Category: AMERICA

Smoking Linked to ‘Severe’ COVID-19 Complications: Study

Individuals who reported smoking or vaping tobacco prior to COVID-19 hospitalization had a far likely higher chance of suffering severe complications as compared with nonsmokers, a recent study has found. Researchers, who published their peer-reviewed findings in PLOS One, said they examined data on adults aged 18 and older who were hospitalized with COVID-19 in 107…


Biden Well Enough to Resume Physical Exercise: Doctor

President Joe Biden is feeling well enough to resume physical exercise five days after beginning treatment for COVID-19, his doctor said on July 26. Biden finished the five-day course of Paxlovid, Pfizer’s COVID-19 pill, and his symptoms “have now almost completely resolved,” Dr. Kevin O’Connor said in a memorandum (pdf) to White House press secretary…


Fauci Fires Back at Sen. Rand Paul: ‘Go Ahead’ and Investigate

White House COVID-19 adviser Anthony Fauci said Tuesday that he welcomes a Republican-led investigation into his records, claiming they are an “open book.” Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) told The Hill on Monday that if the GOP takes over the House or Senate after the 2022 midterms, Fauci could be investigated when Republicans take control of…


City Votes Not to Enforce COVID-19 Restriction Proposed by Health Department

The City Council in Beverly Hills, California, unanimously voted not to enforce a Los Angeles County COVID-19 mask mandate if one is adopted by the county health department. Los Angeles County is poised to impose a new indoor mask mandate at the end of July, according to Department of Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer in an update…


Florida Health Agency Calls for Rescinding Vaccine Mandate After Biden Contracts COVID-19

A top Florida health official is urging the U.S. government to rescind its COVID-19 vaccine mandate as an increasing number of vaccinated people, including President Joe Biden, contract COVID-19. “The President’s diagnosis confirms the science: although the COVID-19 vaccine reduces the risk of hospitalization, it does not prevent transmission or symptomatic disease,” Simone Marstiller, secretary…


Cruise Line Drops COVID-19 Testing Requirement After CDC Changes Rule

A Miami-based cruise operator dropped its pre-boarding COVID-19 testing requirement days after the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) rescinded a key virus reporting program. Azamara, the cruise line, said that it removed the testing mandate except in areas where “it is still required in accordance with country regulations,” according to a statement….


About 4 in 10 Parents Will ‘Definitely Not’ Get COVID-19 Jabs for Their Children: Survey

Most American families are reluctant to get a COVID-19 shot for their young children, a new survey published by the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) on Tuesday indicates. The survey’s results come more than a month after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on June 18 recommended the jab for children as young as 6…


Former CDC Director Fires Back at Fauci’s ‘Natural’ Claim

Former Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Robert Redfield rejected White House adviser Anthony Fauci’s claims that it’s more likely COVID-19 originated naturally. In a recent interview, Fauci said he has an “open mind” but still believes that the virus occurred naturally after previously dismissing the theory that it emerged from the Wuhan…


Doctor Announces $25 Million Defamation Lawsuit Against Houston Methodist Following Suspension

A doctor in Texas is suing the health care institution that suspended her for allegedly purveying “dangerous misinformation.” Dr. Mary Bowden, who now runs her own clinic, is seeking $25 million from Houston Methodist for alleged defamation. Bowden became concerned that the COVID-19 vaccines were not preventing contraction of the virus that causes COVID-19, and…


Fauci: We Were ‘Always Aware’ of Natural Immunity

White House adviser Anthony Fauci said Monday that he and other health officials were “always aware” of the protection afforded by COVID-19 natural immunity. “We were always aware that if you get infected, you have a degree of protection against reinfection,” Fauci remarked in response to a question from a reporter with The Hill. He later…