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.

Pfizer seeking emergency use of its COVID-19 vaccine in U.S.
Pfizer said Friday it is asking U.S. regulators to allow emergency use of its COVID-19 vaccine, starting the clock on a process that could bring limited first shots as early as next month and eventually an end to the pandemic — but not until after a long, hard winter.
Nov. 20 update on COVID-19 in MN: 6,800 new cases, 68 deaths; hospitalizations climb
The newest numbers come a day after state officials and hospital system executives warned the surge is putting a heavy strain on care workers. The health care system is getting “perilously close” to being overwhelmed, one CEO said.
COVID-19 brings opera singer home to the farm
The pandemic is forcing many people to change how and where they work. For one Minnesota-born opera singer, the COVID-19 threat meant a return to her roots and a surprising revitalization.
Tyson managers suspended after allegedly betting if workers would contract COVID
The move comes a day after the family of a deceased employee sued Tyson, claiming "incorrigible, willful and wanton disregard for worker safety at its pork processing facility in Waterloo, Iowa."
Use it or lose it: Parents set wages aside for child care. Now it's at risk
For many families, 2020 ended up being a year with fewer child care expenses. Now parents with unspent funds in their dependent-care flexible spending accounts are trying to figure out what to do.
‘I’m kind of screwed’: Restaurant workers brace themselves for more job loss
With COVID-19 spiking and Gov. Tim Walz ordering more restrictions on bars and restaurants, many staffers feel like they’re about to be out of a job again. But this time, they can’t rely on a $600 a week boost that helped keep them financially afloat in the spring.
 Lawmakers look for ways to help businesses, workers
With another round of COVID-19 restrictions taking effect late Friday, Minnesota lawmakers are looking for ways to help small businesses that might be forced to close and the employees who would be put out of work. Discussions are already underway about what the state can do and when it could happen.
Winter sports practices, extracurriculars allowed to resume in N. Dakota
Giving in to political and public outcry, Republican Gov. Doug Burgum has reversed course and will allow winter sports practices and other extracurricular activities for youth and adults to resume at the end of November, although sports competition will remain suspended until mid-December.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its recommendations one week before the holiday, advising that Americans be careful amid an explosion in the spread of the coronavirus.