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.

Bracing for fall viruses and ‘vaccine fatigue’  
As we say hello to September, it’s time to welcome another round of vaccines into our lives. MPR News host Angela Davis talks with an infectious disease expert and a pediatric nurse about COVID-19 boosters, flu shots, RSV shots and “vaccine fatigue.”  
Lab data suggests new COVID booster will protect against worrisome variant
Preliminary laboratory studies find antibodies from previous infections and vaccinations can neutralize the BA.2.86 variant. The findings bode well for new boosters on the way this fall.
Health data roundup: COVID's creep continues; a deep dive into diabetes rates
Recent COVID-19 increases have, in part, been detected through wastewater monitoring. Friday the state announced that the Metropolitan Council is stepping back from reporting on reporting pathogens detected in wastewater at the Metro wastewater treatment facility.
As U.S. COVID hospitalizations rise, some places are bringing mask mandates back
New COVID variants are fueling hospitalizations and prompting some schools and hospitals to reinstate mask mandates. Others are considering or ruling out the possibility, leaving it up to individuals.
Coronavirus FAQs: How worrisome is the new variant? How long do boosters last?
Readers are curious about the new variant, currently known a BA.2.86. Also: Lots of questions about boosters. Can you get it at the same time as a flu shot? And how long does protection last?
COVID-19 on the rise in Minnesota
While the number of COVID-19 hospitalizations remains among the lowest in the pandemic, the uptick warrants vigilance — especially given that the state is also seeing some increases in COVID-19 detected in wastewater.
Coronavirus FAQ: Is it wiser to get a booster now or wait for the new fall booster?
Maybe it’s not a summer surge but COVID numbers are definitely ticking up. For those with concerns due to personal risk factors or the start of the school year, the booster question is top of mind.