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.

J&J says a booster shot for its vaccine after 6 months may have big benefits
Johnson & Johnson said that when it gave study participants a second jab after six months, their antibody levels were nine times higher than they were 28 days after a first dose of the COVID vaccine.
Virus fears lead around 150 vendors to skip Minnesota State Fair
Around 150 vendors will be missing when the Minnesota State Fair returns Thursday from a one-year layoff due to the pandemic. Many pulled out due to COVID-19 fears, staffing shortages and supply chain issues.
The ACLU sues over South Carolina's ban on school mask mandates
The lawsuit claims the mask mandate ban "illegally forces parents of children with underlying conditions to choose between their child's education and their child's health and safety."
COVID-19 in MN: No signs of a peak; officials worry over State Fair crowds
Concerned about viral spread at the Minnesota State Fair, health officials on Tuesday implored people to stay vigilant against the disease. “We aren't going to wish away this virus,” the state’s infectious disease director told reporters.
University of Minnesota mandates COVID-19 vaccinations
President Joan Gabel and Jakub Tolar, dean of the university medical school, issued a news release Monday hours after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration fully approved the Pfizer version of the vaccine saying shots will be mandatory.
Why Pfizer's FDA approval matters and what it means for vaccine mandates
The FDA announced the Pfizer vaccine is the first in the U.S. that is now fully approved. Here's what that means for vaccine mandates and convincing vaccine-hesitant people to get vaccinated.
Osterholm tries to dispel vaccine myths for Vikings players
Infectious disease expert Michael Osterholm is trying to dispel myths about the COVID-19 vaccine for the Minnesota Vikings. Coach Mike Zimmer has been trying to push players to get vaccinated.
State Fair grandstand act pulls out of Saturday show
Philadelphia-based Low Cut Connie canceled its Minnesota State Fair performance, citing the fair’s lack of mask or vaccine mandates.
U.S. regulators give full approval to Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine
The U.S. has given full approval to the COVID-19 vaccine made by Pfizer. The Food and Drug Administration’s decision on Monday may help lift public confidence in vaccinations as the nation battles the most contagious coronavirus mutant yet.