and land travel restrictions Monday, we are taking critical steps to be prepared by providing additional resources," the White House said as United Airlines and Delta airlines braced for an influx of passengers. (With inputs from Agencies)

US set to reopen borders for vaccinated travellers

The United States has approved Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine for children from the ages of 5 to 11, it is a major milestone in country's fight against the pandemic.

United States: CDC approves Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine for children

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has officially approved Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine for children from the ages of 5 to 11. This means that up to 28 million children in the age group will be eligible for the shots.

US CDC approves Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5 to 11

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a 'mix and match' strategy for all vaccines authorised in the country.

The agency said in a statement, "The FDA has determined that the known and potential benefits of the use of a single heterologous booster dose outweigh the known and potential risks of their use in eligible populations."&nbsp;

With the highly infectious Delta variant of coronavirus causing breakthrough infections among those who are fully vaccinated, the move will pave way for millions of Americans to ensure additional safety.

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Moderna and Johnson and Johnson have joined the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine that had been granted authorisation for booster shots six months ago.

Now, people living in the United States have the freedom to choose a different shot for their booster dose than their original inoculation.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/small-needles-short-lines-and-few-tears-bidens-plan-to-vaccinate-young-children-422493" hreflang="en">Small needles, short lines and few tears: Biden’s plan to vaccinate young children</a>

The advisory panel had conducted a study those that are 65 or older, over 18 and at high risk for Covid, or over 18 and have high occupational exposure.

The study was conducted by the US National Institutes of Health on 458 participants and showed that that "mixing and matching" booster shots of different types was safe in adults.

The Biden administration has announced a detailed plan for the vaccination of children aged 5-11 years.

''The vaccine will have packaging available in smaller configurations that will make it easier for physicians’ offices and other smaller, community-based providers to offer the vaccine to kids and their families,'' it said in a statement.

Last month, the White House had announced plans to bolster its vaccination campaign, focusing mainly on booster shots.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/unvaccinated-people-can-get-infected-by-coronavirus-every-16-months-experts-422374">Also read |&nbsp;Unvaccinated people can get infected by coronavirus every 16 months: Experts</a>

This had added pressure on the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the FDA to approve more vaccines.

As per the CDC, approximately 11.2 million people in the United States have received a booster dose.

The mix and match strategy has been supported by several countries including the United Kingdom that has widely backed the use of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine. 
&nbsp;

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a 'mix and match' strategy for all vaccines authorised in the country. The agency said in a statement, "The FDA has determined that the known and potential benefits of the use of a single heterologous booster dose outweigh the known and potential risks of their use in eligible populations.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a 'mix and match' strategy for all vaccines authorised in the country. The agency said in a statement, "The FDA has determined that the known and potential benefits of the use of a single heterologous booster dose outweigh the known and potential risks of their use in eligible populations." With the highly infectious Delta variant of coronavirus causing breakthrough infections among those who are fully vaccinated, the move will pave way for millions of Americans to ensure additional safety. Moderna and Johnson and Johnson have joined the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine that had been granted authorisation for booster shots six months ago. Now, people living in the United States have the freedom to choose a different shot for their booster dose than their original inoculation. Also read | Small needles, short lines and few tears: Biden’s plan to vaccinate young children The advisory panel had conducted a study those that are 65 or older, over 18 and at high risk for Covid, or over 18 and have high occupational exposure. The study was conducted by the US National Institutes of Health on 458 participants and showed that that "mixing and matching" booster shots of different types was safe in adults. The Biden administration has announced a detailed plan for the vaccination of children aged 5-11 years. ''The vaccine will have packaging available in smaller configurations that will make it easier for physicians’ offices and other smaller, community-based providers to offer the vaccine to kids and their families,'' it said in a statement. Last month, the White House had announced plans to bolster its vaccination campaign, focusing mainly on booster shots. Also read | Unvaccinated people can get infected by coronavirus every 16 months: Experts This had added pressure on the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the FDA to approve more vaccines. As per the CDC, approximately 11.2 million people in the United States have received a booster dose. The mix and match strategy has been supported by several countries including the United Kingdom that has widely backed the use of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine.

FDA approves 'mix and match' strategy for all COVID-19 vaccines approved in US

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention urged Americans to celebrate the upcoming festive season by taking basic safety measures against the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;

The latest guidance highlights a less restrictive view of the holiday gatherings. This comes in as two-thirds of Americans have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccines.&nbsp;

"Protect those not yet eligible for vaccination such as young children by getting yourself and other eligible people around them vaccinated," CDC noted.&nbsp;

Even after most Americans have received the first dose, September was the worst month in the US for new cases and deaths.

Data from the American Academy of Pediatrics revealed that cases among children peaked in September, as many schools opened for offline classes amid growing cases of delta variant.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-covid-19-cases-among-children-peaked-in-september-shows-data-421035">Also read |&nbsp;US: COVID-19 cases among children peaked in September, shows data</a>

More than 6 million children have tested positive for COVID-19 since the beginning of the pandemic, with more than 1.1 million new cases recorded from September 3 to September 30.

