Health - WCCB Charlotte

UNC Charlotte Sequencing Lab Searching For Omicron Covid Variant In Mecklenburg County

Charlotte area doctors and scientists at UNC Charlotte are increasing their workload to detect the new Omicron Covid variant.

Asheville Nonprofit Releases Punk Holiday Album Benefitting Overdose Prevention Efforts

Asheville nonprofit Musicians for Overdose Prevention and Holy Crap Records will drop a new, punk holiday album on Friday with all proceeds going to overdose prevention efforts.

U.S. Case Of COVID-19 Omicron Variant Identified In California

A person in California has become the first in the U.S. to have an identified case of the omicron variant of COVID-19. Dr. Anthony Fauci said the person was a traveler who returned from South Africa on Nov. 22 and tested positive on Nov. 29.

Dr. Mandy Cohen To Step Down As NC DHHS Secretary

Governor Roy Cooper announced Tuesday morning that North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mandy K. Cohen will be stepping down from the agency.

WHO Warns That New Virus Variant Poses 'Very High' Risk

The World Health Organization says the global risk from the omicron variant of the coronavirus is “very high” based on early evidence, and it could lead to surges with “severe consequences.”

Explainer: What We Know And Don't Know On New COVID Variant

On Friday, the WHO designated a new COVID-19 variant as a “variant of concern,” naming it “omicron” after a letter in the Greek alphabet.

Supreme Court Set To Take Up All-Or-Nothing Abortion Fight

Both sides are telling the Supreme Court there’s no middle ground in Wednesday’s showdown over abortion. The justices can either reaffirm the constitutional right to an abortion or wipe it away altogether.

Tips To Combat Seasonal Depression This Winter

As the days become shorter and the weather gets colder, a startling 5 percent of the U.S. population will begin to struggle with something known as seasonal depression or Seasonal Affective Disorder, according to the AMA. WCCB is here to tell you what this means and what you can do about it.

Holiday Air Travel Returning To Near Pre-Pandemic Levels

Millions are taking to the skies as holiday travel returns to near pre-pandemic levels. The number of people flying for Thanksgiving is expected to double this year, according to AAA.

Thanksgiving Travel: What You Need To Know Before Flying Through CLT

Today, it may be a lot more crowded due to a COVID-19 vaccine mandate for some of the workers. Starting November 22nd, 2021 all TSA employees are required to be vaccinated.

Official: More Than 90% Of Fed Workers Got Shots By Deadline

More than 90% of federal workers have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine by Monday’s deadline set by President Joe Biden.

Walgreens Now Offering COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Shots Nationwide For Ages 18 & Over

Beginning Saturday, Walgreens will start offering all versions of the COVID-19 vaccine booster nationwide to anyone over the age of 18.

211190823 104821095197593 5280614716357029075 N

Free, Virtual QPR Suicide Prevention Training On November 20th

Ask a question, save a life. On Saturday, November 20th take two hours out of your day to attend a free, virtual QPR suicide prevention training session with mental health advocate Fonda Bryant of Charlotte.

South Carolina Reports First Flu-Related Death Of Season

South Carolina has recorded its first flu-related death of the season.

About Double The Amount Of Passengers Expected At Charlotte Douglas Over Thanksgiving Compared To 2020

Charlotte Douglas Airport officials are gearing up for the start of a busy holiday travel season. AAA expects 4.2 million people to fly this year across the country. That's about double compared to last year.

Pfizer Asks US Officials To OK Promising COVID-19 Pill

Pfizer is submitting its experimental pill for COVID-19 for U.S. authorization, setting the stage for a likely launch of the promising therapy in coming weeks.

Times Square Is Back Open On New Year's Eve — With Vax Proof

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio says crowds will once again fill Times Square this New Year’s Eve.

Pfizer Agrees To Let Other Companies Make Its COVID-19 Pill

Drugmaker Pfizer Inc. has signed a deal with a U.N.-backed group to allow other manufacturers to make its experimental COVID-19 pill.

Charlotte-Area Carrabba's Italian Grills Partner With OneBlood To Host Blood Drives

Thanks to a partnership with OneBlood, Charlotte-area Carrabba's are offering a $10 dining certificate to anyone who donates blood during their blood drive beginning Monday.

StarMed Healthcare Offering COVID-19 Vaccinations At 5 CMS Locations For Kids Ages 5-11

StarMed Healthcare is partnering with CMS and the Mecklenburg County Health Department to offer COVID-19 vaccinations and testing at five CMS school locations for kids ages 5 and over.

More Turn To Abortion Pills By Mail, With Legality Uncertain

COVID-19 and state abortion restrictions like a near-ban that took effect in Texas in September have people with unwanted pregnancies increasingly considering getting abortion pills by mail.

Big Bird Backlash: Vax Lands Even Muppet In Political Flap

In 1972, Big Bird lined up on `Sesame Street' to receive a measles vaccine as part of a campaign to get more youngsters inoculated against the disease.

Mecklenburg County Indoor Mask Mandate Could Be Lifted By Next Week

Mecklenburg County's indoor mask mandate could be lifted as soon as next week. The county dropped under five percent in positive COVID testing results on Tuesday.