Covid-19

The Pandemic

New Covid Omicron Booster Shots Are Available. Here's What to Know.

The new boosters target the Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 variants, the most prevalent strains of Covid in the U.S.

09/12/2022 By Megan McDonald

The Pandemic

The CDC Loosens Its Covid-19 Quarantine and Testing Guidelines

You no longer have to quarantine if you've been exposed to the virus.

08/15/2022 By Allison Forsyth

Ask a Pediatrician

How to Keep Kids Healthy During Back-to-School Season

Sarasota's Dr. Katherine Keeley answers questions about physicals, vaccines and how to stop the spread of germs.

08/08/2022 By Allison Forsyth

The Pandemic

The Covid BA.5 Mutation Is Causing an Increase in Cases, Hospitalizations

Test positivity rate statewide is 24 percent, the highest number since January 2022.

07/28/2022 By Allison Forsyth

The Pandemic

What You Need to Know About Covid-19 Vaccines for Kids Under 5

Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital physician Dr. Fernando Bula answers our questions about the newly approved vaccines.

06/30/2022 By Allison Forsyth

The Pandemic

Here's What You Need to Know About the Covid Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 Subvariants

Cases linked to these strains have been found in Florida, but not yet in Sarasota-Manatee.

06/14/2022 By Allison Forsyth

The Pandemic

Covid-19 Hospitalizations Are Rising Again in Sarasota-Manatee

On Monday, June 6, Sarasota Memorial Hospital reported treating 68 Covid-19 patients, seven of whom are in the intensive care unit.

06/09/2022 By Allison Forsyth

Covid-19

Do Your At-Home Covid-19 Tests Expire?

Turns out the rapid tests you've been saving can expire. Here are some tips for keeping them fresh, how to check shelf life and where to find new tests.

05/24/2022 By Allison Forsyth

Your Health Questions Answered

Where Have Covid-19 Antibody Treatments Gone?

Most monoclonal antibody treatments have been de-authorized or restricted by the FDA. Why are they gone, and what has replaced them?

05/04/2022 By Allison Forsyth

The Pandemic

Here's What to Expect When Getting Your Second Covid-19 Booster

Locals who've already gotten it share their experience.

04/13/2022 By Samantha Lane

The Pandemic

A Second Covid-19 Booster is Now Available to Those Age 50 and Older

The FDA approved the second booster of Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. Here's where to get it locally.

03/30/2022 By Allison Forsyth

The Pandemic

Where to Get Pfizer's Covid Drug in Sarasota-Manatee

The antiviral drug made by Pfizer called Paxlovid is available by prescription only and can get picked up at one of these local pharmacies.

03/21/2022 By Allison Forsyth

Covid-19 Update

Do We Need to Worry About the Omicron BA.2 Variant in Sarasota?

Not yet, and vaccines work well against it, although experts warn that a spike in cases in Europe may be a harbinger of what's to come.

03/17/2022 By Allison Forsyth

Covid-19 Update

It's Been Two Years Since the Start of the Covid-19 Pandemic. Here's Where We Stand.

While cases are on the decline in our area, deaths are still being reported.

03/11/2022 By Allison Forsyth

Covid-19 Update

Florida Surgeon General Opposes CDC Guidance To Vaccinate Children Against Covid-19

Florida will be the first state in the nation not recommending Covid-19 vaccines for children—despite CDC and American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines.

03/07/2022 By Allison Forsyth

The Pandemic