Two studies that have not yet been peer reviewed indicate increased protection against the infectious omicron variant.

Other states have reported similar losses. Ohio reported it paid out more than $3.8 billion in fraudulent jobless aid. California has paid out at least $20 billion.

Officials pledged steady deliveries of groceries to residents of Xi'an, a city of 13 million that is under the strictest lockdown of a major Chinese city since Wuhan at the start of the pandemic.

Skyrocketing COVID-19 case rates have caused officials In New York City and elsewhere to scale back their New Year's Eve celebrations. Around the country, people are facing tough decisions.