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.

School counselors have a message for kids: 'It's OK to not be OK'
School counselors say the coronavirus pandemic has so destabilized kids' lives that the result is genuinely traumatic. And closed schools make it harder for counselors to help.
April 20 update on COVID-19 in MN: 143 dead; Walz cites good talk with Trump
Gov. Tim Walz fielded a wide range of COVID-19 questions Monday, from virus testing to food safety to a weekend talk with President Trump. His comments came hours after JBS, Worthington’s largest employer, said the virus is forcing it to temporarily shut its massive hog processing plant.
Small businesses race to get financial help amid pandemic — but will it be enough to survive?
Small businesses across Minnesota have been approved for $9 billion dollars in paycheck protection plan loans. Now, they’re trying to figure out how they can best use the money to try to survive the COVID-19 crisis.
North Dakota researchers look for ways drones can help in a pandemic
Amid the coronavirus pandemic, researchers in Grand Forks are testing drones as a way to check people’s temperatures from a distance, quickly sanitize playgrounds, and deliver medical supplies.
White House defends testing capacity as governors ask for more
At a briefing of his task force Sunday, President Trump said his administration would have a call with governors and the Federal Emergency Management Agency on Monday to discuss how to increase coronavirus testing capacity in states.
Evolving coronavirus aid package offers billions for hospitals, testing
The Trump administration and Congress are nearing an agreement as early as Sunday on an aid package of up to $450 billion to boost a small-business loan program that has run out of money and add funds for hospitals and COVID-19 testing.
April 19 update on COVID-19 in MN: Death toll rises to 134
Minnesota health officials announced Sunday that 13 more people in the state have died from COVID-19, bringing the statewide death toll to 134. Meanwhile, 143 new confirmed cases were reported Sunday — the third consecutive day with at least 140 new cases.
How to help the people who (used to) help you
Social distancing has people doing more of their own cooking and cleaning and getting family to cut their hair. That's left domestic workers, waiters, hair stylists and many others out of work.