Coronavirus Coverage
Biden Is Mandating COVID Vaccines For All Federal Workers And Large Employers
All companies with more than 100 employees will be required to ensure their workers are either fully vaccinated or tested weekly.
School Districts Are Implementing Mask Mandates But Letting Thousands Of Students Get Exemptions
Several school boards are allowing parents to simply opt out of mask mandates without a medical reason.
Parents Are Starting Another School Year During COVID-19 — And Things Have Only Gotten More Complicated
"They’re always like, 'You’re Satan. You’re the devil incarnate and these masks are the instrument of the devil.'"
Australians Have Labelled Scott Morrison's Actions As A "Slap In The Face" After It Was Revealed That He Flew To Sydney To Visit Family
"The leader of my fucking country, yet again, fucks off on holiday while Australia suffers, leaderless, and lies about it. Shit-eating cunt."
29 Of The Dumbest Things About COVID That People Somehow Decided Were A Good Idea To Post On The Internet
As Rihanna said, "You look so dumb right now..."
A Prominent Study Said Ivermectin Prevents COVID, But The Data Is Suspect
An influential study from Argentina has been used to argue that ivermectin prevents COVID 100% of the time — but its inconsistencies have led experts to question if it could have actually happened as advertised.
A Person Behind An Anti-Vax Instagram Account Has Been Charged With Selling Fake COVID Vaccine Cards
Jasmine Clifford allegedly sold the cards for $200 through her Instagram account.
COVID Has Worsened The Impact Of Hurricane Ida, Creating A "Major Disaster" For Louisiana
"It's a major crisis," said an intensive care doctor at a New Orleans hospital. "It's about to worsen."
The Battle Against Teens Getting COVID Vaccines Is Ramping Up. Now They’re Fighting Back.
The CDC has recommended the COVID vaccine for teens, while the FDA expects a fall or winter authorization for kids under 12.
203 Doctors Told Us What They Actually Think Of COVID Vaccines, And Everyone Should Hear Their Answers
Someone told me, a health journalist, that doctors might secretly oppose COVID vaccinations. So I went straight to the source.
Aussies Are Sharing Their Wholesome Lockdown Stories And Someone Get Me A Box Of Tissues
I'm not crying, you're crying.
17 Famous People Who Got A COVID-19 Vaccine, And 7 Who Absolutely Refuse To
From Britney Spears to Samuel L. Jackson.
21 Of The Best "Special Treats" That NSW Should Get For Reaching Six Million Vaccinations
"Excited for Gladys to announce our little treat. Even though we have food at home."
Dozens Of Overworked Florida Doctors Joined Together To Beg People To Get Vaccinated
"It’s been a long two years, and quite frankly, we are all exhausted, both physically and psychologically," said one doctor.
Pfizer's COVID-19 Vaccine Just Got Full FDA Approval
The approval will likely spur vaccination mandates at schools, hospitals, and businesses across the country.
Dolly Parton Said She Got A Lot "More Credit Than [She] Deserves" For Funding Moderna's COVID Vaccine, And We Really Don't Deserve Her
"My heart just kind of leads me into where I'm supposed to go."
Joe Biden Is Putting Pressure On Nursing Homes To Vaccinate Employees
The White House announced new steps Wednesday to fight the Delta variant in nursing homes and schools.
Vaccinated Americans Will Be Offered COVID-19 Booster Shots As Early As September
US health officials announced that most Americans should get a booster shot eight months after vaccination, as the Delta variant spreads rapidly across the US.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott Tested Positive For COVID-19, As He Fights Mask Mandates
Abbott is vaccinated and not experiencing symptoms, his office said. The coronavirus is surging in Texas.
These People Got Vaccinated Against COVID-19 After Holding Out For Months. They Told Us Why.
BuzzFeed News set out to discover why some people waited months after the shots became widely accessible to the public before getting it — here’s what we learned.
School Is Back And Thousands Of Students Are Already In Quarantine After Being Exposed To COVID-19
Many of the outbreaks at recently opened schools have occurred in states with relatively low vaccination rates.
27 Of The Absolute Best "My Fall Plans Vs. The Delta Variant" Tweets
The future may seem dark, but at least memes are always there to provide some light.
19 Inexpensive And Wholesome Things To Do In Lockdown
No more sad jigsaw puzzles and hours-long TikTok binges.
The "I Am Legend" Screenwriter Has A Strong Message For Everyone Using It As A Reason Not To Get Vaxxed
In the movie, the plague is brought on by a virus, not a vaccine.
