COVID-19: Coverage of the pandemic from MPR News

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In this photo taken on Jan. 20, a beach resort in Tonga, on the outskirts of the capital of Nuku'alofa, shows the impact of the tsunami that hit the island nation in the wake of an underwater volcanic eruption. Aid efforts have been complicated by the pandemic — with only one case of COVID on record, Tonga is wary of outsiders who might bring the virus.

Why Tonga is opting for 'contactless' humanitarian aid

January 23, 2022 3:08 PM

By Ashley Westerman

It's a pandemic predicament. Tongans are desperate for help after the volcanic eruption — but with only one recorded case of COVID-19 in their island nation, they’re also eager to keep the virus out.

A pharmacist gets ready to give a COVID-19 booster.

Where to find a COVID booster (and more booster questions, answered)

November 18, 2021 5:00 AM

By The Associated Press, MPR News Staff, and NPR Staff

It appears federal officials are prepared to open the door wider to boosters. The Food and Drug Administration this week is expected to announce an emergency authorization for all adults to get the Pfizer booster shot.

Minnesota COVID-19 patient at center of ventilator fight dies in Texas

January 23, 2022 11:26 AM

By The Associated Press

A COVID-19 patient flown from Minnesota to Texas during a legal battle over whether his ventilator should be turned off died Saturday, the family's attorney said.

Kids wait in line for a vaccine.

Looking for a COVID shot for your kid? 11 questions, answered

October 28, 2021 8:32 AM

By Catharine Richert and The Associated Press

Vaccinations finally are available to U.S. children as young as 5. The shots will be offered at pediatricians offices, clinics and pharmacies. Like COVID-19 vaccines for adults, they are free.

A COVID-19 vaccination card in someone's hands.

Lost your vaccine card? Here’s how to prove you’re fully vaccinated

September 22, 2021 1:15 PM

By Mary Ellen Ritter

More businesses and schools are requiring proof of vaccination for entry or for work. But what if you misplaced or threw away your paper card? You’ve got a few options. But whatever you do, don’t get a fake one off the internet.

Rapid tests can help you figure out if you have been infected with the coronavirus. But how accurate are they? Scientists trying to find out whether they are less sensitive to omicron and why.

Why rapid COVID tests aren't more accurate, and how scientists hope to improve them

January 23, 2022 8:11 AM

Recent research — and plenty of anecdotes — suggest some rapid tests may be less sensitive at detecting the omicron variant if you don't have symptoms. Here's how researchers hope to make them more effective.

Steven Anderson, 65

Remembering Minnesotans lost to COVID-19

May 21, 2020 2:32 AM

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.

A woman gets a shot in her left arm.

Timeline: COVID-19 in Minnesota

March 6, 2021 4:00 AM

By MPR News Staff

More than 807,950 cases — including reinfections — and over 8,700 deaths have been reported in Minnesota since COVID-19 was confirmed in the state. Here are key dates in the state's fight against the coronavirus.

College students return to campus for the Spring semester.

How colleges are dealing with high COVID case counts on campus

January 23, 2022 5:02 AM

By Elissa Nadworny and Anya Steinberg

Despite the omicron surge, college students are starting the spring semester on campus – and administrators are bracing for the worst.

The website COVIDTests.gov allows people to order four at-home tests per residence and have them delivered by mail. Now there's a phone number, too.

There's now a phone line to order your free at-home COVID tests

January 21, 2022 2:11 PM

By Benjamin Swasey

The phone number — 1-800-232-0233 — follows the launch earlier this week of a federal website to order the tests.