Health

Health
No scientific evidence masks harm kids' health
Experts say there's no scientific evidence showing that masks cause harm to kids' health despite claims to the contrary on social media and elsewhere. Among the unfounded arguments: Masks can foster germs if they become moist or cause unhealthy levels of carbon dioxide. But experts say washing masks routinely keeps them safe and clean.
Labor groups press for front-line worker pay
Minnesota labor unions are turning up the heat on state lawmakers to resolve their differences on pandemic front-line worker pay and start distributing $250 million to essential workers.
The history of vaccination mandates — and the pushback against them
Last week President Joe Biden announced new vaccination mandates as part of his plan to address the latest surge in COVID-19 cases. The mandate received swift backlash from conservative leaders. But vaccine mandates — as well as the backlash to them — have a long history in the U.S.
COVID-19 in MN: School cases accelerating as latest wave grinds higher
“We’ve been a little encouraged that the rate of (case) increase seems to be slowing down, but we’re still seeing increases,” Minnesota’s health commissioner said Wednesday. Officials say new cases tied to schools have jumped compared to last week.
Most states have cut back public health powers amid pandemic
A review of hundreds of pieces of legislation across the United States shows that Republican legislators in more than half of the states are taking away the powers state and local officials use to protect the public against infectious diseases.
How is back to school going in Minnesota?
The third year of pandemic schooling is now well underway in districts across the state. This year is already shaping up to be markedly different than last year. MPR News education reporter Elizabeth Shockman checked in with families and school leaders to learn more about the start of classes.
Judge rejects bid for required masking in Minn. schools
The longshot legal challenge sought to force Gov. Tim Walz to declare a new peacetime emergency around COVID-19 for the purpose of requiring face coverings in school buildings.
Becoming a caregiving partner
When Lynette Lamb’s husband had a stroke at 45, it changed his life — and hers. MPR News host Angela Davis talks with the Minneapolis author about facing the future when you become a caregiver overnight.