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.

Bloomington schools shutter classrooms again after bus drivers test positive for COVID-19
Just 10 days after bringing some students back for in-person learning, an outbreak of COVID-19 among transportation workers has forced Bloomington Public Schools to return to distance learning until mid-February. At least eight people in the district’s transportation department have been infected.
Osterholm on COVID variants: We need to understand what's coming
Coronavirus cases are falling and vaccination numbers are rising. That's good news, right? Yes, but COVID-19 strains that are believed to be more transmissible have public health experts warning about a possible new surge in cases.
'Simple is beautiful': One-shot vaccine proves effective
Johnson & Johnson's long-awaited vaccine appears to protect against COVID-19 with just one shot — not as strong as some two-shot rivals but still potentially helpful for a world in dire need of more doses.
From golden tickets to ‘Hunger Games’: Minnesota’s pilot program to vaccinate teachers
Minnesota’s race to vaccinate educators and child care workers is now in its second week. The launch has successfully gotten shots into the arms of thousands of people, but it’s just a fraction of the state’s teaching force. And it’s not been without its share of mishap.
A disproportionately small number of Black and Hispanic Americans have gotten vaccinated so far. Samantha Artiga of the Kaiser Family Foundation discusses barriers to access and what needs to be done.
Novavax COVID-19 vaccine works, but less so against variants
Novavax says its COVID-19 vaccine appears 89 percent effective, based on early findings from a British study. The shot also seems to work against new mutated versions of the virus circulating in that country and South Africa, though not as well. 
Wisconsin Assembly cancels vote on repeal of mask mandate
The Republican-controlled Wisconsin Assembly has backed off on voting to repeal Democratic Gov. Tony Evers’ mask mandate. The retreat Thursday came in the face of broad criticism from the state’s health, school and business leaders and out concern the move would jeopardize more than $49 million in federal food assistance.
Virus variant from South Africa detected in U.S. for 1st time
A new coronavirus variant identified in South Africa has been found in the United States for the first time, with two cases diagnosed in South Carolina, state health officials said Thursday.