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.

Major European nations suspend use of AstraZeneca vaccine
Germany, France and Italy on Monday became the latest countries to suspend use of AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine over reports of dangerous blood clots in some recipients, though the company and European regulators have said there is no evidence the shot is to blame.
Planning a spring break? These 5 tips can help minimize risk
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention still advises against nonessential travel, but many infectious disease experts say a trip to the beach or a family vacation can be done pretty safely if you do it right.
March 15 update on COVID-19 in MN: Vaccination pace flat; Carver Co. worries grow
Active case counts have been rising slowly over the past week, upping the urgency to get people vaccinated quickly. Officials are increasingly concerned about a Carver County outbreak that includes two deaths and the very contagious U.K. strain.
Pandemic brought more people outdoors — and parks are planning for a busier future
The pandemic has inspired a surge of interest in outdoor recreation. Some in the industry predict lasting interest in being outside, long after the pandemic and its demand for social distancing have passed.
Defense Production Act speeds up vaccine production -- though it's hard to track
A 1950 law allows the government to award contracts that take priority over all others for national defense. During the pandemic, the law has been used to defend the country against the coronavirus.
March 14 update on COVID-19 in MN: Vaccination pace rises; uptick in active cases
The pace of vaccinations in Minnesota increased on Sunday, to an average of more than 43,000 doses daily over the past week — the highest on record. At the same time, the number of active COVID-19 cases in Minnesota continued to rise.