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo Is Resigning Amid Sexual Harassment Allegations
Multiple women have alleged that Cuomo, who has been governor for more than a decade, sexually harassed them. He will resign this month, he said Tuesday.
I'm Genuinely Curious Whether You Think These 23 Celebrities Actually Got Vaccinated
Kanye West, Chris Pratt, Taylor Swift, and more.
17 Memes That Sum Up Sydney Lockdown
I'm so over Zoom trivia.
How Did You Convince Your Friends And Family To Get Vaxxed?
This is need-to-know information!
10 Photo Stories That Will Challenge Your View Of The World
Here are some of the most interesting and powerful photo stories from across the internet.
Friendships Are Breaking Up Over Vaccines
“Not all friendships last forever and I guess this is where ours ended.”
A 37-Year-Old Nicaraguan Woman Died In ICE Custody After Testing Positive For COVID-19
The woman died in a Texas hospital after crossing the border last week.
A Firefighter Allegedly Lied About Getting COVID-19 To Get Paid Sick Time And Then Went To A Resort
He was allegedly paid more than $12,000 while on leave, during which he went on a resort vacation.
The Republican Governor Of Arkansas Has Some Regrets About Signing A Mask Mandate Ban
"I signed it at the time because our cases were at a very low point," said Gov. Asa Hutchinson. "Everything has changed now."
Former Vaccine Skeptics Shared What Convinced Them To Get A COVID Shot, And It's Really Interesting
"Our doctor asked us if we wanted to stay in our house for 10 more years to see if people have reactions, or if we wanted to start living life again."
A Cape Cod COVID Outbreak Shows The Delta Variant May Be Even More Infectious Than We Thought, The CDC Says
The Delta variant outbreak among vaccinated beachgoers in Cape Cod was “a pivotal discovery” leading to new mask recommendations, said CDC chief Rochelle Walensky.
Prisons Have Been Restricting Family Visits For Years. The Pandemic Showed Just How Fragile Those Policies Can Be.
Before the pandemic, Christina Mendoza visited her husband in prison almost every week. But as the coronavirus spread through California’s prisons, sending cell blocks into lockdown, not even phone calls were assured.
Lizzo Asks Her Fans To Give Her "Six Feet" Of Space While The COVID-19 Delta Variant Spreads
"I don't care who you are... You could be quadruple vaccinated."
Former Vaccine Skeptics, Tell Us What Convinced You To Get Vaxxed
Changing minds, saving lives.
How Are You Dealing With Friends Who Aren't Vaccinated?
Have you cut them off? Have you uninvited them from something? Was there a fight? Are things awkward now? Tell us!
Eating In The Olympic Dining Hall Looks Very Different For Athletes This Year
*Spoiler alert* — it involves a lot of hand sanitizer.
Here’s What Researchers Have Discovered So Far About COVID Vaccines And Donated Breast Milk
Organizations that provide donated breast milk to parents say fielding questions about how the vaccines figure into the transfer of antibodies has led to a “second layer of chaos” from the pandemic.
Asking Someone If They're Vaccinated Is Not A HIPAA Violation, But These Tweets Are *Chef's Kiss*
"How am I? Number one that’s a violation of my HIPAA rights."
As COVID Continues To Spread, Alabama's Governor Said "It’s Time To Start Blaming The Unvaccinated Folks"
"These folks are choosing a horrible lifestyle of self-inflicted pain."
Another Vaccinated Staffer On The Hill Tested Positive For COVID-19, As Fear Is Spreading In Washington
There’s a "real sense of unease" in Congress as some staffers have tested positive for the coronavirus after weeks of semi-normal life.
I'm Legitimately Curious How Many Of You Actually Followed Instructions During The Pandemic
I wanna know if you're still singing "Happy Birthday" while washing your hands.
Listen: “Never Have I Ever” Star Maitreyi Ramakrishnan Says It’s Okay That The Show Doesn’t Represent The Entire South Asian Experience
“How could everyone relate to it? It just further proves that we need more. Devi’s not the epitome of a South Asian woman, let alone the South Asian experience.”
Coco Gauff Has Tested Positive For COVID-19 And Pulled Out Of The Olympics Amid Growing Criticism Of The Games Taking Place
"It has always been a dream of mine to represent the USA at the Olympics, and I hope there will be many more chances for me to make this come true in the future."
The First Athletes Have Tested Positive For COVID-19 At The Olympic Village
In all, four members of South Africa's Olympic delegation tested positive and are now in isolation.
Events Are Still Being Canceled Because — Reminder — We're Still Living In A Pandemic
People who refuse to get vaccinated are playing a big role in COVID's continued spread, leading to concerts, music festivals, cruises, and more getting canceled.
