Health

Health
Across the COVID-ravaged South, high-level life support is difficult to find
ECMO, the highest level of mechanical life support, functions as a temporary heart and lungs for some of COVID-19's sickest patients. But the waitlist is too long for many patients who need it.
State of Minnesota opening two more COVID testing sites as demand increases
Rising COVID case counts in recent weeks are bringing more demand for testing. The state will open a COVID testing site at the Minneapolis Convention Center on Wednesday, and another at the former YMCA in Lino Lakes on Sept. 13.
Pandemic pay panel won't make Labor Day deadline
The goal of having a plan for splitting up $250 million for Minnesota’s pandemic frontline workers by Labor Day won’t come to pass. A nine-member working group is striving for unanimous agreement.
Until 2023? Parts shortage forecast to keep auto prices sky-high
A surge in COVID-19 cases from the delta variant in several Asian countries that are the main producers of auto-grade chips is worsening the supply shortage. Analysts say that means record-high consumer prices for vehicles will extend into next year.
Parents group sues state of Minnesota, seeks statewide mask mandate for schools
A group of parents of students at Minnesota K-12 schools that have not implemented mask mandates are suing the state, asking the court to order Gov. Tim Walz to enact a statewide mask mandate for schools amid a rise in COVID-19 cases.
Latest COVID surge strains central Minnesota hospitals
Available hospitals beds are dwindling in central Minnesota as COVID-19 cases surge. To make sure the health care system doesn’t get overburdened, hospital officials say it’s important for eligible people to get vaccinated and wear masks in schools and other indoor public places.
Caught between parents and politicians, nurses fear another school year with COVID-19
As kids head back to class, school nurses are stretched thin as they handle increased workloads and delta-variant case surges. Managing a third school year in a pandemic has put even more strain on those in a profession already facing staffing shortages.