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.

Navigating changing guidance for wearing masks
MPR News host Angela Davis talks with an infectious disease specialist and a public health policy expert about the CDC’s new guidelines for masking, and what to weigh when deciding whether to wear a mask.
Operators blame pandemic staff shortages for group home closures
Since the start of the year, a raft of Minnesota group homes serving nearly 60 people have closed. Their operators blame pandemic-related labor shortages and the closures are leaving families facing difficult decisions about how to care for their loved ones, and putting renewed focus on higher pay for long-term care workers.
COVID continues to fade in Minnesota
Cases are dropping, tests results are coming back negative and hospitalizations are down.
With mask mandates expiring, businesses bet on their own policies
Mask mandates are going away around the country, so shops and restaurants are developing their own policies based on personal choice and risk tolerance.
CDC: Many healthy Americans can take a break from masks
U.S. officials say most Americans live in places where healthy people can safely take a break from wearing masks. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Friday outlined a new set of measures for communities where COVID-19 is easing its grip.