Health

Health
Feds spend billions on COVID-19 contracts, often without fully competitive bidding
In the government's hurried pandemic response, more than 250 companies, some with little or no medical supply experience, got contracts worth more than $1 million without fully competitive bidding.
Much of stimulus aid sent to states hasn't gone where it's needed most
Much of the billions in federal aid that was sent to states to help with the pandemic's economic fallout didn't go where it was most needed, leaving some hard hit areas struggling with little support.
Can tear gas and pepper spray increase virus spread?
There’s no research yet on riot control agents and COVID-19. But a former Army officer who studied tear gas and other respiratory infections says it's plausible that the chemical irritants heighten the danger of spreading the virus. 
June 8 update on COVID-19 in MN: 1,197 deaths; ICU cases stay below 200
While it was encouraging to see current hospitalizations stabilize and ICU cases dip, officials remain concerned “because we have seen deaths in healthy, younger adults.” One of the people reported in Monday’s death count was a person in their 20s with no underlying health conditions.
Northwest Angle first isolated by geography, now by COVID-19
Minnesota’s resort industry is reopening, and hoping for a good season. But in the state’s most isolated community, where tourism is the only industry, resorts are still empty.  
Child psychologists on helping children process pandemics and crises
Kids understand that COVID-19 has changed nearly everything. School, camps and activities are online, some parents are working at home or have lost their job, and danger seems everywhere. Two child psychology experts share their insights about managing stress and anxiety.
Doctors race for answers as kids fight rare inflammatory syndrome tied to coronavirus
While early research suggests the condition is rare, experts are still racing to answer even the most basic questions about the illness — such as why some children are more susceptible than others, how to safely treat it and what it might mean for their long-term health.