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.

What is — and isn’t — allowed when camping in MN this Memorial Day weekend
Aside from the Boundary Waters and Voyageurs National Park, the only option for a night under the stars is dispersed camping in state forests. Here’s what that is and why it’s best for experienced campers.
Poll: Two-thirds expect return to normal will take 6 months or more
Three-quarters are concerned that a second wave of the coronavirus will emerge as states reopen, a new NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist poll finds. But Americans' outlooks vary by political party.
Amid high stakes, China is fast-tracking COVID-19 vaccine efforts
Experts say the Communist Party sees more at stake than public health. One of the biggest concerns is the economy. China is also looking to defuse criticism over its early handling of the outbreak.
About half of U.S. homes lost wages during pandemic, Census Bureau finds
Because of COVID-19, 47 percent of adults say their households have lost employment income and close to 40 percent have delayed getting medical care, according to the first results of a new Census Bureau survey.
'Things will never be the same': How the pandemic has changed worship
The closure of churches due to the coronavirus could have long-lasting effects on congregations. Some people say they have become more connected with their faith, while others may be drifting away.
U.S. births fall, and virus could drive them down more
Aside from a one-year uptick in 2014, U.S. births have been falling every year since 2007, when a recession hit the country. The drop continued even after the economy rebounded.
Big box rules: Target's online campaign readied it for virus
Target had already transformed its 1,800 stores into distribution hubs, putting it in a better position than even Amazon.com to keep supplies flowing. Target's stores were directly involved in supplying goods for 80 percent of online sales. Same-day services, such as curbside pickup at stores for things ordered online, nearly tripled.
More Lysol, no more pens in rooms. Hotels adapt to win back guests
Hotels have been devastated by the pandemic. To survive, they are adapting with extra-deep cleaning and contactless interactions. And it may mean rooms with no notepads and pens — and no minibars.
Unemployment claims up — way up — among Asian Minnesotans
At a time when Asian Americans are reporting experiences with bigoted abuse because of COVID-19, they’re also reporting a surge in unemployment. The trend has created uncertainty about how Asian-owned businesses will survive. 
May 20 update on COVID-19 in MN: Walz plan slow-walks bar, restaurant restarts
In moves certain to see pushback, Gov. Tim Walz Wednesday unveiled plans to let bars and restaurants serve sit-down customers beginning June 1 — but only at outdoor tables. He loosened other curbs but wouldn’t put dates to when vital parts of daily life could resume.