Name: What we know now about the COVID variants
Uploaded: 2021-03-03T23:10:28Z
Duration: 29 min 48 s
Description: LI health experts discuss new findings on the COVID-19 variants and how to protect against them, and vaccine efficacy.

LI health experts discuss new findings on the COVID-19 variants and how to protect against them, and vaccine efficacy.


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What we know now about the COVID variants

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The CDC's latest recommendation that people in high risk areas, like LI, wear masks indoors and in public places appears to have been met with something of a collective shrug. Steve Langford reports.

LIers on CDC recommendations: 'I guess if we have to'

COVID-19 will likely continue to spread, medical experts say. Get updates from local doctors on the latest available treatments and ways to protect yourself and your family.

Doctors' tips for getting through a COVID-19 infection

Masks were again mandated on Wednesday at Long Island MacArthur Airport and on Suffolk County buses. Riders in Coram had mixed views on wearing masks while they travel. Newsday's Cecilia Dowd reports.

Mask reversal: Masks again mandated at MacArthur Airport and on Suffolk buses 

Long Island's 7-day COVID positivity rate was 5.46% Sunday. Some Long Islanders on Monday said they are continuing to take precautions to protect themselves from the virus. Newsday's Cecilia Dowd reports.

Long Island's 7-day COVID positivity rate at 5.46%

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The authorization may not mean much on Long Island, where most families have chosen not to have those children get even a single shot.

FDA clears COVID booster shot for healthy kids ages 5 to 11

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A COVID-19 booster shot for children between the ages of 5 and 11 will be available on Long Island after the CDC on Thursday approved the extra shot. "We must continue to increase the number of children who are protected," Dr. Rochelle Walensky, the CDC director, said in a statement.

CDC approves COVID-19 booster for children ages 5 through 11

Of the more than 70 New York State judges who went to the three-night retreat at Star Island Resort & Marina, 20 later tested positive for the coronavirus, a court system spokesman said.

About one-third of state judges at Montauk retreat get COVID-19

Few if any businesses, schools or other venues have announced plans to reinstitute the masking mandates ubiquitous earlier in the pandemic — before vaccines were widespread and deaths and hospitalizations were brought under control.

Despite CDC advice, some on LI decline to mask again

The new level, which includes health officials urging the wearing of masks in any indoor public setting, comes as COVID infections continue to rise. However, hospitalizations and deaths, key indicators for the pandemic's danger to the public, remain low.

NYC elevates COVID-19 alert level to 'high'

In two-and-a-half years, Long Island has lost 12,000 people. The impact to the culture, economy, education system and every other aspect of life still lingers.

1 million Americans have died of COVID-19. This is what the virus did to Long Island.

The once-unimaginable figure from the CDC only hints at the multitudes of loved ones and friends staggered by grief and frustration.

U.S. deaths from COVID hit 1 million

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Sayville native Larry Kelly briefly opened his eyes on Easter Sunday 2020, after weeks in a coma battling COVID-19. Doctors gave him little chance of survival and his family had been called to say their goodbyes. Those around the country who came to know his story through social media called him "Miracle Larry."

Two years later, 'Miracle Larry' celebrates Easter Sunday with gratitude 

Judith Rossi, 70, was released from rehab after battling COVID-19 in January. The Ridge woman spent 6 weeks on a ventilator at Mather Hospital in Port Jefferson. Newsday's Shari Einhorn reports.

LI woman on ventilator for 6 weeks while battling COVID-19 leaves rehab 

Two years after the first COVID-19 cases were diagnosed on Long Island, many still struggle with lingering long-term effects from the virus. Newsday's Shari Einhorn reports.

Lingering long-term effects from COVID-19

Moderna is moving ahead in its proposal process for the COVID-19 vaccine in children ages 6 months to 5 years. Newsday's Steve Langford reports.

Moderna moves for COVID-19 vaccine approval for children 6 months to 5 years

Infection rates have increased, but the subvariant does not appear to cause more severe illness, NYS Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett said.

New COVID subvariant now 42% of NY cases

Georgio's Coffee Roasters in Farmingdale says sales through their website, launched two months before the pandemic hit, enabled them to keep their business alive despite foot traffic from office workers drying up.

Coffee business says online sales saved it during pandemic

It's been two years since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, and while some Long Islanders are back to their pre-pandemic lives, others say they're taking a slower more cautious approach. Newsday's Shari Einhorn reports.

Cautious and optimistic, LIers two years into pandemic

Activity at mass vaccination sites across Long Island, including the site at SUNY Old Westbury, has slowed down, and enthusiasm has been replaced by hesitation. Newsday's Steve Langford reports.

Mass vaccination sites across Long Island grow quiet

What is the latest on masking for travelers? What about COVID-19 testing requirements? Travel and medical experts answer these questions and more.

Traveling? What you need to know now

Some students at McKenna Elementary School in Massapequa returned to school maskless as the mandate to wear them in schools was lifted by Gov. Kathy Hochul.

Masks are off at schools across Long Island

Mayor Eric Adams announced that COVID-19 vaccine cards would no longer be needed at restaurants, bars and other venues in New York City starting Monday. The mayor also said schoolchildren wouldn't have to wear masks in schools beginning Monday.

Mayor Adams lifts vaccine passports requirement in NYC

Health commissioners of Nassau and Suffolk counties talk about what's next now that the state has lifted mask mandates.