Health

Health
Rapid omicron spread closes Minn. schools on short notice
The swift onslaught of omicron cases is sending teachers and students home in Minnesota. The exponential rise in absences has forced many districts to pause in-person classes and implement a variety of distance-learning plans for much of the rest of January. 
Supreme Court halts COVID-19 vaccine rule for U.S. businesses
The Supreme Court has stopped the Biden administration from enforcing a requirement that employees at large businesses be vaccinated against COVID-19 or undergo weekly testing and wear a mask on the job.
Duluth mayor orders 30-day mask mandate as COVID cases climb
“If you want to be mad at me, be mad at me. That’s what I’m here for. It’s still the right decision,” Emily Larson said Thursday as she announced a mask mandate for indoor public gathering spaces for people older than 5.
What's it like to be in high school during the omicron surge?
As COVID-19 sweeps through schools and some return to distance learning, we heard first-hand accounts of what life is like in school during the pandemic from high schoolers around the Twin Cities.
Your COVID and omicron surge questions, answered by a doctor
Amid a record-breaking surge of COVID-19 infections, Dr. Susan Kline of the University of Minnesota Medical School took audience questions about the pandemic.
More than 1 million fewer students are in college, the lowest enrollment numbers in 50 years
People are sitting out college in droves. During the pandemic, undergraduate enrollment has dropped nearly 7 percent. The long-term effects of this decline could have a dramatic impact on the economy.
Go back to school and ditch weekly testing: The advice from one children's hospital
Dr. David Rubin discusses guidance from the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia that says schools should stay open for in-person learning and discontinue required weekly testing.
Coronavirus FAQ: Why are some folks hacking home COVID tests by swabbing their throat?
The FDA-approved tests call for a nasal swab. Some doctors are tweeting that they're doing a throat swab too — though they don't recommend this step to the public. Here's a look at the swab debate.
Minneapolis public schools, many others head to online learning as COVID absences mount
With hundreds of staff absences daily, officials say the district can't keep the doors open. "We've reached our tipping point,” said Ed Graff, the district superintendent. The move starts Friday, with in-person classes set to resume Jan. 31.
Twin Cities tightening COVID bar, restaurant rules as cases climb
With the virus spreading rapidly, Minneapolis and St. Paul will soon require proof of vaccination or a recent negative COVID test to enter places serving food and drink. Some worry the plan will spark new confrontations with patrons.