Archived articles

Covid-19 variants

An illustration of an omicron variant
Q+A
Taking the temperature of the pandemic
Published May 16, 2022
As the U.S. reaches one million COVID-19 deaths, where are we in the arc of the pandemic? Epidemiologist David Dowdy explains.
Illustration of a coronavirus cell being attacked by antibodies
Coronavirus
Antibodies fighting original virus may be weaker against omicron
Published April 28, 2022
A study of vaccinated individuals with breakthrough COVID-19 infection showed that their antibodies, while effective at stopping original strain of virus, were less effective at preventing infection by omicron variant
White N95 masks with yellow straps are stacked in the foreground
Coronavirus
Experts discuss risks of ending mask mandates too soon
Published Feb 11, 2022
Indoor winter gatherings, low vaccination rates among eligible children are reasons for concern, according Hopkins experts
Illustration of three weary hospital employees
Omicron
Hospitals on the brink
Published Jan 31, 2022
While the most recent surge of COVID-19 infections may be slowing at long last, hospitals and their staff expect to continue operating at crisis level for the foreseeable future
N95 masks on a table in the Clipper Room
Q+A
Why it's time to upgrade to an N95 or KN95 mask
Published Jan 25, 2022
Better masks are needed to protect against the highly transmissible omicron variant, says Bloomberg School expert Chris Beyrer, who also discusses proper mask care and when it's time to throw your mask away
Omicron variant seen under the microscope
Q+A
Making sense of the messiness of omicron
Published Jan 10, 2022
In this Q+A, experts from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health address some common questions and scenarios with what is known right now
Medical personnel screen a patient in an ambulance
Coronavirus
COVID-19 cases surge but not deaths as pandemic enters third year
Published Jan 7, 2022
In briefing Friday, experts agree that vaccination is the reason behind the lower death rate despite the soaring number of people infected with COVID-19
A masked person
Epidemiology
Basic public health interventions important to reducing omicron spread
Published Dec 15, 2021
Epidemiologist Chris Beyrer suggests that in addition to sharing effective vaccines around the world, basic practices such as masking and providing paid sick leave will help reduce the spread of coronavirus / Barron's
Omicron Variant B.1.1.529 concept art
Q+A
The latest on omicron
Published Dec 10, 2021
The COVID-19 variant is infecting the vaccinated and spreading quickly around the world. Here's what we know so far.
COVID-19 omicron variant
Q+A
What we know about the omicron variant
Published Nov 30, 2021
With a worrisome number of mutations and a spike of cases in southern Africa, omicron is the latest COVID-19 variant of concern