Coronavirus outside NC Coverage

Report: Man lunged at Applebee's bartender with meat cleaver after being asked to show COVID vaccination proof

A man is facing charges after authorities said he tried to attack a restaurant worker with a meat cleaver after being asked to show proof of a COVID-19 vaccine.

NYC transit authority limits COVID death benefits to those who get vaccinated

NEW YORK -- The Metropolitan Transportation Authority plans to extend a $500,000 death benefit to its employees who die of COVID-related causes through the end of 2021, a senior authority official said Monday. But the benefit will remain unavailable to those who decline to get vaccinated against the coronavirus.

Patrick McGeehan, New York Times

COVID Cases Overwhelm Gulf Coast, Leaving Region With No ICU Beds

The Gulf Coast, a tourist haven that draws throngs of revelers to beaches across several Southern states, has been sorely afflicted as the delta variant tears through the region, which has relatively low rates of vaccination and often lax safety measures.

Dan Levin and Daniel E. Slotnik, New York Times

In Texas, a Quarantine Camp for Migrants With COVID-19

MISSION, Texas — On the edge of the Rio Grande in South Texas, sprawling Anzalduas Park has long been a popular spot for bird-watching, family cookouts and fishing. But earlier this month, the grassland expanse with barbecue grills and picnic tables was put off-limits, transformed into a large COVID-19 quarantine camp for migrants who have crossed from Mexico.

Miriam Jordan, New York Times

Large COVID-Related Protests Hit France, Italy and Australia

More than 160,000 demonstrators took to the streets in France on Saturday to protest the government's COVID-19 health pass policy, with brief clashes between largely unmasked protesters and police officers in Paris followed by wafts of tear gas that were reminiscent of the Yellow Vest turmoil of a few years ago.

Aurelien Breeden, New York Times

Rates of new Covid-19 cases are almost 3 times higher in states with low vaccination rates, new data shows

After months of progress in the fight against Covid-19, cases are rising again as the highly contagious Delta variant spreads across the US.

By Holly Yan and Madeline Holcombe, CNN

A Country-by-Country Guide to Reopened Europe

The European Union on Wednesday agreed to reopen its borders to fully vaccinated travelers, including Americans, and people from a list of COVID-safe countries that will be determined later this week before the summer tourism season.

The New York Times, New York Times

As pandemic continues, summer camps prepare to open

Camp organizers are doing what they can to keep things COVID-19 safe, but there are key questions parents should ask.

Some people still need to mask up even if vaccinated. Are you one of them?

The news flashed across the country -- mask-free at last!

By Sandee LaMotte and Naomi Thomas, CNN

Vaccinated Ohio residents could win $1M

The state will hold a Wednesday lottery for the next five weeks with a $1 million giveaway for adult Ohioans who have received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose.

White House launches text service for COVID-19 vaccinations

The White House COVID-19 Response Team has launched a new texting service for those interested in getting the COVID-19 vaccine

Leaning Tower of Pisa reopens to visitors

Italy's famous Leaning Tower of Pisa reopens to visitors after a long period of closure due to COVID-19 restrictions.

UNC doctor moves to Malawi to help with health crisis

In 2011, Dr. Elizabeth Fitzgerald quit her job at UNC Health and moved to Malawi with her husband and three children to work at a local hospital.

Leslie Moreno, WRAL multimedia journalist

Two months after receiving vaccine, Illinois mom tests positive for COVID-19

As more vaccinations take place, we're starting to hear stories about people getting COVID-19 even after their shot. It happened to one mom from Illinois, nearly two months after she was fully vaccinated.

Library of Congress creating virtual exhibit about the coronavirus pandemic

Painting the picture of the past year, portraits capture heartbreak but also humanity of everything that's been endured during the coronavirus pandemic.

Lap dances, karaoke, late hours: The speak-easies of the COVID era

NEW YORK -- In Brooklyn, investigators arrived at a bar in December to discover exotic dancers giving lap dances to patrons behind a locked door as music blared, state officials said.

Mihir Zaveri, New York Times

Pope Francis Makes Christmas Appeal for Nations to Share Vaccines

ROME — Pope Francis on Friday called on world leaders, businesses and international organizations to help ensure that the most vulnerable and needy have access to newly developed coronavirus vaccinesROME — Pope Francis on Friday called on world leaders, businesses and international organizations to help ensure that the most vulnerable and needy have access to newly developed coronavirus vaccines.

Elisabetta Povoledo and Marc Santora, New York Times

UK cut off after discovery of mutated coronavirus strain

The United Kingdom is finding itself increasingly isolated as other countries scramble to contain a new variation on the coronavirus that causes COVID-19.

U.S. coronavirus cases pass 4 million for the month of November, doubling the record set in October

The total number of coronavirus cases in the United States for November surpassed 4 million Saturday, more than double the record set in October of 1.9 million cases. And the sharp escalation is likely to continue -- or grow even steeper.

Tariro Mzezewa and Sarah Cahalan, New York Times

Experts warn against 'panic buying' as coronavirus rules tighten

In the aftermath of Washington Governor Jay Inslee's announcement on new coronavirus restrictions, grocery stores in the Seattle area are seeing an increase in shoppers who are stocking up

SlowCOVIDNC app could help prevent Election Day virus spread

More than 300,000 people have downloaded the app, which alerts them when they come into close contact with someone who has tested positive for the coronavirus.

Together again: Coronavirus survivors reunite

Charles and Nellie Anness have spent most of the past 71 years together, but were forced to enter separate hospitals after falling ill with COVID-19. Now, they're together again.

Researchers testing coronavirus oral rinse test

If you don't like the idea of getting your nose swabbed to test for COVID-19 -- you might be in luck. Researchers are trying out a new oral rinse test in Louisville, Kentucky.

40 million positive tests 'tip of the iceberg' in pandemic

The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases across the planet has surpassed 40 million, but experts say that is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the true impact of the pandemic that has upended life and work around the world.

Long haul: COVID-19 survivor spends 196 days in hospital

Deanna Hair is finally heading home after a months-long battle with coronavirus, warning others "COVID is real and it's deadly."