Coronavirus Coverage
From the latest news to binge-watching suggestions to tips for caring for your mental health, we've got everything you need to know about coronavirus to stay safe and make the most of your time spent at home.
These Photos Show What The First Day Of School Looks Like Across The Country
Despite the Delta variant, children across the country are returning to in-person learning.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Florida is America's Delta Variant Nightmare
Florida's hospitals are filling up as the Delta variant ravages the state, where less than half the population is fully vaccinated.
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.
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.
How Did You Convince Your Friends And Family To Get Vaxxed?
This is need-to-know information!
Friendships Are Breaking Up Over Vaccines
“Not all friendships last forever and I guess this is where ours ended.”
Yes, Delta Is Scary, But Europe’s Recent COVID Surges Show That It Can Be Controlled
“The UK and Netherlands should be a counsel against despair,” one expert told BuzzFeed News. “We needn’t be fatalistic about the Delta variant.”
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."
These Photos Show The Enormous Turnout For Lollapalooza Despite Delta Concerns
There was a massive turnout for Chicago's Lollapalooza music festival, which was one of the biggest public gatherings in the US since the start of the pandemic.
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.
A Doctor Said A Mob Assaulted Him, Called Him Racist Slurs, And Mocked His Accent For Promoting A Mask Mandate
Faisal Khan, a public health leader in Missouri, said he was called a “fat brown cunt" and a "brown bastard" after a council meeting where he pushed for a mask mandate.
The CDC Has Changed Its Mask Guidance — Again — To Say Vaccinated People Should Mask Up In Places With Delta Outbreaks
“The unvaccinated, by choice, are a threat to public health at this point,” said one ICU doctor.
Former Vaccine Skeptics, Tell Us What Convinced You To Get Vaxxed
Changing minds, saving lives.
California And NYC Public Employees, As Well As VA Health Workers, Have New Vaccine Mandates
“This is about our recovery," New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said Monday after announcing a vaccine mandate for city workers.
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.
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."
US Life Expectancy In 2020 Dropped By More Than It Has Since World War II
“We have built a house of cards to live in, and the pandemic was a wind that just blew the house down,” said one expert.
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.
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.
Tennessee's Fired Vaccine Chief Called The State's New Rule Barring Vaccine Outreach To Teens "Toxic Leadership"
“We have a legislature filled with people who are not scientists and not healthcare providers who have their own crazy ideas about vaccines," Michelle Fiscus, Tennessee's top vaccine official until she was fired on Monday, told BuzzFeed News.
Anthony Fauci And Deborah Birx Warned Top Officials About The “Dangers” Of Scott Atlas Last Summer, Emails Show
“I am more convinced than ever the dangers of Dr. Atlas’ views on the pandemic,” Birx wrote in an August 2020 email to Fauci and others.
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.
Here’s Why You Probably Won't Need A Booster Shot Against The Delta Variant Anytime Soon
In the US, 99.5% of COVID-19 deaths are now among people who are unvaccinated.
In A Bid To Reopen Schools, The CDC Said Fully Vaccinated Students And Teachers Don't Need Masks
The CDC released new guidance for classrooms that prioritizes the need to fully reopen schools by the fall.
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.
A Scientist Tracked Down Chinese Coronavirus Sequences That Had Disappeared Online
“I think it's certainly consistent with an attempt to hide the sequences,” said the researcher, whose internet sleuthing has uncovered 13 genetic sequences from early in the outbreak in Wuhan, China.
The Delta Variant Could Create “Two Americas” Of COVID, Experts Warn
If you are fully vaccinated, you are most likely to be safe. But in parts of the US where few people have gotten COVID vaccine shots, the Delta variant could trigger renewed deadly surges.
Struggling Hospitals Could Explain Why So Many Black Patients Have Died Of COVID-19
For Black patients hospitalized with the coronavirus, the quality of the hospitals they are admitted to may play an outsize role in determining whether they survive.
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.
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.
COVID-19 Vaccines Work Way Better Than We Had Ever Expected. Scientists Are Still Figuring Out Why.
“The truth is, we humans sort of lucked out,” one expert said.
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.”
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.”
A Picturesque Cabin In The Woods Was Listed On Airbnb. The Catch? No COVID-Vaccinated Guests Allowed.
Airbnb told BuzzFeed News the listing for the cabin in Montana violated its COVID misinformation policies.
The White House Is Partnering With Dating Apps To Get Horny People Vaccinated
Dust off your dating apps. It's time to swipe.
Basically Everyone Is Mad At The CDC For Being So Confusing About Masks
“We spent a year trying very hard to get people to wear masks,” one expert said. “This kind of sudden, abrupt change, without any kind of signaling that it’s coming, will leave people feeling blindsided.”