The weekly data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that COVID-19 deaths among children under age 15 also reached their highest level in September.&nbsp;

Recently, Pfizer has asked the US government to approve the use of its COVID-19 vaccine in children aged 5 to 11 years old, and if regulators agree, injections may start within weeks. In a trial of children, Pfizer had previously declared that a lower dose of their vaccine worked and looked to be safe.

Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech officially submitted their application to the Food and Drug Administration on Thursday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pfizer-asks-us-government-to-allow-covid-vaccine-for-children-ages-5-11-418917">Also read |&nbsp;Pfizer asks US government to allow COVID vaccine for children ages 5-11</a>

"Holiday traditions are important for families and children. There are several ways to enjoy holiday traditions and protect your health," the recent CDC statement said.

"Because many generations tend to gather to celebrate holidays, the best way to minimize Covid-19 risk and keep your family and friends safer is to get vaccinated if you’re eligible," it further added.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention urged Americans to celebrate the upcoming festive season by taking basic safety measures against the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention urged Americans to celebrate the upcoming festive season by taking basic safety measures against the COVID-19 pandemic. The latest guidance highlights a less restrictive view of the holiday gatherings. This comes in as two-thirds of Americans have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccines. "Protect those not yet eligible for vaccination such as young children by getting yourself and other eligible people around them vaccinated," CDC noted. Even after most Americans have received the first dose, September was the worst month in the US for new cases and deaths. Data from the American Academy of Pediatrics revealed that cases among children peaked in September, as many schools opened for offline classes amid growing cases of delta variant. Also read | US: COVID-19 cases among children peaked in September, shows data More than 6 million children have tested positive for COVID-19 since the beginning of the pandemic, with more than 1.1 million new cases recorded from September 3 to September 30. The weekly data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that COVID-19 deaths among children under age 15 also reached their highest level in September. Recently, Pfizer has asked the US government to approve the use of its COVID-19 vaccine in children aged 5 to 11 years old, and if regulators agree, injections may start within weeks. In a trial of children, Pfizer had previously declared that a lower dose of their vaccine worked and looked to be safe. Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech officially submitted their application to the Food and Drug Administration on Thursday. Also read | Pfizer asks US government to allow COVID vaccine for children ages 5-11 "Holiday traditions are important for families and children. There are several ways to enjoy holiday traditions and protect your health," the recent CDC statement said. "Because many generations tend to gather to celebrate holidays, the best way to minimize Covid-19 risk and keep your family and friends safer is to get vaccinated if you’re eligible," it further added.

CDC releases official guidelines for upcoming holiday season

Austrian Chancellor Kurz, 35, stepped down from office over corruption allegations, however, he denied any wrongdoing. He was under fire from his own coalition partner the Greens. Kurz said he wanted to "end the stalemate to prevent chaos" as he stepped down from office.&nbsp;

Amid large scale vaccination in the country, NHS England said that the data reveals that nearly 2.08 million booster shots have been administered within the first three weeks of the programme. UK authorities have been motivating people to get vaccinated to ensure the&nbsp;chain of infection can be broken.

Click on the headlines to know more

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/austrian-chancellor-kurz-steps-down-over-corruption-allegations-419525">Austrian Chancellor Kurz steps down over corruption allegations</a>

<img alt=" Sebastian Kurz " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e5df963d-3759-4302-b63e-61cdadfff1fe" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/S11.jpg" />

Kurz, 35, who denied any wrongdoing was under fire from his own coalition partner the&nbsp;Greens.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-than-2-million-covid-booster-jabs-given-till-now-in-uk-reports-419526">More than 2 million Covid booster jabs given till now in UK: Reports</a>

NHS England has said that the data reveals that nearly 2.08 million booster shots have been administered within the first three weeks of the booster programme.

<img alt="Covid booster" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="740bec5d-ff82-46de-bc12-94e6c88c32f4" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/E11.jpg" />

&nbsp;

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/travelers-vaccinated-with-who-approved-covid-vaccines-can-enter-us-cdc-419527">Travellers vaccinated with WHO approved Covid vaccines can enter US: CDC</a>

<img alt="Travellers" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3120dff3-e281-465a-876e-64919ad90b3f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Bali11.jpg" />

The US health agency is also expected to 'release additional guidance and information as the travel requirements are finalized'.

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-exclusive-life-under-taliban-they-call-women-sts-419500">Watch:&nbsp;WION exclusive -&nbsp;Life Under Taliban- 'They call women s**ts'</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-exclusive-life-under-taliban-they-call-women-sts-419500/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Austrian Chancellor Kurz, 35, stepped down from office over corruption allegations, however, he denied any wrongdoing. He was under fire from his own coalition partner the Greens.

