Some Americans welcome new CDC mask guidance, others wary
CHICAGO — Grace Thomas is fully vaccinated against COVID-19 but still not ready to take off her mask, especially around the kids at the home day care she runs in Chicago.
Green light for hula fest: Merrie Monarch competition set to return to pre-COVID glory
With COVID-19 case counts on the decline, the 59th Annual Merrie Monarch Festival will return to its customary schedule starting on Easter Sunday.
CDC: Many healthy Americans can take a break from masks
Most Americans live in places where healthy people, including students in schools, can safely take a break from wearing masks under new U.S. guidelines released Friday.
County scales back COVID-19 testing
Beginning next week, the county will scale back its COVID testing sites as new daily case totals continue to decline.
CDC to significantly ease pandemic mask guidelines today
WASHINGTON — The Biden administration will significantly loosen federal mask-wearing guidelines to protect against COVID-19 transmission today, according to two people familiar with the matter, meaning most Americans will no longer be advised to wear masks in indoor public settings.
US vaccination drive is bottoming out as omicron subsides
HAMILTON, Ala. — A handwritten log kept by nurses tells the story of the losing battle to get more people vaccinated against COVID-19 in this corner of Alabama: Just 14 people showed up at the Marion County Health Department for their initial shot during the first six weeks of the year.
Deaths related to pregnancy climbed in pandemic’s first year
Pregnancy-related deaths for U.S. mothers climbed higher in the pandemic’s first year, continuing a decades-long trend that disproportionately affects Black people, according to a government report released Wednesday.
HPD looking for recruits for ‘rewarding career’
The Hawaii Police Department is seeking committed men and women to protect and serve the Big Island.
COVID shots unlikely to prompt rare inflammation in kids
COVID-19 vaccines are unlikely to trigger a rare inflammatory condition linked to coronavirus infection in children, according to an analysis of U.S. government data published Tuesday.
Officials: New gym for Papaaloa a top priority
State Rep. Mark Nakashima said Monday a new county gymnasium in Papaaloa is the top capital-improvement priority in his district.
US virus cases, hospitalizations continue steady decline
Average daily COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are continuing to fall in the U.S., an indicator that the omicron variant’s hold is weakening across the country.
Canadian police clear Parliament street to end siege
OTTAWA, Ontario — Hundreds of police in riot gear swept through the streets of Canada’s besieged capital Saturday, arresting or driving out protesters, towing away their trucks and finally retaking control of the streets in front of the country’s Parliament buildings.
Officials cautiously optimistic as COVID cases drop
Even as state and county officials contemplate the end of the pandemic, health officials warn residents to remember the last time COVID-19 cases declined significantly.
Cruise ship arrivals set to increase; more corporations expected to sign deals with state
This spring, the Big Island will see an increase in the number of cruise ships visiting Hilo and Kona.
Crackdown: Ottawa cops arrest 100 after protest
OTTAWA, Ontario — Police arrested scores of demonstrators and towed away vehicles Friday in Canada’s besieged capital, and a stream of trucks started leaving under the pressure, raising authorities’ hopes for an end to the three-week protest against the country’s COVID-19 restrictions.
Estimated 73% of US immune to omicron: Is that enough?
The omicron wave that assaulted the United States this winter also bolstered its defenses, leaving enough protection against the coronavirus that future spikes will likely require much less — if any — dramatic disruption to society.
COVID-19 infections plummet: Four Big Island cases reported Wednesday, down from a high of 834 a month ago
New COVID-19 cases on the Big Island dropped to the single digits Wednesday for the first time since December as the omicron surge continues to weaken.
More virus rules fall as CDC hints at better times ahead
By SARA BURNETT
Wage measures still alive: Senate, House bills would increase minimum hourly rate to $18
CORRECTION: A previous version of this story had in an incorrect year for when the $18 an hour minimum wage would kick in under House Bill 2510, should it become law. The Tribune-Herald regrets the error.
Companies revert to more normal operations as COVID wanes
NEW YORK — For the first time in two years for many people, the American workplace is transforming into something that resembles pre-pandemic days.
