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.

Minneapolis extends COVID-19 emergency powers as state order ends
The local emergency rules were set to end today, along with the state’s emergency order, which did expire with the passage of a new two-year state budget.
A Rochester Post Bulletin investigation, led by reporter Nora Eckert, revealed the mistreatment of Minnesota inmates during the pandemic. These failures lead to the deaths of 12 inmates.
Will one dose of a two-dose COVID-19 vaccine protect me?
One dose of a two-dose COVID-19 vaccine will provide some protection, but not nearly as much as if you had both doses. It's why experts recommend getting fully vaccinated. They say it's particularly important in areas where worrisome variants like the delta are spreading.
Long, strange trip: Legislature passes new budget
Hours before a deadline to avoid a partial government shutdown, the Minnesota Legislature passed the final elements of a $52 billion two-year state budget. It capped a year of remote meetings and special sessions related to the COVID-19 pandemic that pushed the limits of divided state government. 
‘You love me? Get the vaccine’: In this MN town, one-on-one conversations play a key role in COVID-19 shots
The state won’t meet its goal of vaccinating 70 percent of Minnesotans 16 and older by July 1. And to understand all the challenges — and tiny victories — that come with inoculating the public, look no further than one city in the southeastern part of the state where officials are leaning on longstanding partnerships and trusted community leaders to get more people vaccinated. 
The White House is marking COVID 'Independence Day' with free beer and Bill Pullman
President Biden wanted 70 percent of adults to get their first COVID shot by July 4. America won't quite reach that milestone. But the White House isn't letting that get in the way of a good party.