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.

Dec. 21 update on COVID-19 in MN: Hospitalizations, new cases recede; 22 deaths
While Minnesota’s seeing positive signs in COVID-19 data the past few days, the state health commissioner says she expects Minnesota to reach 5,000 total deaths in the pandemic by week’s end.
Millions of people flying despite public health pleas to stay put
More than 1 million people went through checkpoints at U.S. airports on each of the past two days. That's down considerably from a year ago, but still an increase over typical pandemic travel levels.
Congress seals agreement on $900 billion COVID relief bill
The agreement would establish a temporary $300 per week supplemental jobless benefit, and send $600 direct stimulus payments to most Americans. It also would provide a new round of subsidies for hard-hit businesses and money for schools, health care providers and renters facing eviction.
Minnesota regulators on Saturday told three more establishments that they face 60-day liquor license suspensions for continuing indoor, in-person bar and restaurant service in violation of state pandemic rules.
Dec. 20 update on COVID-19 in MN: Hospitalizations, cases ease; deadly December continues
Downward trends in the trajectory of new COVID-19 cases, hospital admissions and test positivity rates in Minnesota continued Sunday. Those encouraging signs, however, came as officials reported another 70 COVID-19 deaths.
Canada joins EU nations in banning travel from U.K., fearing virus variant
A growing list of European Union nations and Canada barred travel from the U.K. on Sunday and others were considering similar action, in a bid to block a new strain of coronavirus sweeping across southern England from spreading to the continent.
'Could you help, Santa?' In Christmas wish lists, children write of pandemic hardships
In normal times, letters to Santa are typically carefree wishes for things like toys or a new game. But for some children this year, they've become a reflection of challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.