In our continuing series looking at the latest medical research and news on COVID-19, Larry Mantle speaks with epidemiologist and professor of medicine at UCLA’s school of public health, Dr. Timothy Brewer. 

Topics today include: 

• L.A. County reports single highest death toll in 4 months. 
• Biden to announce new federal medical team deployments to help hospitals grappling with COVID-19 surge. 
• F.D.A. warns against using unapproved COVID-19 tests because of a "high risk of false results". 
• Omicron causing less severe illness in Southern California patients, study suggests. 
• Children's low COVID vaccination rates called a "gut punch". 
• Is Omicron peaking?
• COVID-19 pill rollout stymied by shortages as Omicron rages. 
• New study reveals stark COVID risks for unvaccinated pregnant women and their babies 

This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people.