The Omicron variant can survive longer than earlier versions of the coronavirus on plastic surfaces and human skin, Japanese researchers found in laboratory tests. Additionally, new research shows users of rapid antigen tests to detect COVID-19 should swab their nostrils as directed by the manufacturer and not swab the throat or cheek instead.
With Covid-19 vaccines now available for ages 5 and older in the United States, the White House is rolling out new vaccination mandates for employers with more than 100 employees, as well as health care workers at facilities that receive Medicare and Medicaid Benefits.
Just more than half of U.S. adults have received at least one Covid-19 vaccine dose, data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showed on April 18, with nearly 130 million people aged 18 years or more having received their first shot.
The United States administered 107,060,274 doses of Covid-19 vaccines in the country and distributed 135,847,835 doses as of March 14, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said.