Austrian Chancellor Kurz, 35, stepped down from office over corruption allegations, however, he denied any wrongdoing. He was under fire from his own coalition partner the Greens. Kurz said he wanted to "end the stalemate to prevent chaos" as he stepped down from office. Amid large scale vaccination in the country, NHS England said that the data reveals that nearly 2.08 million booster shots have been administered within the first three weeks of the programme. UK authorities have been motivating people to get vaccinated to ensure the chain of infection can be broken. Click on the headlines to know more Austrian Chancellor Kurz steps down over corruption allegations Kurz, 35, who denied any wrongdoing was under fire from his own coalition partner the Greens. More than 2 million Covid booster jabs given till now in UK: Reports NHS England has said that the data reveals that nearly 2.08 million booster shots have been administered within the first three weeks of the booster programme. Travellers vaccinated with WHO approved Covid vaccines can enter US: CDC The US health agency is also expected to 'release additional guidance and information as the travel requirements are finalized'. Watch: WION exclusive - Life Under Taliban- 'They call women s**ts'

Morning news brief: US CDC issues new vaccine guidelines for travellers entering US & more

The top US health agency Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)&nbsp;has said that all Covid vaccines approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) can get visitors a clear entry in the US.<o:p></o:p>

"Six vaccines that are FDA authorized/approved or listed for emergency use by WHO will meet the criteria for travel to the US,"&nbsp;a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) spokesperson told Reuters on Friday.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-than-2-million-covid-booster-jabs-given-till-now-in-uk-reports-419526">More than 2 million Covid booster jabs given till now in UK: Reports</a></o:p>

As of now, Covid vaccines developed by Johnson &amp; Johnson, Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna have been approved in the US. WHO has also supported AstraZeneca-Oxford, Sinopharm and Sinovac, along with the three mentioned before.<o:p></o:p>

This has come at a time when the US has been trying to revive the tourism industry in the country. US officials had recently announced that the country will now be lifting travel restrictions from 33 more countries that had been listed at the time when the US was trying to stop the spread of the deadly coronavirus.<o:p></o:p>

Officials have also informed commercial airlines about the approved vaccines. The US health agency is also expected to "release additional guidance and information as the travel requirements are finalized".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/women-face-disproportionate-costs-to-their-livelihoods-due-to-covid-crisis-419440">WATCH |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/women-face-disproportionate-costs-to-their-livelihoods-due-to-covid-crisis-419440/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<o:p></o:p>

This has, however, also raised questions by Russian authorities about the pending approval for Sputnik V vaccine. WHO officials have claimed, in some western media reports, that almost all paperwork has been completed for Sputnik’s approval and the matter will be solved soon. Meanwhile, Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko was quoted saying by Russian TV that only paperwork is left for approval by WHO.<o:p></o:p>

Meanwhile, the US tourism industry is happy to finally open doors for incoming traveller. The industry has been suffering losses since the beginning of the coroanvorus pandemic as repeated lockdowns and border closures had pushed the industry into an almost complete halt.<o:p></o:p>

The top US health agency Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has said that all Covid vaccines approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) can get visitors a clear entry in the US.

The top US health agency Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has said that all Covid vaccines approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) can get visitors a clear entry in the US. "Six vaccines that are FDA authorized/approved or listed for emergency use by WHO will meet the criteria for travel to the US," a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) spokesperson told Reuters on Friday. Also read | More than 2 million Covid booster jabs given till now in UK: Reports As of now, Covid vaccines developed by Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna have been approved in the US. WHO has also supported AstraZeneca-Oxford, Sinopharm and Sinovac, along with the three mentioned before. This has come at a time when the US has been trying to revive the tourism industry in the country. US officials had recently announced that the country will now be lifting travel restrictions from 33 more countries that had been listed at the time when the US was trying to stop the spread of the deadly coronavirus. Officials have also informed commercial airlines about the approved vaccines. The US health agency is also expected to "release additional guidance and information as the travel requirements are finalized". WATCH | This has, however, also raised questions by Russian authorities about the pending approval for Sputnik V vaccine. WHO officials have claimed, in some western media reports, that almost all paperwork has been completed for Sputnik’s approval and the matter will be solved soon. Meanwhile, Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko was quoted saying by Russian TV that only paperwork is left for approval by WHO. Meanwhile, the US tourism industry is happy to finally open doors for incoming traveller. The industry has been suffering losses since the beginning of the coroanvorus pandemic as repeated lockdowns and border closures had pushed the industry into an almost complete halt.

Travellers vaccinated with WHO approved Covid vaccines can enter US: CDC

In an urgent plea Wednesday, federal health officials asked that any American who is pregnant, planning to become pregnant or currently breastfeeding get vaccinated against the coronavirus as soon as possible.

COVID-19 poses a severe risk during pregnancy, when an individual’s immune system is tamped down, and raises the risk of stillbirth or another poor outcome, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Twenty-two pregnant individuals died of COVID-19 in August, the highest number in a single month since the pandemic started.

Some 125,000 pregnant people have tested positive for the virus; 22,000 pregnant individuals with COVID-19 have been hospitalized, and 161 have died. Hospital data indicates that 97% of those who were infected with the virus when they were hospitalized — for illness, or for labour and delivery — were not vaccinated.

Vaccination rates among those who are pregnant are lower than among the general population. Fewer than one-third of all pregnant people were vaccinated before or during their pregnancy, the agency said.

The rates vary widely by race and ethnicity, with the highest vaccination coverage among pregnant Asian American individuals, nearly half of whom are vaccinated, and the lowest rates among pregnant Black individuals, at just 15%.

Pregnancy is on the CDC’s list of health conditions that increase the risk of severe COVID-19. Although the absolute risk of severe disease is low, pregnant patients who are symptomatic are more than twice as likely as other symptomatic patients to require admission to intensive care or interventions like mechanical ventilation and may be more likely to die.

