Canada approves Medicago's plant-based COVID-19 vaccine for adults Medicago's vaccine on Thursday became the world's first plant-based shot approved against COVID-19 after Health Canada cleared it for use in adults. Amruta Khandekar Reuters

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New Hampshire no longer recommends masks in most indoor spaces as COVID-19 declines

New Hampshire is no longer recommending that face masks be worn in indoor public spaces, including schools, as the number of COVID-19 cases in the state continues to decline.

State health officials said that even though COVID-19 is continuing to circulate, the risk of serious illness has declined to the point that masks are no longer routinely necessary.

"As the risk decreases, we can pull back on some of the recommended prevention strategies," said Dr. Benjamin Chan, the state epidemiologist. "We are no longer recommending universal face masks for people in indoor public locations, unless required in specific situations."

>> COVID-19 in New Hampshire updates: Important information

CDC scientist says new metrics to guide Covid-19 restrictions could come as early as Friday The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will announce new metrics to guide Covid-19 restrictions such as mask-wearing as early as Friday or possibly in the early part of next week, according to a CDC scientist directly involved with the process and a senior federal official. Elizabeth Cohen and Danielle Herman, CNN CNN

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Los Angeles County eases COVID-19 indoor mask mandate LOS ANGELES (AP) — Los Angeles County will began allowing people to remove their masks while indoors if they are vaccinated as the omicron winter surge continues to ease, officials announced Thursday. AP NEWS

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Florida surgeon general confirmed despite controversy TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo was confirmed to his position Wednesday, as Senate Republicans approved the nomination of the state's top doctor over criticism that his opposition to coronavirus mandates is too aligned to the politics of Gov. AP NEWS

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Covid pills are easier to find as the omicron surge subsides The at-home Covid treatments, which were initially extremely limited in supply, are now more easy to access in the United States, doctors say. NBC News

The supply of Covid-19 antiviral pills is picking up in the country, state health departments and physicians say, as drug companies like Pfizer churn out more of the treatments.

Who might benefit from a 4th shot — and who might not Some countries are moving ahead with plans to offer a fourth dose of COVID-19 vaccine. But studies are raising questions about the potential advantages of this extra booster. NPR.org

At this point, one thing about the pandemic is clear: The COVID-19 vaccines, even when followed by a booster, aren't going to stop the coronavirus — or provide long-term protection from infections.

US vaccination drive is bottoming out as omicron subsides HAMILTON, Ala. (AP) — A handwritten log kept by nurses tells the story of the losing battle to get more people vaccinated against COVID-19 in this corner of Alabama: Just 14 people showed up at the Marion County Health Department for their initial shot during the first six weeks of the year. AP NEWS

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Pregnancy-related deaths climbed in pandemic's first year Pregnancy-related deaths for U.S. mothers climbed higher in the pandemic’s first year, continuing a decades-long trend that disproportionately affects Black people, according to a government report released Wednesday. AP NEWS

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Overall in 2020, there were almost 24 deaths per 100,000 births, or 861 deaths total — numbers that reflect mothers dying during pregnancy, childbirth or the year after. The rate was 20 per 100,000 in 2019.