Health

February 11, 2021 6:08 AM

Black-owned businesses find lifeline in small banks as they scramble for survival

Black-owned businesses were often at the back of the line when the first coronavirus relief loans were doled out. Now, some are turning to banks that specialize in minority firms for help.

by Scott Horsley

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February 11, 2021 5:30 AM

Feb. 11 update on COVID-19 in MN: 'Reasons to feel good' as pandemic ebbs

“We’re in a better place right now than we have been for quite some time,” Kris Ehresmann, the state’s infectious disease director, said Thursday in a surprisingly upbeat assessment. The latest data shows COVID-19 metrics improving, and an uptick in vaccinations.

by MPR News Staff

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February 10, 2021 1:59 PM

Government investigating massive counterfeit N95 mask scam

Federal authorities are investigating a massive counterfeit N95 mask operation in which fake 3M masks were sold in at least five states to hospitals, medical facilities and government agencies. The foreign-made knockoffs are becoming increasingly difficult to spot and could put health care workers at grave risk for the coronavirus.

by The Associated Press

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February 10, 2021 1:16 PM

Electronic health records may be delaying COVID-19 vaccinations

The same electronic systems used to record when patients get a physical or go to the ER are also used to log data when coronavirus vaccines are given. But the systems don't share information easily.

by Simone Popperl, Lisa Weiner and Noel King

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February 10, 2021 10:06 AM

CDC study finds two masks are better than one vs. COVID-19

A new government study finds that wearing two masks can be better than one in protecting against the spread of the coronavirus. But health officials are stopping short of recommending that everyone double up.

by The Associated Press

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February 10, 2021 9:00 AM

One Minn. health care provider using AI to prioritize patients for COVID-19 shots

How should health care providers decide who gets to the front of the line for a coronavirus vaccine? The state Health Department has mostly left that decision up to individual providers, most of whom are prioritizing their patients based on age. Others are taking a more complicated approach. Experts say those choices raise important ethical and moral issues.

by Dan Gunderson

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February 10, 2021 7:29 AM

Lost a job or income? Don't lose access to key tax credits

Americans who lost their job or some of their income in 2020 should pay attention to a new, one-time provision that ensures they don't lose access to valuable tax credits as well. These credits could be key to getting a refund.

by The Associated Press

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February 10, 2021 7:17 AM

Taxing time: How the pandemic will affect filing your taxes

Tax filing season will start a bit later and look a bit different this year. That's because the pandemic that defined 2020 has seeped into tax time as well. If you worked from home, received a relief payment, took on some gig work or filed unemployment benefits _ or someone filed a fake claim in your name _ there are things you need to be aware of. Likewise if you normally receive certain tax credits. The IRS will begin accepting tax returns on Feb. 12.

by The Associated Press

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February 10, 2021 5:42 AM

Analysis: What's to blame for Minnesota's slow vaccination pace?

After a one-time surge last month, Minnesota’s seen vaccinations trend the wrong way for eight straight days. MPR News data reporter David H. Montgomery digs into the numbers to break down what’s happening.

by David H. Montgomery