According to a leading World Health Organization official, a highly mutated COVID variant called BA.2.86 has now been detected in Switzerland and South Africa in addition to Israel, Denmark, the U.S. and the U.K.

Shanghai residents may see another round of lockdown as the COVID-19 cases in China continue to soar amid the spread of a subvariant of omicron.

COVID-19 vaccines were effective and safe for use in children aged 6 months to 4 years, U.S. Food and Drug Administration staff reviewers said.

Moderna Inc (MRNA.O) said a new version of its coronavirus vaccine produced a better immune response against Omicron than the original shot.