Some data also suggests that pregnant individuals with COVID-19 are more likely to experience conditions that complicate pregnancy -&nbsp;like a kind of high blood pressure called preeclampsia -&nbsp;compared with pregnant individuals who don’t have COVID-19. Pregnant individuals with the disease are also at increased risk for poor birth outcomes, like preterm birth.

“Pregnancy can be both a special time and also a stressful time, and pregnancy during a pandemic is an added concern for family,” said Dr. Rochelle Walensky, director of the CDC. She encouraged those who are pregnant and those who may become pregnant “to talk with their health care provider about the protective benefits of the COVID-19 vaccine to keep their babies and themselves safe.”

 
&nbsp;

In an urgent plea Wednesday, federal health officials asked that any American who is pregnant, planning to become pregnant or currently breastfeeding get vaccinated against the coronavirus as soon as possible.

In an urgent plea Wednesday, federal health officials asked that any American who is pregnant, planning to become pregnant or currently breastfeeding get vaccinated against the coronavirus as soon as possible. COVID-19 poses a severe risk during pregnancy, when an individual’s immune system is tamped down, and raises the risk of stillbirth or another poor outcome, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Twenty-two pregnant individuals died of COVID-19 in August, the highest number in a single month since the pandemic started. Some 125,000 pregnant people have tested positive for the virus; 22,000 pregnant individuals with COVID-19 have been hospitalized, and 161 have died. Hospital data indicates that 97% of those who were infected with the virus when they were hospitalized — for illness, or for labour and delivery — were not vaccinated. Vaccination rates among those who are pregnant are lower than among the general population. Fewer than one-third of all pregnant people were vaccinated before or during their pregnancy, the agency said. The rates vary widely by race and ethnicity, with the highest vaccination coverage among pregnant Asian American individuals, nearly half of whom are vaccinated, and the lowest rates among pregnant Black individuals, at just 15%. Pregnancy is on the CDC’s list of health conditions that increase the risk of severe COVID-19. Although the absolute risk of severe disease is low, pregnant patients who are symptomatic are more than twice as likely as other symptomatic patients to require admission to intensive care or interventions like mechanical ventilation and may be more likely to die. Some data also suggests that pregnant individuals with COVID-19 are more likely to experience conditions that complicate pregnancy - like a kind of high blood pressure called preeclampsia - compared with pregnant individuals who don’t have COVID-19. Pregnant individuals with the disease are also at increased risk for poor birth outcomes, like preterm birth. “Pregnancy can be both a special time and also a stressful time, and pregnancy during a pandemic is an added concern for family,” said Dr. Rochelle Walensky, director of the CDC. She encouraged those who are pregnant and those who may become pregnant “to talk with their health care provider about the protective benefits of the COVID-19 vaccine to keep their babies and themselves safe.”

CDC escalates its pleas for pregnant or breastfeeding Americans to get vaccinated against COVID

As the fourth Indo-US Health Dialogue began here on Monday, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a report to commemorate more than a half-century of successful collaborations with the government in New Delhi.

According to the report, the CDC`s decades-old, highly productive, and mutually beneficial public health collaboration with India has achieved measurable success across several critical areas, including, Polio eradication, controlling HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and influenza, building core public health capabilities across disease surveillance, laboratory systems, public health workforce and emergency response and scaling up antimicrobial resistance, and infection prevention and control.

The pandemic has further strengthened the CDC`s partnership with the government of India.

The CDC's Country Director, Meghna Desai said: "The impact and strategic value of CDC`s long-standing collaborations with the Government of India are increasingly clear. Many of our joint efforts are being leveraged to support India`s ongoing Covid-19 response."

"Based on past successes and current public health initiatives, the CDC and the government of India are well-placed to better respond to the world`s most pressing public health challenges," said a statement from CDC.

It added further that the government of India has successfully addressed challenges over the past decades through major investments in the nation`s public health institutions, dedicated resources and platforms to expand one of the largest public health workforces in the world, and a sustained commitment to confront challenging disease control priorities in the country and the region.

"From smallpox to SARS-CoV-2, CDC collaborations with India have benefited both our countries, the entire region, and indeed the world," the statement said.

As the fourth Indo-US Health Dialogue began here on Monday, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a report to commemorate more than a half-century of successful collaborations with the government in New Delhi.

As the fourth Indo-US Health Dialogue began here on Monday, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a report to commemorate more than a half-century of successful collaborations with the government in New Delhi. According to the report, the CDC`s decades-old, highly productive, and mutually beneficial public health collaboration with India has achieved measurable success across several critical areas, including, Polio eradication, controlling HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and influenza, building core public health capabilities across disease surveillance, laboratory systems, public health workforce and emergency response and scaling up antimicrobial resistance, and infection prevention and control. The pandemic has further strengthened the CDC`s partnership with the government of India. The CDC's Country Director, Meghna Desai said: "The impact and strategic value of CDC`s long-standing collaborations with the Government of India are increasingly clear. Many of our joint efforts are being leveraged to support India`s ongoing Covid-19 response." "Based on past successes and current public health initiatives, the CDC and the government of India are well-placed to better respond to the world`s most pressing public health challenges," said a statement from CDC. It added further that the government of India has successfully addressed challenges over the past decades through major investments in the nation`s public health institutions, dedicated resources and platforms to expand one of the largest public health workforces in the world, and a sustained commitment to confront challenging disease control priorities in the country and the region. "From smallpox to SARS-CoV-2, CDC collaborations with India have benefited both our countries, the entire region, and indeed the world," the statement said.

