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.

Why you should care about stopping the spread of COVID-19
In case you need convincing, or know someone who does, here’s a quick look at some of reasons health professionals find the growing spread of COVID-19 so concerning.
What does emergency use of a COVID-19 vaccine mean?
The first COVID-19 vaccines to be given in the U.S. are expected to get a green light from regulators under a process known as emergency use authorization. 
Study: Sturgis rally in S.D. sparked COVID-19 cases in Minnesota
This summer’s huge motorcycle rally in South Dakota led to dozens of coronavirus cases in neighboring Minnesota. That’s the finding of a report Friday from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 
Education at a crossroads for students with disabilities
Isolated at home with few services to help, many families of students with disabilities say they are terrified that their children's progress will regress.
Sanford Health CEO says he had virus, won't wear mask
The head of one of the largest regional health systems in the Midwest has told his employees that he has recovered from COVID-19 and is back in the office — without a mask.
Illness, stress fill a COVID-19 unit as Wisconsin leaders stalemate
Health care workers scrambled to treat patients on a day when 92 Wisconsin lives were reported lost. Outside of the hospital, politicians postured.
How the pandemic could transform higher ed
In response to skyrocketing coronavirus cases, many higher ed institutions are moving back to online learning — and nobody is happy about that. What does it mean for the continued spread of COVID-19 and the future of college? 
Two rural states with GOP governors and very different COVID-19 results
Vermont and South Dakota are both among the most rural states in the U.S. One has embraced coronavirus safety measures, the other has not, and their infection and death rates are starkly different.
A guide to navigating your virtual Thanksgiving
With COVID-19 cases on the rise in Minnesota, many families are planning to swap their traditional in-person Thanksgivings for virtual celebrations. But how will that work? We provide some tips for families to keep their video calls on track, along with a collection of activities to keep everyone entertained.