omicron variant

The FDA says therapies from Regeneron and Eli Lilly should no longer be used because they don't work against omicron. Gov. Ron DeSantis says the action will "cost some Americans their lives."

Omicron has exploded in schools across the Tampa Bay region this year and some local high school students say their district isn't doing enough to notify them of possible exposure.

Many hospitals are dealing with a flood of people with COVID, including those primarily admitted for other reasons. These infections still drain the workforce and can put health workers and other patients at higher risk for contracting the virus.

At the VA — the nation's largest health care system — dozens of hospitals have had to implement "contingency standards" since the omicron wave began.

Just 18% of 5- to 11-year-olds are fully vaccinated, with rates varying significantly across the country, a KHN analysis of federal data shows. Pediatricians say the slow pace and geographic disparities are alarming.

She said getting vaccinated, receiving a booster shot and wearing a mask is the best way parade-goers can stay safe during the festivities.

In December, UF researchers predicted the omicron wave would reach its peak in February, but with the recent surge they’re now predicting the variant will peak within the next two weeks in the state.

Florida Hospital Association president Mary Mayhew says staff having to isolate due to the virus and workers taking lucrative travel jobs are posing challenges for hospitals amid the omicron surge.

Norwegian Cruise Line canceled voyages on eight cruise ships, nearly half its fleet, after one of its ships on Wednesday returned early to Miami due to a COVID-19 outbreak among crew members.

Florida Education Association president Andrew Spar says a "massive exodus" of teachers is contributing to the shortage.

The president and CEO of Visit Florida said the agency will continue to expand its marketing efforts and encourage tourists to vacation in Florida this winter.

The university's president called for people on-campus to wear masks and to be fully vaccinated, while USF faculty recommended holding the first few weeks of the spring semester online.