Health

Health
Federal program offers families cash to cover COVID-19 funeral costs
Families who have lost loved ones to COVID can apply for reimbursement from the federal government for up to $9,000 in funeral expenses. It’s clear many families who are eligible for reimbursement have yet to take advantage of the benefit.
Hundreds more flights canceled in U.S. because of staff shortages
Airlines canceled hundreds more flights Sunday, citing staffing problems tied to COVID-19, as the nation's travel woes extended beyond Christmas, with no clear indication when normal schedules would resume.
Flight cancellations drag on as airlines are short-staffed on holiday weekend
Airlines continued to cancel hundreds of flights Saturday due to staffing issues tied to COVID-19, disrupting holiday celebrations during one of the busiest travel times of the year. Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport reported more than 30 canceled flights.
On Christmas, pope prays for pandemic's end, peace dialogues
Pope Francis prayed Saturday for an end to the coronavirus pandemic, using his Christmas Day address to urge health care for all, vaccines for the poor and for dialogue to prevail in resolving the world’s conflicts.
Judge halts vaccine mandate for St. Paul city employees
A judge has temporarily halted a COVID-19 vaccine mandate for St. Paul city employees. The St. Paul Pioneer Press reported that Ramsey County District Judge Robert Awsumb issued a temporary restraining order blocking the mandate on Thursday.
Boosters, vigilance help keep COVID away for the holidays, experts say
The torrent of information on COVID and vaccines can sometimes be overwhelming. Public health leaders, though, say the basics are clear: take precautions against COVID during the holiday season -- and get the shots.