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.

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. 
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.
Minn. schools announce return to in-person learning in 2021
Minnesota school districts, including St. Paul and Anoka-Hennepin, are starting to share their plans for the next semester after Gov. Tim Walz laid out a roadmap to re-starting in-person instruction for the state’s youngest learners.
Minnesota public safety officials have issued another liquor license suspension notice as more businesses are defying Gov. Tim Walz’s executive order barring indoor service at restaurants and bars to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.