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.

Some snowbirds headed north told to stay in their southern nests
People who migrate south for winter are being told not to return to their year-round homes in the north. Some places that typically welcome their return are asking people to stay away.
Stuck at home? Many deciding it's a good time to spruce it up
As many of us are slowing down under Minnesota’s stay-at-home order, some businesses are speeding up — paint and hardware stores, for example. For some Minnesotans, staying home means a chance to tackle home improvement projects.
First responders seek workers compensation pledge amid COVID-19 outbreak
Minnesota first responders, health care workers and other public employees want a change in state law that would guarantee them the opportunity to claim workers’ compensation if they contract COVID-19. State lawmakers omitted the proposal from the package of coronavirus measures they passed last week.
Justice Department looking into senator's stock sell-off
Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Richard Burr sold off a large amount of stocks before the coronavirus market crash. The FBI will assess whether he was motivated by nonpublic information.
Who's sickest from COVID-19? These conditions tied to increased risk
A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report finds 78 percent of COVID-19 patients in the U.S. requiring admission to the intensive care unit had at least one underlying condition.
Should we all be wearing masks in public? Health experts revisit the question
There are rumblings that U.S. health officials may start encouraging Americans to wear face masks to cut down on asymptomatic spread. But with continued shortages, it's not clear how we'd do that.
Data: How COVID-19 has affected group care facilities in Minnesota
Nearly 10 percent of the state’s 629 confirmed cases have been in congregate care settings, state health officials say. Of the 12 deaths, 11 have been people in these kinds of facilities.
Kids under threat: Virus hitting juvenile detention centers
For the tens of thousands of kids locked up in juvenile detention centers and other correctional facilities across America, the coronavirus is on its way. Louisiana, Minnesota, New York, Texas and Connecticut have reported positive tests among youth or staff.
What you need to do to get your government stimulus check
The IRS and the Treasury Department say Americans will start receiving their economic impact checks in the next three weeks. Most people don't need to do anything to get the money. But some — such as senior citizens and low-income people who might not traditionally file tax returns — do need to take action.