India, CDC well-placed to better respond to pressing public health challenges: Report

The director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Dr Rochelle Walensky explained her decision to overrule the recommendation of the agency's outside advisory board and endorse COVID-19 booster shots for front-line workers.

In an interview with "Face the Nation," Walensky highlighted that there was a "scientific close call" over whether those who are high-risk of contracting COVID-19 should be eligible for a third dose of the vaccine from Pfizer and BioNTech.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-fda-authorises-third-dose-of-pfizer-covid-19-vaccine-for-older-americans-415159">Also read |&nbsp;US FDA authorises third dose of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for older Americans</a>

She further said that the recommendations for boosters are for those people who spend most of their time with the population who might be unvaccinated. This includes teachers in the classroom with children under the age of 12, who are not yet eligible for COVID-19 shots.

"Our recommendation is for these limited people in the population, over 65, high-risk workers, high-risk community occupations, as well as high-risk by comorbidities," she said.

The director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Dr Rochelle Walensky explained her decision to overrule the recommendation of the agency's outside advisory board and endorse COVID-19 booster shots for front-line workers.

The director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Dr Rochelle Walensky explained her decision to overrule the recommendation of the agency's outside advisory board and endorse COVID-19 booster shots for front-line workers. In an interview with "Face the Nation," Walensky highlighted that there was a "scientific close call" over whether those who are high-risk of contracting COVID-19 should be eligible for a third dose of the vaccine from Pfizer and BioNTech. Also read | US FDA authorises third dose of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for older Americans She further said that the recommendations for boosters are for those people who spend most of their time with the population who might be unvaccinated. This includes teachers in the classroom with children under the age of 12, who are not yet eligible for COVID-19 shots. "Our recommendation is for these limited people in the population, over 65, high-risk workers, high-risk community occupations, as well as high-risk by comorbidities," she said.

CDC director explains move to recommend booster shots for frontline workers

As per a new study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, enforcing masks in schools helps reduce the spread of COVID-19.

One study looked at data from schools in Arizona's Maricopa and Pima Counties after they resumed in-person learning in late July.

The two counties account for roughly 75 per cent of the state's population.&nbsp;

It was concluded that the K-12 schools that did not have mask requirements at the beginning of the school year were 3.5 times more likely to have COVID-19 outbreaks than schools that required all people to wear a mask indoors from the first day of school.&nbsp;

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As a part of the study, 999 schools were analysed. Out of this, 21 per cent had an early mask requirement, 30.9 per cent enacted a mask requirement between nine and 17 days after the school year began, and 48 per cent had no mask requirement.

Of the 191 COVID-19 outbreaks that occurred in those schools, 113 were in schools that did not enforce masks at all. Schools with early mask requirements had the lowest number of outbreaks.&nbsp;

Another study from the CDC looked at the impact of school mask mandates across the US. In this, researchers found that counties that had no mask requirements in their schools had a higher rate of pediatric COVID-19 cases after the school year began than those schools that did have requirements.

Schools that required masks&nbsp;had 16.32 cases per 100,000 children in the first week of classes while&nbsp;schools without had 34.85 cases per 100,000 children.&nbsp;

As per a new study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, enforcing masks in schools helps reduce the spread of COVID-19. One study looked at data from schools in Arizona's Maricopa and Pima Counties after they resumed in-person learning in late July.

As per a new study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, enforcing masks in schools helps reduce the spread of COVID-19. One study looked at data from schools in Arizona's Maricopa and Pima Counties after they resumed in-person learning in late July. The two counties account for roughly 75 per cent of the state's population. It was concluded that the K-12 schools that did not have mask requirements at the beginning of the school year were 3.5 times more likely to have COVID-19 outbreaks than schools that required all people to wear a mask indoors from the first day of school. Also read | Eruptions shut airport on Canaries volcanic island As a part of the study, 999 schools were analysed. Out of this, 21 per cent had an early mask requirement, 30.9 per cent enacted a mask requirement between nine and 17 days after the school year began, and 48 per cent had no mask requirement. Of the 191 COVID-19 outbreaks that occurred in those schools, 113 were in schools that did not enforce masks at all. Schools with early mask requirements had the lowest number of outbreaks. Another study from the CDC looked at the impact of school mask mandates across the US. In this, researchers found that counties that had no mask requirements in their schools had a higher rate of pediatric COVID-19 cases after the school year began than those schools that did have requirements. Schools that required masks had 16.32 cases per 100,000 children in the first week of classes while schools without had 34.85 cases per 100,000 children.

CDC study: Schools with mask mandates likely to have fewer outbreaks

Nicki Minaj may have faced backlash over her tweets doubting COVID-19 vaccines, but it has prompted some of her fans to launch a protest outside the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention headquarters in Atlanta.&nbsp; 
 
With the aim to question the authenticity of the vaccines, a group of Minaj fans gathered outside the CDC headquarters on Wednesday with one outspoken supporter insisting, "We should all question this vaccine."

