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.

February 5, 2021 6:52 AM

Senate OKs fast-track of COVID aid, Harris casts tie-breaker

The Senate early Friday approved a budget resolution that's a key step toward fast-track passage of President Joe Biden's $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief plan without support from Republicans. Vice President Kamala Harris was in the chair to cast the tie-breaking vote, her first.

by The Associated Press

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February 5, 2021 6:22 AM

Some health workers say they're not refusing the vaccine, they just need some time

Low initial vaccine uptake among staffers in nursing homes has ignited debates about whether to penalize, persuade or simply pay them more to get the vaccine. But a little patience might work best.

by Aneri Pattani

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February 5, 2021 5:30 AM

Latest on COVID-19 in MN: Trends steady; vaccination path unclear

After an early-week stumble, vaccination counts in the latest data are better but still not matching levels from last week, suggesting the prior week’s vigorous pace may have been the exception.

by MPR News Staff

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February 5, 2021 4:00 AM

Suppliers field growing demand for seeds from pandemic gardeners

Many people stuck at home during the pandemic turned to gardening for the first time. The unexpected spike in demand has seed suppliers struggling to keep up.

by Dana Cronin

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February 5, 2021 4:00 AM

Amid huge demand, food shelves urge people to seek help

One of the nation’s largest food banks — Minnesota-based Second Harvest Heartland — says it's seeing huge demand for its services amid the pandemic. And it’s urging people in need to go to a food shelf.

by Mark Zdechlik

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February 5, 2021 4:00 AM

All the home’s a stage: Far-flung actors, crew unite for Theater Mu’s new show

After months of planning and with pandemic restrictions still in place, Theater Mu in St. Paul will launch its mainstage season on Saturday with a new production merging theater and film — a play that’s designed for, and speaks to, the times we’re living in.

by Emily Bright

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February 4, 2021 7:47 PM

Johnson & Johnson applies for emergency use authorization for COVID-19 vaccine

The company's vaccine has shown to be 85 percent effective against severe forms of the disease. Patients will only need to receive one shot instead of two, as with other vaccines already in use in the U.S.

by Dustin Jones

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February 4, 2021 6:40 PM

U.S. rushes to catch up in the race to detect mutant viruses

Despite its world-class medical system and its vaunted Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. fell behind in the race to detect dangerous coronavirus mutations. And it’s only now beginning to catch up.

by The Associated Press

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February 4, 2021 6:28 PM

U.S. virus deaths surpass 450K; daily toll is stubbornly high

The number of daily deaths remains stubbornly high at more than 3,000 a day, despite falling infections and the arrival of multiple vaccines. Infectious disease specialists expect deaths to start dropping soon, after new cases hit a peak right around the beginning of the year

by The Associated Press