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.

Walz says relief plan could pass as soon as next week
Gov. Tim Walz and Minnesota House Republicans proposed relief measures Tuesday for businesses and workers struggling due to COVID-19 restrictions. There was bipartisan hope that a plan could be quickly agreed upon.
Nov. 25 update on COVID-19 in MN: 6K new cases, 38 deaths; Walz outlines aid plan
The newest numbers come after Gov. Tim Walz released the basics of a plan to aid bar and restaurant owners and workers hurt by the current ban on in-person service.
COVID-19 awareness campaign targets northern Minnesota county
It took months for COVID-19 to gain a foothold in Roseau County, on Minnesota's northern border. But now the virus is spreading rapidly and this week county officials are starting a comprehensive public campaign to convince residents to take the threat seriously.
More kids are getting COVID-19, Kentucky pediatrician says
Elizabeth Hawse, a pediatrician in Lexington, Ky., says she's seen a big increase in the number of children testing positive for the coronavirus. The governor has shut schools' in-person classes.
A revamped Strategic National Stockpile still can't match the pandemic's latest surge
The Strategic National Stockpile stores critical supplies. It fell short when the pandemic first hit. Now, a new effort is being implemented, but it's still not providing what the U.S. needs.
Debunking pandemic myths
Misinformation about COVID-19 is spreading along with the virus. How can you separate fact from falsehoods? 
Minnesota rolls out new app for COVID exposure alerts
The smartphone application is based on voluntary participation and is designed to alert people to potential exposure, although the technology is layered to avoid personally identifying users.
Pope Francis' book explores George Floyd, virus skeptics
In a new book “Let Us Dream,” Pope Francis is supporting demands for racial justice in the wake of the U.S. police killing of George Floyd and is blasting COVID-19 skeptics and the media that spread their conspiracies.