Should you Wipe Down Groceries During the Pandemic?
Early studies finding coronavirus could linger on surfaces for days were conducted under laboratory conditions; the virus likely couldn't survive that long in real life.
How Phones Can Alert You to COVID-19 Exposure
More than 8.1 million people in the U.S. have turned their iPhones and Android devices into pandemic contact-tracing tools, but it hasn't been of much use when their neighbors, classmates and coworkers aren't on the same system.
Come for a Dental Cleaning, Leave With a COVID Vaccine?
With multiple COVID-19 vaccines rapidly heading toward approval, optometrists and dentists are pushing for the authority to immunize patients during routine eye exams and dental cleanings.
Do 'Self-Cleaning' Elevator Buttons Really Work?
Without rigorous independent studies, experts say it's hard to verify claims of "self-cleaning" or "antiviral" surfaces that have popped up during the pandemic.
Where COVID Is on the Menu: Failed Contact Tracing Leaves Diners in the Dark
In most of the country, diners are left in the dark about which restaurants have been linked to outbreaks of the virus.
Keep the Mask: A Vaccine Won't End the US Crisis Right Away
Despite the expected arrival of COVID-19 vaccines in just a few weeks, it could take several months — probably well into 2021 — before things get back to something close to normal in the U.S.
Are Dining Tents a Safe Way to Eat Out During the Pandemic?
Health experts say outdoor dining tents are generally safer than dining inside, but caution that they're not all equal.
Fear of Flying Is a COVID-Era Conundrum
Americans who do choose to fly will be subject to evolving COVID safety policies that vary by airline, a result of the continuing lack of a unified federal strategy.
Will Social Distancing Weaken Your Immune System?
Some worry a lack of contact with others will weaken their immune system by reducing its active contact with germs.
Inequality 'Baked Into' Virus Testing Access as Cases Surge
Lines for free COVID-19 tests stretch for blocks and hours in cities where people feel the dual strain of the coronavirus surge and the approaching holidays.
States' Face-Covering Mandates Leave Gaps in Protection
But tests show neck gaiters are not as effective as surgical or cloth face masks. Bandannas, like plastic face shields, allow the virus to escape out the bottom in aerosolized particles that can hang in the air for hours.
FDA Allows 1st Rapid Virus Test That Gives At-Home Results
U.S. regulators on Tuesday allowed emergency use of the first rapid coronavirus test that can be performed entirely at home and delivers results in 30 minutes.
Who Will Be the First to Get COVID-19 Vaccines?
Once a vaccine gets a green light from the Food and Drug Administration, an expert panel will look at clinical trial data on side effects and how people of various ages, ethnicities and health statuses responded.
'Back to Normal by Spring': Are We Expecting Too Much From the First COVID-19 Vaccines?
A COVID-19 vaccine could well be approved and ready for use in the next few months. But whether that means we can all get back to normal life by early 2021 is less certain.
Time to Discuss Potentially Unpleasant Side Effects of COVID Shots? Scientists Say Yes.
Left out so far in the push to develop vaccines with unprecedented speed has been a large-scale plan to communicate effectively about side effects and distribution, says one doctor.
Fever, Symptom Screening Misses Many Coronavirus Cases
Temperature and COVID-19 symptom checks like the ones used at schools and doctor's offices have again proved inadequate for spotting coronavirus infections and preventing outbreaks.
Is it Safe Yet to Fly During the Pandemic?
Public health experts say staying home is best to keep yourself and others safe from infection. But if you're thinking about flying for the holidays, you should know what to expect.
How to Use COVID-19 Testing and Quarantining to Safely Travel for the Holidays
Testing may help you to make sure you and your loved ones stay healthy, but COVID-19 testing is not as simple as yes or no, infected or safe.
Do Masks with Antiviral Coating Offer More Protection?
Their specifics vary, but many antiviral masks are supposed to be made or coated with materials that have extra virus-fighting properties, such as copper. But do they work?
Pfizer Says Early Data Signals COVID-19 Vaccine is Effective
Pfizer says an early peek at its vaccine data suggests the shots may be 90% effective at preventing COVID-19, indicating the company is on track later this month to file an emergency use application with U.S. regulators.