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.

Can employers make COVID-19 vaccination mandatory?
Experts say employers can make COVID-19 vaccination mandatory, with some exceptions. Employers generally have wide scope to make rules for the workplace, including safety measures. That doesn't necessarily mean you would get fired if you refuse, but you might need to sign a waiver or agree to work under specific conditions to limit any risk you might pose to yourself or others.
Want a state parks pass with that COVID vaccine? Walz unveils incentive program
The perks — including park passes, fishing licenses and tickets to the Minnesota State Fair — will be available to 100,000 people who get their first vaccine dose between now and the end of June.
May 27 update on COVID-19 in MN: Pandemic data solid; Walz rolls out vaccination perks
Minnesota’s topped 600,000 total cases, but the current trends show the pandemic firmly in retreat. Gov. Tim Walz on Thursday afternoon offered park passes, fair tickets and other incentives intended to nudge unvaccinated Minnesotans to get their shots.
Ohio woman wins $1 million for being vaccinated
She won the first of five lottery drawings intended to boost vaccination levels in the state. People over 18 are eligible. Those under 18 can enter five drawings for full college scholarships.
May 26 update on COVID-19 in MN: Walz readies vaccination perks; new cases falling
Gov. Tim Walz on Thursday will roll out a plan to offer state park passes, fishing licenses and other incentives to get unvaccinated Minnesotans to get their shots. Overall, state data continues to show the pandemic is in retreat.
United holds drawings for free flights for those who get the shot
Companies and state governments — in what is perhaps a mix of commercial interest and civic-minded altruism — are offering prizes to encourage vaccination. United Airlines is the latest to do so.
Moderna says its COVID-19 shot works in kids as young as 12
Moderna said Tuesday its COVID-19 vaccine strongly protects kids as young as 12, a step that could put the shot on track to become the second option for that age group in the U.S.
May 25 update on COVID-19 in MN: New, active case counts fall; hospitalizations ebb
Tuesday’s data offers more evidence the pandemic is in retreat. That includes just 256 newly reported cases, the lowest daily count since August. The number of known, active cases fell to its lowest point since September.