LA County COVID data show stark difference between vaccinated and unvaccinated New data from Los Angeles County shows a sharp difference in the likelihood of death or hospitalization from COVID-19 in those who have been vaccinated versus those who have not. ABC7 Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Los Angeles County reported more than 20,000 new COVID-19 cases in one day on Thursday - but as grim as that news sounds, new data also shows how effective vaccines have been at containing the virus' most severe consequences: deaths and hospitalizations.

The COVID antiviral drugs are here but they're scarce. Here's what to know

Two highly anticipated COVID-19 pills have been authorized for emergency use and allocated for shipment to states, but the supply is tight, and the rollout varies from state to state.

Pfizer's Paxlovid and Merck's molnupiravir are both oral antiviral pills that can be taken at home to keep patients out of the hospital. They're meant to be taken within the first few days of having COVID-19, and they reduce the risk of hospitalization and death by up to 88% for Paxlovid and 30% for molnupiravir.

Omicron puts pinch on Biden vaccine mandate efforts The rapidly spreading omicron variant poses a problem for the White House as officials try to convince a skeptical public that vaccine mandates are necessary. Nathaniel Weixel TheHill

The rapidly spreading omicron variant poses a problem for the White House as officials try to convince a skeptical public that vaccine mandates are necessary.

What you need to know about the coronavirus right now Here's what you need to know about the coronavirus right now: Reuters Reuters

-- South Korea said on Friday it would extend stricter social distancing rules for two weeks amid a persistent surge in serious coronavirus infections and concerns over the spread of the highly contagious Omicron variant.

The contract eventually will allow the production of more than 83 million tests a month, the Pentagon said.

WASHINGTON — The Defense Department has announced a $137 million contract to make more of a key component of rapid Covid tests to boost their production.

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The omicron variant of the coronavirus has spread throughout the country, and so has the subsequent labor crisis. With the current surge, essential workers are again bearing the brunt, and medical personnel are some of the record-setting cases.

“There are colleagues that either have Covid, had Covid or are not passing the [hospital’s] screening, which monitors symptoms or, at the least, exposure,” Harrison said. “It’s pretty dynamic, and we’re definitely not able to operate at our fullest.”

Do at-home COVID-19 tests detect the omicron variant? | AP News Do at-home COVID-19 tests detect the omicron variant? Yes, but U.S. health officials say early data suggests they may be less sensitive at picking it up. Government recommendations for using at-home tests haven't changed. AP NEWS

Do at-home COVID-19 tests detect the omicron variant?