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.

Latest on COVID-19 in MN: Surge receding; hospital needs, new cases fall
Minnesota’s newest COVID-19 numbers offer more evidence of a pandemic surge in retreat, with fewer than 600 patients in the hospital now and new daily cases trending at a six-month low.
CDC to significantly ease pandemic mask guidelines Friday
The Biden administration will significantly loosen federal mask-wearing guidelines to protect against COVID-19 transmission on Friday, according to two people familiar with the matter.
Are we ready for COVID-19 as a central theme in literature?
Reading about plagues or COVID-19 over the last two years was not an entertaining idea for many. But the pandemic has had an impact on literature — and people may be ready for it to enter the canon.
Mask mandates lifted in Minneapolis, St. Paul
Effective immediately, mayors in both cities say ending the mask requirements comes as cases of COVID have been falling rapidly. The mandates went into effect Jan. 5 during a surge in cases of the omicron variant.
Latest on COVID-19 in MN: Active cases, ICU needs fall to 6-month lows
Minnesota’s newest COVID-19 numbers offer more evidence of a rapidly receding surge, with fewer than 100 patients in ICUs now and active cases below 10,000, the lowest levels for both since August. Pandemic deaths, however, have now topped 12,000.
Who might benefit from a 4th shot — and who might not
Some countries are moving ahead with plans to offer a fourth dose of COVID-19 vaccine. But studies are raising questions about the potential advantages of this extra booster.
Doctors find limited use for less effective COVID pill
The antiviral pill molnupiravir was authorized and distributed by the government late last year. But it's not doctors' first choice of treatment, except for a narrow slice of patients.
Ask a COVID doc: Revisiting indoor mask guidelines and community transmission in MN
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is expected to revisit their indoor masking guidelines this week. Mayo Clinic’s Dr. Melanie Swift joined host Cathy Wurzer to answer your questions.