Health

VICTORIA — British Columbia health officials say the World Health Organization's declaration of the end of COVID-19 as a global health emergency is an "important milestone," but warn the virus will still be around for the foreseeable future.

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. health regulators are weighing the first-ever request to make a birth control pill available without a prescription.

OTTAWA — COVID-19 isn't over even after the World Health Organization declared Friday that the illness no longer qualifies as a global emergency, Canada's Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos said.

ST. PAUL. Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota Legislature is toiling away with only two full weeks left in a productive 2023 session.

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — A Texas hospital's care for transgender minors is being investigated by state Attorney General Ken Paxton, who said Friday he's seeking evidence of alleged “potentially illegal activity” but did not elaborate.

NEW YORK (AP) — Dr. Rochelle Walensky, the head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, submitted her resignation Friday, saying the waning of the COVID-19 pandemic was a good time to make a transition.

WHO emergencies chief Dr. Michael Ryan said the coronavirus is still a public health threat and that its continued evolution could yet cause future problems.

MILAN (AP) — Former Italian Premier Giuseppe Conte has been physically attacked during an official appearance in Tuscany by a man protesting against Italy’s lockdowns and other measures to contain the coronavirus pandemic , Italian media reported Fri

CALGARY — Melissa David knows the importance of having a pet for an individual's mental health.

SALEM, Ore. (AP) — Most Republican members of the Oregon Senate failed to show up for the second straight day Thursday, delaying action by the majority Democrats on bills on gun safety, abortion rights and gender-affirming health care.