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.

Biden aims for vaccinating 70 percent of adult Americans by July 4
The new goal comes as demand for vaccines has dropped off markedly nationwide, with some states leaving more than half their vaccine doses unordered. Biden calls for states to make vaccines available on a walk-in basis and will direct many pharmacies to do the same. 
U.S. to reallocate COVID shots to states with greater interest
The Biden administration will begin shifting how it allocates COVID-19 shots to states, moving doses from states with lower demand to those with stronger interest in vaccines, an administration official said Tuesday.
Why lagging COVID vaccine rate at rural hospitals 'needs to be fixed now'
When it comes to persuading people to get a COVID-19 vaccine, health care professionals are influential. But in some rural communities, hospital staff themselves are hanging back.
The women’s recession isn’t over — especially for moms
One year since the start of the women’s recession, hundreds of thousands of moms have been forced to leave their jobs — and grapple with the consequences.
State Fair food, music — and giant slide are back for Memorial Day minifair
The fair says the “Kickoff to Summer at the Fair” will feature about two dozen food vendors — yes, Sweet Martha’s and Pronto Pups are on the list — with music at several locations around the fairgrounds. The giant slide is also planning to open for the event, weather permitting.
May 4 update on COVID-19 in MN: Active cases recede; Walz set to ease curbs
Active case counts are at their lowest since late March, but so are vaccination levels. Still, Gov. Tim Walz on Thursday is expected to unveil looser capacity restrictions on bars, restaurants and other indoor gathering spaces.
Comic: Teaching kids to make art out of what they have in the pandemic
It's been a year since teachers were handed an unprecedented request: educate students in entirely new ways, amid the backdrop of a global pandemic. This week is a first grade teacher in Los Angeles.