Source: Newsweek

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has declared a state of emergency over the Omicron variant of COVID-19, stating, "It's coming." The variant is believed to be possibly more contagious and immune-resistant than previous COVID-19 variants.

"We've taken extraordinary action to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and combat this pandemic," Hochul wrote in a statement. "While the new Omicron variant has yet to be detected in New York State, it's coming."

The state of emergency will allow officials to more quickly acquire critical supplies for combatting the pandemic, Hochul's declaration said. It will also allow the state Department of Health to limit non-essential, non-urgent procedures for hospitals and healthcare systems with limited capacity. This way, they can focus on caring for those most needing treatment for COVID-19.

The emergency protocols will take place December 3, and will be reassessed based on the latest COVID-19 data on January 15.



Read more: https://www.newsweek.com/its-coming-ny-gov-kathy-hochul-issues-omicron-warning-declares-state-emergency-1653658

Source: NYT

President Biden will restrict travel from South Africa and seven other African countries to try to contain a troubling new variant of the coronavirus, senior administration officials said on Friday, though they said it would be impossible to prevent it from entering the United States.

Starting on Monday, the administration will prohibit travelers from South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique and Malawi from coming to the United States, the officials said.

The travel ban will not apply to American citizens or lawful permanent residents, officials said. But they will need to show a negative coronavirus test before coming to the United States.

Read more: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/11/26/world/americas/us-travel-restrictions-new-covid-variant-omicron.html

---

Buckle up folks. Get a clean stack of masks. Make sure your booster is up to date. Stock up.

Source: Washington Post

Stephen K. Bannon, the former Trump White House adviser, has filed an opposition to the U.S. district court’s standard protective order for discovery, which prohibits either side from releasing documents or evidence publicly.


Read more: https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/stephen-k-bannons-lawyers-file-opposition-to-keeping-documents-from-being-released/2021/11/25/29889174-4e3e-11ec-b73b-a00d6e559a6e_story.html

---

Seattle Times really has a better article on this, but gave the national paper the nod:

https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/bannons-lawyers-file-opposition-to-keeping-documents-from-being-released/

Sorry little red Stephen, we'll know all about your little insurrection soon!

Source: CBS NY

LONG BEACH, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) — There is a positive update on an emergency room on Long Island that closed earlier this week due to a staffing shortage.

On Thursday, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the ER at Mount Sinai South Nassau in Long Beach will reopen Friday at 7 a.m.

The governor said the state Department of Health worked with hospital officials and community leaders to get the emergency department back up and running.

Read more: https://newyork.cbslocal.com/2021/11/25/long-beach-emergency-room-mount-sinai-south-nassau/

---

A brief hiccup in service but Governor Hochul continues to impress!

Great news for Long Beach residents. You can be certain if you need emergency care that your healthcare workers are COVID-19 vaccinated!