11 – Breaking News & Latest Updates 2026
Skip to main content

Coronavirus

A new coronavirus appeared in Wuhan, China, at the beginning of December 2019, and it has spread rapidly around the world. The World Health Organization declared a global public health emergency over the outbreak, which has affected tens of thousands of people in dozens of countries.

The new coronavirus causes a disease called COVID-19, which has symptoms like fever, cough, difficulty breathing, and other respiratory problems. It’s mild in most people but can be severe or deadly in some cases, especially for the elderly and those who have underlying health issues.

Public health officials are working to understand how dangerous this virus is, how fast it’s spreading, and how to contain it. As that work continues, the virus is causing anxiety around the world.

Active-shooter drills look pretty weird over Zoom

Classes are still online and for some students, so are safety drills

Monica Chin
This is why we try to flatten the curveThis is why we try to flatten the curve
Nicole Wetsman
COVID-19 vaccine is highly effective, manufacturers reportCOVID-19 vaccine is highly effective, manufacturers report
Nicole Wetsman and Mary Beth Griggs
A COVID tracing app misses the markA COVID tracing app misses the mark
Mary Beth Griggs
Everything you need to know about the coronavirus

Stay safe

Nicole Wetsman
A Swiss cheese approach to pandemic safetyA Swiss cheese approach to pandemic safety
Mary Beth Griggs
What we’re voting for: public health

The US has the power to stop pandemics before they start

Nicole Wetsman
Protest art leaves the streets

They painted boarded-up businesses, then scrambled to save the art

Justine Calma
The ambitious effort to piece together America’s fragmented health data

The infrastructure could help fight the next pandemic

Nicole Wetsman
When senior citizens are the early adopters

Digital contact tracing wasn’t up for debate in senior living facilities

Nicole Wetsman