As per Fox News, the demonstrators – who all wore masks and medical gloves – chanted, "Nicki Minaj told me the truth! Fauci lied to me!" according to footage taken by WGCL-TV. 
 
Earlier this week, Minaj <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/nicki-minaj-draws-flak-for-justifying-why-she-had-not-taken-covid-19-vaccine-so-far-413203">expressed her doubts on vaccines</a> in a series of tweets and revealed she had not taken the jab yet. She stated she was still researching whether to get vaccinated.&nbsp; 
 
She raised eyebrows and drew criticism when she revealed that her cousin's friend in Trinidad experienced impotence and swollen testicles after receiving a coronavirus vaccine.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/nicki-minaj-to-jennifer-aniston-celebrities-who-got-covid-19-vaccine-and-those-who-said-no-to-it-413731" hreflang="en">Nicki Minaj to Jennifer Aniston: Celebrities who got COVID-19 vaccine, and those who said no to it</a> 
 
Minaj's claim was dismissed by numerous medical professionals as well as political leaders.&nbsp; 
 
The rapper also claimed that the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/nicki-minaj-says-the-us-govt-invited-her-discuss-covid-19-vaccines-white-house-denies-claims-413735">White House had invited her</a> to discuss her doubts about vaccines. Officials at the White House shot down Minaj's claim and stated they were open to a call with her.&nbsp; 
 
A White House official said, "As we have with others, we offered a call with Nicki Minaj and one of our doctors to answer questions she has about the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine."

Minaj had made the claim on Twitter that she`d been invited to the White House.

She wrote, "The White House has invited me &amp; I think it`s a step in the right direction. Yes, I`m going. I`ll be dressed in all pink like Legally Blonde so they know I mean business. I`ll ask questions on behalf of the ppl who have been made fun of for simply being human. #BallGate day 3"

Nicki Minaj may have faced backlash over her tweets doubting COVID-19 vaccines, but it has prompted some of her fans to launch a protest outside the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention headquarters in Atlanta.

Nicki Minaj may have faced backlash over her tweets doubting COVID-19 vaccines, but it has prompted some of her fans to launch a protest outside the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention headquarters in Atlanta. With the aim to question the authenticity of the vaccines, a group of Minaj fans gathered outside the CDC headquarters on Wednesday with one outspoken supporter insisting, "We should all question this vaccine." As per Fox News, the demonstrators – who all wore masks and medical gloves – chanted, "Nicki Minaj told me the truth! Fauci lied to me!" according to footage taken by WGCL-TV. Earlier this week, Minaj expressed her doubts on vaccines in a series of tweets and revealed she had not taken the jab yet. She stated she was still researching whether to get vaccinated. She raised eyebrows and drew criticism when she revealed that her cousin's friend in Trinidad experienced impotence and swollen testicles after receiving a coronavirus vaccine. Also see: Nicki Minaj to Jennifer Aniston: Celebrities who got COVID-19 vaccine, and those who said no to it Minaj's claim was dismissed by numerous medical professionals as well as political leaders. The rapper also claimed that the White House had invited her to discuss her doubts about vaccines. Officials at the White House shot down Minaj's claim and stated they were open to a call with her. A White House official said, "As we have with others, we offered a call with Nicki Minaj and one of our doctors to answer questions she has about the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine." Minaj had made the claim on Twitter that she`d been invited to the White House. She wrote, "The White House has invited me & I think it`s a step in the right direction. Yes, I`m going. I`ll be dressed in all pink like Legally Blonde so they know I mean business. I`ll ask questions on behalf of the ppl who have been made fun of for simply being human. #BallGate day 3"

Nicki Minaj's fans protest outside CDC headquarters following her tweets on vaccines

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported on Friday said&nbsp;that a new study has found that unvaccinated individuals are four-and-a-half times more likely to contract COVID-19 and eleven times more likely to die from it.

CDC Director, Dr. Rochelle Walensky discussed the findings at a White House COVID-19 response team briefing on Friday. She said that the study, published in the CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), evaluated over six hundred thousand people with COVID-19 from April through mid-July.

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Walensky also said that the seven-day average of daily deaths from COVID-19 remains over one thousand.

The data comes one day after US&nbsp;President Joe Biden unveiled a six step plan to combat COVID-19 that includes measures such as requiring some employers to impose vaccination mandates or mandatory testing, making available more over-the-counter at-home coronavirus tests and expanding the government's free testing program.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported on Friday said that a new study has found that unvaccinated individuals are four-and-a-half times more likely to contract COVID-19 and eleven times more likely to die from it.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported on Friday said that a new study has found that unvaccinated individuals are four-and-a-half times more likely to contract COVID-19 and eleven times more likely to die from it. CDC Director, Dr. Rochelle Walensky discussed the findings at a White House COVID-19 response team briefing on Friday. She said that the study, published in the CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), evaluated over six hundred thousand people with COVID-19 from April through mid-July. Also read | 'Clearly unconstitutional': US Justice Department sues Texas over restrictive abortion law Walensky also said that the seven-day average of daily deaths from COVID-19 remains over one thousand. The data comes one day after US President Joe Biden unveiled a six step plan to combat COVID-19 that includes measures such as requiring some employers to impose vaccination mandates or mandatory testing, making available more over-the-counter at-home coronavirus tests and expanding the government's free testing program.