Helen Mirren Explained Why She Wore Makeup Every Day In Lockdown, And I Completely Understand
"I'm a girl, I love, love dressing up."
Los Angeles County Is Bringing Back Indoor Mask Requirements As COVID Cases Surge
"This is an all-hands-on-deck moment," the county's health officer said.
The Other Victims Of The Pandemic: Workers Killed In Fights Over Masks
Essential workers have borne the brunt of a pandemic poisoned by politics. BuzzFeed News found at least four frontline employees who died in fights over masks. Here are their stories.
Olivia Rodrigo Went To The White House To Talk About Vaccinations
Please note: We are sadly obligated to make as many brutal puns in this article as we can even if it's enough for you.
A Pandemic Safety Feature On Uber And Lyft Is Getting Abused To Scam Drivers And Discriminate Against Passengers
Black and LGBTQ passengers told BuzzFeed News they’re being refused rides due to false claims they’re not wearing masks. But masked drivers are also being accused.
The Olympics Has Banned Spectators As Tokyo Grapples With A Covid Surge
Organizers reversed their decision to have domestic crowds after Japan announced a coronavirus state of emergency in the capital.
They’re Vaccinated, But They Still Can’t Travel To See Their Loved Ones
Families who have been separated for well over a year due to COVID travel bans want you to know that #LoveIsNotTourism.
People Are Sharing The Unexpected Silver Linings They Found Amidst The Pandemic, And They're Eye-Opening
"I'm a major introvert, and for a year and a half, I didn’t have to make up an excuse for why I wasn't attending something."
Tell Us How You Spend Your Time In Lockdown And We'll Reveal If You're From Sydney Or Melbourne
I'm one slice of banana bread away from a complete breakdown.
The Supreme Court Will Keep The Federal Eviction Moratorium In Place While Legal Fights Go Forward
The moratorium, which has protected renters during the coronavirus pandemic, is currently set to expire at the end of July.
Listen: People May Be Dating Again--But The Pandemic Changed The Way We Do It
“Treat it like the NBA Finals, it’s cool. But know what it is that you want. Know what your boundaries are.”
People Are Showing Off Unexpected Hobbies They Picked Up During Quarantine, And They Are Exceedingly Delightful
"It's super calming for all my pandemic anxiety, and it’s been a great stress reliever."
The Wimbledon Crowd Gave A Standing Ovation For A Woman Who Helped Develop A COVID Vaccine
"An opening day on Centre Court with a difference."
Just 23 Tweets About The Sydney Lockdown That Will Make You Laugh, Weep And Rage-Punch A Hole In Your Wall
*Stares at Melbourne longingly.*
US Intelligence Agencies Are Trying To Solve Scientific Mysteries And Failing Badly
Secret intelligence reports are offering up answers to three big scientific mysteries — but the speculation doesn't always square up with science.
14 Songs We'll Forever Associate With The Pandemic
"You're a bad thing..."
Home Chefs Are Sharing The Biggest Cooking "No-Nos," And We Could All Learn From Them
"It's just like my grandma always told me..."
If You Picked Up A New Or Unexpected Hobby During The Pandemic, We Want To Hear About It
Personally, I got really into painting.
This Louisiana Town Is A Bleak Forecast Of America's Future Climate Crisis
In one year, people in southwestern Louisiana lived through five major disasters on top of a pandemic. Another bad hurricane season is already here, and thousands still have holes in their roofs.
More Than 600,000 People In The US Have Now Died Of COVID-19
The death toll is a stark reminder of the devastating loss of human life to the pandemic, especially as daily vaccinations nationwide reach a troublingly low rate.
Did Your Credit Score Get A Lot Worse Or Better Over The Last Year? We’d Like To Hear From You.
BuzzFeed News wants to know how the pandemic impacted your credit score, and how that score has impacted you.
A Man Was Sentenced To 10 Years In Prison After Getting Into A Fight Over His Face Mask
"If I have it, you have it!" Shane Michael reportedly said after spitting on a man during a violent fight outside an eyewear store.
Trump's State Department Officials Fought Over Whether The Coronavirus Was A Chinese Bioweapon
The department’s former senior official on nonproliferation says he intervened to prevent the US government from “embarrassing and discrediting” itself with claims that lacked strong scientific evidence.
8 Photo Stories That Will Challenge Your View Of The World
Here are some of the most interesting and powerful photo stories from across the internet.
Incarcerated People Faced Huge Disparities Trying To Flee COVID-19 In Prisons
New data show federal judges granted compassionate release petitions at dramatically different rates depending on their location.
