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. 19 update on COVID-19 in MN: December now Minnesota's deadliest month of pandemic
Despite some hopeful trends in new cases and hospitalizations, the Health Department reported 57 more COVID-19 deaths on Saturday — pushing December’s death toll to 1,187 with more than 10 days left to go. It’s now Minnesota’s deadliest month of the pandemic.
Minn. Sen. Jerry Relph dies of COVID-19 complications
State Sen. Jerry Relph died Friday following a month-long hospitalization. He tested positive for COVID-19 after attending a post-election party with other Republican senators in November. 
As Hanukkah ends, rabbi focuses on the power of light in a dark year
In a year of darkness, Rabbi Shloime Greene says the lights of the menorah take on even greater significance. That’s why he organized drive-through menorah lightings in three southern Minnesota cities.
'A ray of hope': Vaccines should roll out soon in Minnesota long-term care facilities
As Minnesota health care workers receive the initial doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine, residents of long-term care facilities are next in line to start receiving those shots — perhaps by the end of the month.
Minn. health officials Malcolm, Ehresmann answer your questions about COVID vaccines, restrictions
Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm and state infectious disease director Kris Ehresmann talk about Minnesota COVID-19 cases in the wake of restrictions on restaurants, bars and gyms and answer listener questions about the vaccine rollout. 
U.S. clears Moderna vaccine for COVID-19, 2nd shot in arsenal
Much-needed doses are set to arrive Monday after the FDA authorized an emergency rollout of the vaccine developed by Moderna Inc. and the National Institutes of Health.
State cracking down on bars and restaurants opening against order
Bars and restaurants around Minnesota that opened in violation of Gov. Tim Walz’s order banning inside dining and drinking are finding out there is no negotiation around the restrictions. The attorney general’s office is contacting them one by one, threatening big fines and liquor license suspensions for noncompliance.