COVID-19: Coverage of the pandemic from MPR News

The latest news, resources, guides and tips to help you stay up to date on the coronavirus pandemic and how to navigate what Gov. Tim Walz called “our new normal.”

Current COVID-19 numbers from Minnesota Department of Health:

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Gloved hands hold a syringe and vaccine vial.

Latest on COVID-19 in MN: 5K new cases, 77 deaths

December 2, 2020 5:00 a.m.

By MPR News Staff

The newest numbers come a day after state public health authorities sketched out their plans to distribute vaccines as soon as they’re available.

As COVID surges, Minnesota dials it back. Here’s what you need to know about the new rules

November 18, 2020 7:20 p.m.

By Sara Porter and Dan Kraker

As Minnesota’s COVID-19 cases continue to surge, Gov. Tim Walz has laid out new restrictions for the next four weeks, including a prohibition on social gatherings with people outside the same household. Here’s what else you need to know about the new rules.

Two people talk on a computer in video chat.

A winter in isolation: How to stay connected during a lonely pandemic

December 2, 2020 2:31 p.m.

By Angela Davis and Karen Zamora

This winter, the pandemic is expected to intensify feelings of isolation and loneliness.

Why you should care about stopping the spread of COVID-19

November 20, 2020 4:50 p.m.

By MPR News Staff

In case you need convincing, or know someone who does, here’s a quick look at some of reasons health professionals find the growing spread of COVID-19 so concerning.

Remembering Minnesotans lost to COVID-19

May 21, 2020 2:32 a.m.

Through conversations with their family members, colleagues and close friends, MPR News is remembering the lives of the people we’ve lost, too soon, to COVID-19.

The Museum of Modern Art reminds visitors to practice safe distancing, in August in N.Y.C. Efforts to fight COVID-19 "decreased dramatically" over the summer, researchers say.

Social distancing plummeted in lead-up to fall surge, survey finds

December 2, 2020 1:32 p.m.

By Rob Stein

Social distancing fell dramatically between spring and fall and the gap between Democrats and Republicans widened. But both ends of the political spectrum agree on some measures to fight COVID-19.

A sign reminds motorists of Los Angeles County's stay-at-home regulation. On Wednesday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention rolled out its revised guidelines for people potentially exposed to the coronavirus.

CDC shortens its COVID-19 quarantine recommendations

December 2, 2020 12:08 p.m.

By Colin Dwyer

In revised guidelines, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention trimmed its recommended quarantine for possible exposure — from 14 days to seven or 10, depending on test results and symptoms.

Minnesota’s mask mandate: What you need to know

July 22, 2020 3:35 p.m.

By Dan Kraker and Sara Porter

Here’s what you need to know about Minnesota’s mask mandate and what face coverings do to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

COVID-19 claims life of Hmong American leader and Secret War veteran

December 2, 2020 12:00 p.m.

By Riham Feshir

Tou-Fu Vang, a Hmong community leader and former lieutenant colonel in the Secret War, died on Thanksgiving Day after several weeks in the hospital fighting COVID-19.

Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA) speaks alongside a bipartisan group of Democrat and Republican members of Congress as they announce a proposal for a $908 billion Covid-19 relief bill on Capitol Hill on Dec. 01, 2020

Millions face bitter winter if Congress fails to extend relief programs

December 2, 2020 8:51 a.m.

By Chris Arnold and Scott Horsley

A bipartisan group of senators is proposing a nearly $908 billion compromise relief bill with millions of Americans about to fall off a cliff when benefits expire this month.