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.

It’s back to school — again — for many of Minnesota’s youngest students
Thousands of Minnesota elementary students will be on their way to school Tuesday morning — some of them seeing their classrooms in person for the first time ever. The return of in-person instruction is again shifting the picture of what education looks like in the middle of a pandemic. 
COVID-19’s growing death toll reflects persistent health disparities
As America’s COVID-19 death toll surges, racial health disparities remain persistent. Two physicians spoke about structural issues that exacerbate racial disparities as well as solutions for closing the gaps.
3 questions and the emerging answers about COVID-19 vaccine protection
First, can someone who has been vaccinated still spread the disease? Second, will the vaccine remain effective as the virus itself evolves? And third, how long will the vaccine's protection last?
Efforts underway to counter vaccine fears in St. Cloud’s Somali American community
In St. Cloud’s Somali American community, there's deep distrust around vaccinations that predates the COVID-19 pandemic, and questions already are swirling. Some local health officials and community leaders worry that might prevent people from getting the vaccine.
Jan. 18 update on COVID-19 in MN: New pilot vaccination program expands those eligible for limited supply
Minnesota is launching a new pilot program to expedite COVID-19 vaccinations of Minnesotans age 65 and older at community vaccination sites across the state. The program also includes plans to distribute a share of the limited vaccines for child care and school staff.
In inaugural address, Biden will appeal to national unity
President-elect Joe Biden will deliver an appeal to national unity when he is sworn in Wednesday and plans immediate moves to combat the coronavirus pandemic and undo some of President Donald Trump’s most controversial policies, his incoming chief of staff said Sunday.
Jan. 17 update on COVID-19 in MN: As daily cases trend downward, death toll passes 5,900
Minnesota’s pandemic death toll passed 5,900 on Sunday, with state health officials reporting another 40 deaths. But averaged over the past seven days, most key COVID metrics continue to move in an encouraging direction as the state begins its third full week of 2021.
'Little old West Virginia' sets pace on vaccine rollout
West Virginia has emerged as an unlikely success in the nation's otherwise chaotic COVID-19 vaccine rollout, largely because of the state's decision to reject a federal partnership with CVS and Walgreens and instead enlist mom-and-pop pharmacies to vaccinate residents.
Biden outlines 'Day One' agenda of executive actions
Following his inauguration, Biden will end Trump's restriction on immigration to the U.S. from some Muslim-majority countries, move to rejoin the Paris climate accord and mandate mask-wearing on federal property and during interstate travel.
Pandemic interrupts longtime Isle Royale wolf, moose study
Since 1959, a research team has spent most of each winter observing the interplay between wolves and moose at Lake Superior's Isle Royale National Park. But this year's mission has been scrapped to protect the scientists and support personnel from possible exposure to the coronavirus.