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.

Congress passes $900 billion coronavirus relief bill, ending monthslong stalemate
The legislation extending aid to unemployed, providing money for vaccine distribution and a round of $600 stimulus checks was attached to an annual government funding bill that tacked on other items.
Congress rushes to vote on $900 billion COVID relief bill
Congress is taking up a $900 billion pandemic relief package that would finally deliver long-sought cash to businesses and individuals and resources to vaccinate a nation confronting a frightening surge in COVID-19.
Highlights of $900 billion COVID-19 relief, wrap-up bills
Congressional leaders have hashed out a massive, year-end catchall bill that combines $900 billion in COVID-19 aid with a $1.4 trillion omnibus spending bill and reams of other unfinished legislation on taxes, energy, education and health care. The huge, still-unreleased bill is slated for votes on Monday — with lawmakers having only a few hours to read it before casting their votes.
Explainer: Are new coronavirus strains cause for concern?
Reports from Britain and South Africa of new coronavirus strains that seem to spread more easily are causing alarm, but virus experts say it's unclear if that's the case or whether they pose any concern for vaccines or cause more severe disease.