coronavirus coverage

Everyone in the U.S. over the age of 16 is eligible to be vaccinated against COVID-19 as of April 19, 2021–a crucial step to bringing about the end of the pandemic. Photo by Ruby Wallau/Northeastern University

So you’re eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine. Now what?

Now that everyone in the U.S. over the age of 16 is eligible for COVID-19 vaccination, here’s how you can get your shots and do your part to protect the pack and support safety on campus and in the community.

by Eva Botkin-Kowacki April 18, 2021

A more contagious variant of the coronavirus is now dominant in the U.S. Variants are complicating the fight to subdue the pandemic and raising calls for continued vigilance–and mask-wearing. Illustration by Alison Booth/Northeastern University

Vaccinated? Don’t toss that mask just yet.

A more contagious variant of the coronavirus is now dominant in the U.S. The threat of variants complicates the fight to subdue the COVID-19 pandemic, and raises questions about the efficacy of current vaccines against new strains. That means you should keep wearing that mask, Northeastern public health specialists say.

by Eva Botkin-Kowacki April 14, 2021

What does the Johnson & Johnson vaccine pause mean for all COVID-19 shots?

With distribution of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine temporarily on ice, “we’re putting really all our eggs in the basket of Pfizer and Moderna” to inoculate the millions of people in the U.S. who will become eligible for a shot on April 19, says Nada Sanders, distinguished professor of supply chain management. And that’s a risky, if necessary, bet.

by Eva Botkin-Kowacki April 13, 2021

Photo by Matthew Modoono/Northeastern University

Northeastern to require COVID-19 vaccinations for all students this fall

As part of the university’s return to in-person learning, students on all Northeastern campuses will be required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 for the Fall 2021 semester.

by Eva Botkin-Kowacki April 6, 2021

Northeastern’s COVID-19 test lab now processes pool tests for K-12 schools

Thanks to a partnership with Ginkgo Bioworks, Northeastern’s Life Sciences Testing Center now processes COVID-19 pool test samples for K-12 schools.

by Eva Botkin-Kowacki April 1, 2021

Illustration by Hannah Moore/Northeastern University

Why kids hold the key to herd immunity

With COVID-19 vaccine trials underway for children, and Pfizer’s teen trial a success, young people are becoming a more prominent part of the fight against the coronavirus. And, Northeastern experts say, that could prove essential to reaching herd immunity.

by Eva Botkin-Kowacki April 1, 2021

COVID cases are rising. Here’s what you need to know.

COVID-19 cases may be rising, but Northeastern’s test and trace system is working. Here’s all you need to know about contact tracing.

by Eva Botkin-Kowacki March 30, 2021

Dr. Daniel P. Aldrich, director of the security and resilience studies program and professor in political science and public policy, delivers the 57th Annual Robert D. Klein Lecture. Photo by Ruby Wallau/Northeastern University

To survive and thrive after COVID-19, community networks are key, professor says in annual Klein Lecture

When disaster strikes, it’s often not individual preparedness or government intervention that enables people to survive and thrive—it’s social connections that keep people safe and ready to bounce back, according to Northeastern professor Daniel P. Aldrich, who delivered the 57th annual Robert D. Klein Lecture on Monday.

by Molly Callahan March 24, 2021

President Joe Biden speaks about the COVID-19 pandemic during a prime-time address from the East Room of the White House on March 11, 2021, in Washington. AP Photo by Andrew Harnik

Biden outpaces Trump by double digits in handling the pandemic, new survey shows

Biden’s COVID-19 approval numbers stood at 53 percent early in his presidency, while Trump ended December—his last full month in office—at 32 percent. The numbers for a pair of embattled governors—California’s Gavin Newsom and New York’s Andrew Cuomo—have plummeted but remain within the national average, researchers found.

by Peter Ramjug March 23, 2021

Photo by Ruby Wallau/Northeastern University

COVID-19 has been hard on our mental health. Here are some ways to keep practicing mindfulness and resilience.

After a year of disease, death, Zoom meetings, and social distancing, it can feel hard to stay positive, says Kristen Lee, associate teaching professor of behavioral science. News@Northeastern sat down with Lee to chat about her research in resilience and brain science, and how to maintain mindfulness through everyday practices.

by Alison Booth and Brilee Weaver March 23, 2021