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.

State opens long-term care to visits from outside 'essential caregivers' after COVID-19 restrictions
The Minnesota Department of Health put out new guidance Friday that allows residents to designate one person, identified as an “essential caregiver,” to visit inside the residence and to have physical contact with them.
AP: After lobbying, Catholic Church won $1.4B in virus aid
The U.S. Roman Catholic Church used a special and unprecedented exemption from federal rules to amass at least $1.4 billion in taxpayer-backed coronavirus aid, with many millions going to dioceses that have paid huge settlements or sought bankruptcy protection because of clergy sexual abuse cover-ups.
Sales boom, factory shutdowns leave bikes in short supply amid pandemic
There’s been a bike boom around the world — including in Minnesota — as people look for ways to get around town, to replace the gym, or just to get out of the house amid the pandemic. And that has contributed to a shortage of bicycles and parts.
As U of M Twin Cities tries test-optional, expert says students will benefit
The decision by the University of Minnesota’s flagship campus to forgo the ACT or SAT in student applications is part of a growing test-optional trend that one expert says is improving access to the nation’s top institutions without compromising academics.
Starbucks says customers must wear masks at its cafes
Several states already require people to wear masks in public spaces like coffee shops to slow the spread of the coronavirus, but many still have no such requirement.
Unscientific survey shows most MN families want in-person school, despise distance learning
A new survey from the Minnesota Department of Education shows a majority of families had a bad experience with distance learning and want schools to resume in-person classes in the fall. But the results are just a sampling — and hardly scientific.
U of M disease experts urge CDC to standardize COVID-19 tracking
A new report argues that the patchwork of reporting practices makes it difficult to come up with strategies to combat the coronavirus in the U.S.