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.

Americans are dying in the pandemic at rates far higher than in other countries
Per capita deaths in the U.S. from COVID-19 and other causes are 85 percent higher than in countries like Germany and Israel. "The United States really has done remarkably badly," a study author says.
Retiree checks to rise 1.3% in 2021 amid coronavirus fallout
Social Security recipients will get a modest 1.3 percent cost-of living-increase in 2021, but that might be small comfort amid worries about the coronavirus pandemic and its consequences for older people. Government estimates released Tuesday show the increase amounts to $20 a month for the average retired worker. 
'This is an opportunity': Fareed Zakaria on 'Lessons For A Post-Pandemic World'
The CNN host and author says COVID-19 has widened the inequality gap. "The most important piece of what the federal government can do is to stabilize these people's lives with direct aid," he says.
 Walz: Loosening restrictions about 'striking a balance' between data, follow-through
On Monday, the state confirmed more than 1,000 new COVID-19 cases for the fifth straight day. The spike comes as state officials relax some restrictions, including visits to nursing homes.
Minnesota to allow more visits to nursing homes, long-term care facilities
More people soon will be able to visit loved ones in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities. The Minnesota Department of Health says the changes are set to go into effect on Saturday.
Oct. 13 update on COVID-19 in MN: State readies big testing push; new cases climb
Gov. Tim Walz and state health officials on Tuesday unveiled plans to massively expand COVID-19 testing opportunities across Minnesota as caseloads and hospitalizations continue to climb.