On The Road With The Vaccine Van: How One City Is “Getting Out The Vax”
With demand for vaccines declining, officials are coming up with creative ways to reach those still unvaccinated. So we hitched a ride with a vaccine van.
We Did It, Fam: Fully Vaccinated People Can Now Ditch Their Masks And Start Returning To Normal
Fully vaccinated people don't need to wear masks or physically distance to participate in indoor and outdoor activities, large or small, according to new CDC guidelines.
15 Anti-Vaxxers Who Were Roasted Within An Inch Of Their Lives — And Rightfully So
There's no coming back from this.
Young Teens Can Now Get A COVID-19 Vaccine — But Convincing Parents Could Be Difficult
COVID-19 is now one of the top 10 causes of death for teens in the US.
The FDA Authorized Pfizer's COVID-19 Vaccine For Kids Ages 12 To 15
The emergency authorization of the vaccine opens eligibility to nearly 17 million school-age kids.
There Are New Safety Concerns About Russia’s COVID Vaccine, Which Is Already Being Distributed Worldwide
“This creates a lot of concern for us in the global vaccine community,” one expert said.
Guilt Trips And Withholding Grandkids: How People Convinced Loved Ones To Get A Vaccine
“I told him he wouldn’t be invited to our wedding, which we had rescheduled three times,” said one person. “He’s the groom.”
Fully Vaccinated People Can Ditch Masks, Sometimes, Under New CDC Guidelines
Fully vaccinated people can go without masks in many small gatherings indoors or outdoors, say the new CDC guidelines.
15 Customers Who Tried To Pretend We Weren't In A Pandemic This Past Year
We present to you, the Coronavirus Hall of Shame.
15 Infuriating Stories About Doctors Who Had To Diagnose A COVID-19 Denier With The Coronavirus
What will it take for people to believe science?
Johnson & Johnson’s COVID Vaccine Was Immunizing Homeless People. Then It Was Put On Pause.
Johnson & Johnson’s single-shot vaccine was in demand for some of the highest-risk people in the US. And without it, many are opting not to get a shot, clinicians say.
The Pandemic Will Likely End In One Of These Four Ways
Vaccinations promise an end to the coronavirus pandemic in the US. What kind of ending, though, is up to us.
Experts Predict A Slutty Summer — And An STI Spike
Doctors hope horny Americans have learned some lessons during the pandemic that could be applied to sexual health.
The Pandemic Has Made “Summer Body” Pressure Even Worse
Ahead of a summer with already lofty expectations, many people are obsessing over how their bodies have changed in the pandemic.
We Want To Hear How The Last Year Has Affected Your Mental Health
This year has been hard on all of us.
J&J’s Vaccine Is Still On Pause After A CDC Safety Panel Put Off A Vote
At least six women, including one who died, have developed an extremely rare blood-clotting syndrome after getting the vaccine.
Here's Why You Can't Compare The Extremely Rare J&J Vaccine Blood Clots To Ones Linked To Birth Control
The causes and treatments are not the same, doctors told BuzzFeed News. Still, the Johnson & Johnson pause is no reason to panic.
A New Study Suggests Empty Middle Seats On Planes Reduce COVID Exposure By A Third
Airlines have returned to filling middle seats, which a new CDC study suggests increases the risk of coronavirus exposure.
The US Has Recommended Pausing The Johnson & Johnson Vaccine To Study Rare Blood Clotting Issues
Of the more than 6.8 million doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine administered so far in the US, federal authorities are investigating six cases of rare and severe blood clotting.
Stop Freaking Out: You Probably Already Have Some Type Of Vaccine Passport
Schools, international travel, and military service — people in the US already have to prove they are vaccinated against many diseases.
Vaccinated People Can Safely Travel, According To New CDC Guidance
But as COVID-19 cases rise nationwide, “I would advocate against general travel overall,” CDC Director Rochelle Walensky said on Friday.
A Photographer Captured The Moment A 98-Year-Old Got To See Her Family After A Year Apart
COVID-19 vaccines mean some nursing homes are now reopening, so residents can finally hug loved ones. A series of viral photos captured Yoshia Uomoto's surprise reunion.
A Top Medical Journal Said “No Physician Is Racist.” Now Scientists Are Boycotting.
After a podcast from the prestigious journal JAMA questioned whether systemic racism exists in medicine, doctors and researchers are pressing for sweeping changes.
Young Doctors Faced Down The Pandemic But Aren’t Sure About Their Futures
“I feel like there has got to be something else that makes me happier.”
The CDC Is Pushing Back Against Critics Who Say COVID-19 Death Numbers Have Been Overcounted
COVID-19 drove a 15.9% increase in the nationwide death rate in 2020, alongside increases from heart disease, injuries, Alzheimer's, and diabetes.
