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.

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.
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.
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. 
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. 
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.
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. 
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
How has EMS changed during the pandemic?  
Across the state, first responders are facing shortages of staff and protective equipment as they struggle to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Wisconsin governor issues new mask mandate after GOP repeal
Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers says his priority is keeping people safe and that wearing a mask is the most basic way to do that. Republicans who voted to repeal the order say the Democratic governor has exceeded his authority by issuing new public health emergencies rather than having the Legislature approve extensions.
Minnesota Orchestra announces $11.7 million deficit for fiscal 2020
COVID-19 cancellations of concerts and the orchestra’s biggest fundraiser of the year, the Symphony Ball, punched a hole in the organizations finances.