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.

Democratic, GOP Senate bargainers reach $10B COVID agreement
Senate bargainers have reached agreement on a slimmed-down $10 billion package for countering COVID-19 with treatments, vaccines and other steps. But the compromise ended up dropping all funding to help nations abroad combat the pandemic. 
Staff-strapped Grand Marais businesses brace for a tourist boom
In Grand Marais, business owners are struggling to gear up for what they expect to be a busy pandemic-sparked summer tourist season. The past two years, there haven't been nearly enough workers to staff hotels and restaurants.
Another booster? A vaccine for omicron? Here's what could be next for COVID vaccines
Federal health officials are convening with outside advisers April 6 to talk about a vaccine plan, whether that's another booster in the fall, an omicron shot or one that targets more than one strain.
Do I really need another booster? The answer depends on age, risk and timing
Health officials argue the protection of the COVID vaccine booster wanes over time and say some people need a second booster. But other infectious disease experts say three shots are enough for now.