12 Wild Photos Of What Spring Break Looks Like In Southern California Right Now
Repeat after me: The pandemic is not over.
The WHO Report On COVID-19's Origins Shows We May Never Know Where The Coronavirus Came From
As a World Health Organization and Chinese study into the origins of the pandemic gives no conclusive answers, the controversial theory that the virus emerged from a lab refuses to go away.
US Cases Of COVID-19 Are Rising Again, Sparking Fears Of A Fourth Major Surge
“We have so much to look forward to,” CDC Director Rochelle Walensky said on Monday. “But right now I’m scared.”
Reporters Did Not Ask Biden About The Pandemic But Apparently We're Already Talking About 2024
Sixty-five days into his first term — as 1,000 people a day continue to die of COVID-19 in the US — reporters asked Biden whether he was going to run for reelection.
Tell Us The Best Purchases You've Made During The Pandemic
It can be anything that's brought some light into your life!
After A Lot Of Drama With The Government, AstraZeneca Lowered Early Estimates Of Its COVID Vaccine’s Effectiveness By Just 3 Percentage Points
“This is going to turn out to be a good vaccine,” said chief US infectious disease expert Anthony Fauci.
Absolutely Wild Photos Show Spring Break In Miami As COVID Still Rages
Chaotic scenes from the weekend showed maskless revelers drinking and partying in the streets in defiance of curfew orders.
US Health Officials Questioned AstraZeneca’s Report Of Its COVID-19 Vaccine Results
The drug company announced positive trial results on Monday suggesting the vaccine was highly effective in preventing symptomatic COVID-19 in all age groups. Less than a day later, US health officials questioned the results, which still have not been released in full.
Freedom, Hope, Relief: What The COVID Vaccine Means To You
Hundreds of people told us what it felt like to finally get the COVID-19 vaccine. Here are your stories.
These Intimate Photos Show How Moms Coped With The Long Pandemic Year
“To be honest, this year was really about survival for us.”
Europe’s Drug Regulator Said AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 Vaccine Is “Safe And Effective”
Experts could not rule out a link to rare blood-clotting conditions seen in a small number of people who received the vaccine and suggested warnings be added to information given to doctors and patients.
A Native American Tribe In Oklahoma Denied Black Citizens COVID-19 Vaccines And Financial Relief
“We’re stuck in a system that doesn’t care about us,” one Black citizen of the Seminole Nation said.
This Is What We Know So Far About AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 Vaccine And Blood Clots
So far there’s no clear evidence of a safety problem. But several European countries have paused vaccinations with AstraZeneca’s shots while investigations continue.
18 People Shared How The Pandemic Year Changed Their Finances And It's Eye-Opening
"I couldn't wrap my brain around the fact that I literally couldn't work. I felt like a failure."
All US Adults Will Be Eligible For A COVID-19 Vaccine By May 1, Joe Biden Said
Biden's announcement, part of a national address, shifts the responsibility for the pandemic response to the federal government.
“I Was The One Who Broke Broadway”: Meet The First Usher To Test Positive For COVID
When usher Peter McIntosh started feeling sick a year ago, he never imagined he’d become the first confirmed COVID-19 case on Broadway — or that theaters would close the next day.
Tom Hanks, The NBA, And COVID’s Day Of Reckoning In The US: An Oral History
More than 60 people — from Anthony Fauci to Chet Hanks — told us what it was like in the Oval Office, in the Utah Jazz locker room, and backstage on Broadway on March 11, 2020, the day COVID swallowed everything.
Congress Just Passed Another Round Of COVID Checks And Unemployment Aid
Checks of $1,400, unemployment benefits, and hundreds of billions of dollars in aid are coming soon. President Joe Biden signed the bill Thursday.
If You've Watched 19/28 Of These Shows, Chances Are You Spent 98% Of Quarantine In Front Of A TV
These TV shows are how I spent 90% of my quarantine.
It’s Been A Year Since Quarantine Started, How Many Of These Quarantine Trends Did You Try?
We all made whipped coffee at some point right?
The CDC Released New Guidelines For How Vaccinated And Unvaccinated People Can Meet Indoors
The long-awaited guidelines were released at a White House briefing on Monday.
It's Been A Year Since The First Coronavirus Lockdown — How Many Of These Quarantine Hobbies Are You Still Doing?
Oh, to be binge-watching Tiger King and baking bread again.
30 Pictures That Show Just How Much Has Changed In A Year Due To COVID
A lot can change in a year.
The Senate Passed Biden’s Massive COVID Aid Package, But Only After Watering Down Checks And Unemployment Benefits
Democrats are touting the bill as a historic rescue package, despite needing to make last-minute concessions to get it passed.
