Data from multiple states in the US suggests that people who have received booster shots for COVID-19 are testing positive, being hospitalized, and dying at higher rates than those who have only received a primary series of the vaccine.
The Department of Defense has rescinded its COVID-19 vaccine mandate for military service after Congress sent the National Defense Authorization Act to President Joe Biden's desk that included a provision repealing it.
Since Beijing announced it is reopening China’s borders, Hong Kong announced that beginning on Dec. 29, most of the pandemic measures will be lifted but the mask mandate will remain in effect.
Boston Democratic Mayor Michelle Wu stated that Boston Public Schools is weighing a mask mandate for children following their Christmas break from school.