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.

Here's what you should know about that eye-popping sign-on bonus
Employers from Amazon to Disney World are offering big hiring incentives right now. While they're a great tool for employers, they're not always as good for workers.
Rural Minnesota counties lag in vaccination rates
After a promising start, demand for COVID-19 vaccines has dropped off considerably. Even with incentives ranging from free beer to amusement park tickets and parks passes, people in some parts of the state, especially rural areas, have been reluctant to get shots.  
Urgent need for donations at Minnesota’s blood centers
Donated blood providers in Minnesota say inventories are getting very low, and that there’s a major need for more people to donate.
Latest on COVID-19 in MN: Data shows strong stance for holiday
Minnesota’s snapshot of COVID-19 data offers more evidence that the pandemic remains in check for the holiday. Active cases, hospital admissions and positivity rates remain at or near April 2020 lows.
Minneapolis set to spend more than $100M in pandemic funds
Mayor Jacob Frey said the spending would focus on affordable housing, public safety and supporting small businesses owned by Black and Indigenous people and other people of color.
WHO: 'Dangerous period' with delta variant
The head of the World Health Organization says the world is in “a very dangerous period” of the COVID-19 pandemic, noting the more contagious delta variant is identified in nearly 100 countries.
Latest on COVID-19 in MN: Low new cases, six new deaths reported
Heading into the July 4 holiday weekend, Minnesota’s COVID-19 numbers continue to show a pandemic firmly on the downslope. The Minnesota Department of Health reported 112 new cases of the coronavirus in the state, along with six new deaths.