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.

Minnesota GOP senators had COVID, but GOP caucus didn’t tell DFLers
Senate DFL leader Susan Kent called the lack of notification "outrageous and completely unacceptable." Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka fired back, saying no one was put at risk.
U.S. adds more than 184,000 coronavirus cases in one day
The U.S. added more than 184,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases on Friday, the fourth day in a row that the country has set a record for newly reported infections.
A college student is coming home. Should the whole family wear masks?
College students are preparing to travel home for Thanksgiving, but the coronavirus pandemic is making things complicated. Epidemiologists say there are things families can to do reduce the risk of infection.
North Dakota mandates masks, capacity limits as virus surges
North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum ordered a statewide mask mandate and imposed several business restrictions late Friday in an effort to contain the spread of the coronavirus that has stressed the state’s hospital capacity.
Nov. 14 update on COVID-19 in MN: Record 8,703 new cases; 35 more deaths
Minnesota reported a record daily increase of 8,703 new COVID-19 cases on Saturday, along with 35 more deaths in what’s been the state’s deadliest week of the pandemic. The spiking case count is a signal that hospitalizations and deaths will continue to climb.
Ways Minnesotans can help others during the holiday season
COVID-19 cases are reaching new peaks in the state, and many Minnesotans are still unemployed. The pandemic is still affecting thousands of people. If you are looking for places to donate to, or are looking for help, here is a list of nonprofits and organizations working across the state.
A pandemic winter is a great time to start a new hobby
Three people who have turned hobbies and crafts into careers joined host Angela Davis to talk about the benefits of indoor hobbies and how to get started if you want to try something new.
Trump wins North Carolina; speaks publicly for the first time since Biden's victory
President Donald Trump has won North Carolina and its 15 electoral votes, staving off a hard-fought challenge by Democratic nominee Joe Biden and holding the battleground state for Republicans. The president is expected to give an update on the pandemic Friday afternoon, speaking for the first time since Joe Biden became president-elect.
The pandemic this week: 8 things to know about the surge
With record cases and hospitalizations and newly rising deaths, experts wonder, will this surge ever slow down? Find out where the virus is hitting hardest and what is being done to stop it.