New CDC study says unvaccinated 4.5 times more likely to get COVID-19, 11 times more likely to die

An unvaccinated elementary school teacher who took off their mask to read to students ended up infecting more than half of the students, last May.

As per California public health officials, the students further went on infecting other students, family members and community members.&nbsp;

US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Dr Rochelle Walensky said that it is a prime example of how easy it is to undermine efforts to protect children who are too young to be vaccinated.&nbsp;

A team at Marin County Public Health reported in the CDC's report of death and disease that the teacher came to work even though they had COVID-19 symptoms and then took off their mask to read to the young students. In the classroom of 22 students, 12 became infected.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-virus-origins-us-intelligence-community-says-it-was-not-developed-as-biological-weapon-408909">Also read |&nbsp;COVID-19 virus&nbsp;origins:&nbsp;US intelligence community says it was 'not developed' as biological weapon</a>

"The school required teachers and students to mask while indoors; interviews with parents of infected students suggested that students' adherence to masking and distancing guidelines in line with CDC recommendations was high in class. However, the teacher was reportedly unmasked on occasions when reading aloud in class," the report read.

"Throughout this period, all desks were separated by six feet," it added. "All classrooms had portable high-efficiency particulate air filters and doors and windows were left open."

The CDC highlighted this case as an example of how schools need to follow all recommendations if they want to protect students and staff.

During a White House briefing, Walensky said, "The introduction of the virus into the classroom by a teacher who worked in school, while she was both symptomatic and unvaccinated and who was unmasked when reading aloud to a class, resulted in cases within the classroom, across the school and among families of students and staff in the community".&nbsp;

An unvaccinated elementary school teacher who took off their mask to read to students ended up infecting more than half of the students, last May. As per California public health officials, the students further went on infecting other students, family members and community members.

An unvaccinated elementary school teacher who took off their mask to read to students ended up infecting more than half of the students, last May. As per California public health officials, the students further went on infecting other students, family members and community members. US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Dr Rochelle Walensky said that it is a prime example of how easy it is to undermine efforts to protect children who are too young to be vaccinated. A team at Marin County Public Health reported in the CDC's report of death and disease that the teacher came to work even though they had COVID-19 symptoms and then took off their mask to read to the young students. In the classroom of 22 students, 12 became infected. Also read | COVID-19 virus origins: US intelligence community says it was 'not developed' as biological weapon "The school required teachers and students to mask while indoors; interviews with parents of infected students suggested that students' adherence to masking and distancing guidelines in line with CDC recommendations was high in class. However, the teacher was reportedly unmasked on occasions when reading aloud in class," the report read. "Throughout this period, all desks were separated by six feet," it added. "All classrooms had portable high-efficiency particulate air filters and doors and windows were left open." The CDC highlighted this case as an example of how schools need to follow all recommendations if they want to protect students and staff. During a White House briefing, Walensky said, "The introduction of the virus into the classroom by a teacher who worked in school, while she was both symptomatic and unvaccinated and who was unmasked when reading aloud to a class, resulted in cases within the classroom, across the school and among families of students and staff in the community".

Unvaccinated, unmasked teacher infected more than half of students in class, reports CDC

The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a new moratorium on evictions that would last until October 3. The new moratorium could help keep millions in their homes as the coronavirus’ delta variant has spread and states have been slow to release federal rental aid.

US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention issues new moratorium on evictions

Automakers in America and the United Auto Workers or UAW union said on Tuesday that they will once again make masks mandatory at all U.S. plants. This decision was made following the Center for Disease Control and Prevention or CDC making masks compulsory for fully vaccinated people as the Delta variant spreads rapidly in the U.S.

Automakers in America to make masks mandatory at all U.S. plants

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warned in an internal paper that the Delta COVID-19 variant can be passed on even by vaccinated people and may even be deadlier than previous coronavirus strains.

This variant requires a different way to educate the public about the hazard, according to the document "Improving communications around vaccination breakthroughs and vaccine effectiveness."&nbsp;

The document, titled 'Improving communications around vaccine breakthrough and vaccine effectiveness,' stated that the Delta variant necessitated a new approach to help the public understand the threat, including making it clear that unvaccinated people were more than 10 times more likely to become seriously ill or die than those who were vaccinated.&nbsp; 
 
Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-to-expand-state-of-emergency-as-covid-19-shadows-olympics-401684">Japan to expand state of emergency as COVID-19 shadows Olympics</a>

"The immediate next step for the agency is to acknowledge that the war has changed," it said.

According to the study, recommended preventive actions include making vaccinations mandatory for health care providers in order to protect the vulnerable, as well as a return to universal face mask use.

Vaccinated people were less likely to become infected, according to the CDC. Experts also stressed that vaccinated individuals represent a very small amount of transmissions in the country, and majority of the hospitalisations and deaths are unvaccinated people.