Listen: No, Your Phone Can’t Hear You — But Here's How It Gets Your Data Anyway
“I think people feel powerless over their individual ability to change this big system. In many ways it feels like ‘I’m too far gone now. I’ve had a Facebook profile for years. If I delete it, they’re still going to hold on to all the data. What difference does it make?’”
Aussie Workers Are Calling Out The Bullshit They've Put Up With From Customers During COVID-19
Here's your daily reminder not to be a dick to staff enforcing COVID rules.
Listen: If You Loved "Bridgerton" You Should Read These Romance Novels
“I grew up thinking ‘romance’ was the picture of the ‘Fabio’ guys on the cover."
A Man Was Accused Of Stealing More Than 500 Vaccine Cards From A COVID-19 Vaccination Site
Police said Muhammad Rauf Ahmed stole blank vaccine cards while working as a nonclinical contract employee at a Los Angeles County site.
Listen: The COVID-19 Pandemic Took Away Hugs. But Do We Want Them Back?
“There are a lot of reasons people do or don’t like hugs. And I think it’s a good opportunity for us all to think about checking in with people to see what they’re comfortable with.”
A Pharmacist Who Tried To Destroy Hundreds Of COVID Vaccines Was Sentenced To Three Years In Prison
Steven Brandenburg was working as a hospital pharmacist in Wisconsin when he removed a box of Moderna vaccines from a freezer for several hours in order to try to spoil them.
Shailene Woodley Explained What She Learned About Aaron Rodgers After They "Immediately" Moved In Together
"[It] taught us a lot about each other very quickly."
Remy Hii Has Opened Up About His Experiences With Racism To Help Stop The Surge Of Anti-Asian Violence In Australia
"Racism is a virus and we're taking all these steps to stop the rise of the coronavirus, but what are we doing to stop the rise of racism in our own country?"
Listen: How Millennial-Hood Redefined “Adulting”
“I don’t see us going back. I don’t see us marrying in our teens or being financially independent by 22.”
"Stay The F*ck Away From Me": Not Everyone Is Excited About Hugs Making A Comeback
COVID-19 has made some of us wary of greetings that involve touch.
We Wanna See Your Tattoo Inspired By Your Pets
Let's see some serious pet ink!
Anthony Fauci’s Emails Reveal The Pressure That Fell On One Man
Thousands of pages of communications obtained by BuzzFeed News show how Fauci tried to keep Americans calm and develop an effective strategy despite conflicts with the Trump administration.
The Pandemic Has Left Us With A Lingering Trauma About Money
Expanded inequality, an inexplicable stock market, and a whole bunch of weird habits — this is how the pandemic will change our financial lives forever.
Debt Didn’t Disappear During The Pandemic. Meet A Man Whose Job Was To Collect It.
An American debt collection agency paid agents in Tijuana $150 a week to collect from delinquent borrowers in the US. We spoke to a person who did that job during the pandemic.
The World Has Changed, But The Hospitality Industry Hasn’t. That’s Bad For Workers.
Tenuous employment. Dangerous working conditions. The pandemic has exposed fundamental flaws with how the hospitality industry operates.
Victorians Are Sharing Their Reactions To News Of The Latest Lockdown
"Please stop referring to it as a Melbourne lockdown. The whole state of Victoria is going through this. Don't forget the regions. We're all in this together."
The Unique Pain (And Anger) Of Grieving Someone Who Refused A COVID Vaccine
“Knowing there’s something that was free, accessible, and could have prevented their death, it’s heartbreaking.”
“Rich People Gonna Rich People”: People Say Their Wealthy Friends Disappointed Them During The Pandemic
“It makes you realize how little people actually care,” one person said about seeing her wealthy and carefree friends jet-setting around a world trying to get through a pandemic.
32 People Share What They Think Of Australia's Indefinite Travel Ban
"Travelling is a luxury, not a right...Your desire to travel or see family should not be at the expense of people's lives."
I'm Curious If You Did Any Of These Pandemic Trends That Literally Everyoneeee Else Did
Is it just me or did everyone sell tie-dye socks?
Student Loan Relief Has Changed The Lives Of Millions Of Americans. It Ends In September.
Temporary relief from federal student loan payments has allowed some people who lost wages to save for a home, start a family, pay off other debts, and, generally speaking, survive. That could all end after September.
Meet The Linda Lindas, The Young Punk Band Whose Song About Racism Rocked The Internet
“All these emotions kind of bottle up, so it’s good to — it feels good to yell it out.”
Tell Us Why You Agree Or Disagree With Australia's Indefinite Travel Ban
With no end to the border closures in sight, Australia is increasingly being referred to as "Prison Island".
