The Latest: Quebec reports case of omicron COVID-19 variant

A roundup of national and international news related to COVID-19.

What we know and don’t know on new COVID-19 variant

On Friday, the WHO designated it as a “variant of concern,” naming it “omicron” after a letter in the Greek alphabet.

New virus variant casts pall, shocks health experts in South Africa

Nearly two years into the pandemic, the world is racing to contain omicron.

Amid massive shortage, Canada taps strategic reserves – of maple syrup

Quebec produces 73 percent of the world's supply but a shorter and warmer spring sugaring season caused output to fall by nearly a quarter.

Omicron variant may already be in U.S., Fauci says

'We have not detected it yet, but when you have a virus that is showing this degree of transmissibility ... it almost invariably is ultimately going to go essentially all over.'

Scientists racing to decode omicron variant as defenses buy time

Labs in Europe, the U.S. and Africa are preparing for tests to see how the new variant is likely to behave in people who’ve been vaccinated or previously infected.

Shippers prepare for another pandemic crush of holiday gifts

Postal workers who recall packages and letters piled up in distribution hubs a year ago are gearing up for another holiday crush

New York declares COVID state of emergency as governments across globe race omicron variant

The U.K. also tightened up rules on mask-wearing and on testing of international arrivals after finding two cases of the new potentially more contagious omicron variant.

Merck COVID pill effective, but experts will review safety, FDA says

Government scientists said their review identified several potential risks, including possible toxicity to developing fetuses.

What to know about the omicron variant of the coronavirus