Special Report

Covid-19

Bringing historical context and scientific evidence as the pandemic unfolds

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Must-Reads

Properly fitted N95 masks should filter 94-95 percent of viral particles.

What You Need to Know About Covid Masks in the Age of Omicron

With Omicron’s high transmissibility and record number of infections, public health experts encourage the use of high-quality masks to prevent spreading the airborne virus.

Biden Administration Plans to Provide 400 Million N95 Masks to Americans Amid Omicron Surge

Anthony Fauci (left), director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and chief medical advisor to the President, listens as President Joe Biden (right) delivers remarks on the Omicron Covid-19 variant. Fauci has warned that Omicron could reach most of the population.

Seven Key Questions About Omicron Answered

When putting on or taking off a mask, handle it by the edges or straps to avoid contamination.

Can You Reuse a KN95 or N95 Mask? Experts Say Yes, but Follow These Steps

With more reports on the rise, doctors and public health experts are emphasizing that vaccines against covid-19 and influenza are the best way to protect against cases of severe infection.<br />

What Is 'Flurona'? Cases of Co-Infections Increase Amid Peak Influenza Season and Omicron Variant Surge

<p>Preliminary evidence suggests that rapid tests like Abbott BinaxNOW and Quidel QuickVue struggle to detect the omicron variant during an individual’s first few days of infection. </p>

Should You Add a Throat Swab to Your At-Home Covid-19 Test?

More than a quarter of American ICU beds are currently occupied by Covid-19 patients.

U.S. Sets Record With Over 1 Million New Daily Covid-19 Cases

Sharks have been on the planet for close to 500 million years and, in that time, have developed an extraordinary immune system with immune mechanisms that mammals do not have.<br />

How Shark Antibodies Could Aid the Fight Against Coronavirus and Prepare for Future Outbreaks

Latest News

Aerial view of flooding in Livingston, Montana—a gateway town near Yellowstone National Park—on June 14, 2022

What Extreme Flooding in Yellowstone Means for the National Park's Gateway Towns

Megan Kate Nelson

Vaccinations could begin as soon as next week if the FDA authorizes either the Pfizer or Moderna shots for kids under 5.

FDA Says Both Moderna and Pfizer Covid-19 Vaccines Are Effective for the Youngest Children

Margaret Osborne

Unlike the other three mRNA vaccines currently available in the U.S., Novavax's vaccine is made from small nanoparticles made of proteins from the coronavirus's surface.

FDA Advisers Recommend Novavax’s Covid-19 Vaccine for Use in Adults

Elizabeth Gamillo

Each pup was rewarded with toys like tennis balls if they picked out the virus successfully in sweat samples.

Dogs Sniff Out Covid-19 With Surprising Accuracy

Elizabeth Gamillo

Researchers speculate that type two inflammation that occurs in allergic conditions may reduce levels of the ACE2 receptor on the surface of airway cells, where SARS-CoV-2’s spike protein binds to. (Pictured: Novel Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 under and electron microscope)

Some Allergies Associated With Lower Risk of SARS-CoV-2 Infection

Elizabeth Gamillo

COVID-19 and Culture

This year, sixteen bakers delivered on the challenge.

This Museum Is Asking People to Remake Famous Artworks With Cake

Antonia Mufarech

Last September, an installation of almost 700,000 white flags on the National Mall paid tribute to the Americans who have died of Covid-19.

The Civil War Drastically Reshaped How Americans Deal With Death. Will the Pandemic?

Gary Laderman, The Conversation

Tourists flock to Venice for its architecture and waterways.

Flooded by Tourists, Venice to Start Charging Access Fees

Alison Elizabeth Taylor's Anthony Cuts Under the Williamsburg Bridge, Morning (2020), received first prize in the 2022 Outwin competition.

Portrait of a Covid-Era Haircut Claims First Prize in the Outwin Boochever Competition

Members of the Portela samba school perform during Rio's Carnival parade.

Carnival Makes a Triumphant Return to Rio de Janeiro

Antonia Mufarech