Meanwhile, the Delta variant of the COVID-19 virus is causing a sudden surge in cases in China, with 15 cities, including the capital Beijing, reporting clusters of positive cases, according to official media on Friday.&nbsp; 
 
Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-16-more-cases-of-covid-19-emerge-taking-the-total-number-to-169-401091">Tokyo Olympics: 16 more cases of COVID-19 emerge taking the total number to 169</a>

This is the most widespread domestic contagion since the virus outbreak in Wuhan in December 2019.&nbsp;

According to the Global Times, a new wave of COVID-19 cases began at an airport in Nanjing, the capital of Jiangsu province in east China, and has since spread to five other provinces, including the Beijing municipality.

All flights have been halted in Nanjing after a number of airport employees tested positive, according to the city.&nbsp;

The fast-spreading Delta variant has been recorded in 15 Chinese cities.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warned in an internal paper that the Delta COVID-19 variant can be passed on even by vaccinated people and may even be deadlier than previous coronavirus strains.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warned in an internal paper that the Delta COVID-19 variant can be passed on even by vaccinated people and may even be deadlier than previous coronavirus strains. This variant requires a different way to educate the public about the hazard, according to the document "Improving communications around vaccination breakthroughs and vaccine effectiveness." The document, titled 'Improving communications around vaccine breakthrough and vaccine effectiveness,' stated that the Delta variant necessitated a new approach to help the public understand the threat, including making it clear that unvaccinated people were more than 10 times more likely to become seriously ill or die than those who were vaccinated. Also read | Japan to expand state of emergency as COVID-19 shadows Olympics "The immediate next step for the agency is to acknowledge that the war has changed," it said. According to the study, recommended preventive actions include making vaccinations mandatory for health care providers in order to protect the vulnerable, as well as a return to universal face mask use. Vaccinated people were less likely to become infected, according to the CDC. Experts also stressed that vaccinated individuals represent a very small amount of transmissions in the country, and majority of the hospitalisations and deaths are unvaccinated people. Meanwhile, the Delta variant of the COVID-19 virus is causing a sudden surge in cases in China, with 15 cities, including the capital Beijing, reporting clusters of positive cases, according to official media on Friday. Also read | Tokyo Olympics: 16 more cases of COVID-19 emerge taking the total number to 169 This is the most widespread domestic contagion since the virus outbreak in Wuhan in December 2019. According to the Global Times, a new wave of COVID-19 cases began at an airport in Nanjing, the capital of Jiangsu province in east China, and has since spread to five other provinces, including the Beijing municipality. All flights have been halted in Nanjing after a number of airport employees tested positive, according to the city. The fast-spreading Delta variant has been recorded in 15 Chinese cities. (With inputs from agencies)

Delta COVID-19 variant can be passed on even by those vaccinated: US top health body

The American infectious disease agency Centre for Disease Control (CDC) has urged fully vaccinated people living in substantial and high transmission areas to wear masks indoors. This is a major reversal in guidance that underscored USA's struggle to suppress the Delta variant.

President Joe Biden said the announcement showed that America needs to "do better" on vaccinations, adding that a vaccine mandate for the country's more than two million federal workers was now "under consideration."

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention director Rochelle Walensky cited new data that shows rare breakthrough cases involving Delta have an increased risk of onward transmission.

"In areas with substantial and high transmission, CDC recommends fully vaccinated people wear masks in public indoor settings," she said.

Till last week, the CDC had defended its decision that said that vaccinated people didn't have to wear masks indoors. White House has also told its staff to mask up again due to local transmission rates.

According to the latest CDC data, 63 percent of the country's more than 3,200 counties are experiencing substantial or high transmission.

Substantial is defined as being between 50 to 100 daily cases per 100,000 people over seven days, while high is defined as more than 100 daily cases per 100,000 over seven days.

Biden said he would lay out new steps on Thursday to overcome the lag in vaccinations after the country's strong start to its program.

(With inputs from agencies)

The American infectious disease agency Centre for Disease Control (CDC) has urged fully vaccinated people living in substantial and high transmission areas to wear masks indoors.

The American infectious disease agency Centre for Disease Control (CDC) has urged fully vaccinated people living in substantial and high transmission areas to wear masks indoors. This is a major reversal in guidance that underscored USA's struggle to suppress the Delta variant. President Joe Biden said the announcement showed that America needs to "do better" on vaccinations, adding that a vaccine mandate for the country's more than two million federal workers was now "under consideration." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention director Rochelle Walensky cited new data that shows rare breakthrough cases involving Delta have an increased risk of onward transmission. "In areas with substantial and high transmission, CDC recommends fully vaccinated people wear masks in public indoor settings," she said. Till last week, the CDC had defended its decision that said that vaccinated people didn't have to wear masks indoors. White House has also told its staff to mask up again due to local transmission rates. According to the latest CDC data, 63 percent of the country's more than 3,200 counties are experiencing substantial or high transmission. Substantial is defined as being between 50 to 100 daily cases per 100,000 people over seven days, while high is defined as more than 100 daily cases per 100,000 over seven days. Biden said he would lay out new steps on Thursday to overcome the lag in vaccinations after the country's strong start to its program. (With inputs from agencies)

Mask up, CDC tells fully vaccinated US citizens

The US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has reported the outbreak of a drug resistent superbug fungus. This fungus, named Candida Auris, has been found in patients in hospitals and long-term care facilities in Texas and Washington DC. The fungus preys on people with weak immune systems.

US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention reports outbreak of superbug fungus

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