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.

A new clue to the reason some people come down with long COVID
Researchers have found a link between the FOXP4 gene and the occurrence of what’s known as long COVID. The finding could lead to a better understanding of a condition that affects millions.
Minnesota health data: Opioid impacts remain high, COVID-19 levels remain low
Amid recent reports concerning increases in COVID-19 activity, we take a closer look at wastewater monitoring. We also look at some existing data related to the ongoing negative impact of opioid addiction.
The CDC sees signs of a late summer COVID wave
In July, coronavirus infections, hospitalizations and emergency room visits inched up. Recent summers have seen a bump in COVID-19. This year’s rise looks modest so far.
Future of Us: Forced to downsize their funerals, Hmong families returned to their roots
COVID-19 hit Hmong Minnesotans especially hard. Of COVID-related deaths among Asian Minnesotans in 2020, nearly half were Hmong. The loss came in the midst of pandemic restrictions that forced many families to downsize their normally large and lavish funerals. As they did so, Hmong healer Xifu Yaj Ceeb Vaj says some found an opportunity to reground themselves in their culture's spiritual traditions.
The Minnesota Department of Health has changed its approach to reporting COVID-19 cases, prioritizing severe disease and mortality data over case counts. COVID hospitalizations in Minnesota have been steadily decreasing, with no spring rebound this year, potentially relieving pressure on the health care system.