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.

Joni Mitchell joining Neil Young in protest over Spotify
Joni Mitchell is joining Neil Young in his protest against Spotify, seeking to have her music removed from the streaming service over its airing of a podcast whose host has been widely criticized for spreading coronavirus misinformation.
Latest on COVID-19 in MN: Tangled trends keep surge path clouded
Minnesota’s latest COVID-19 data remains an enigmatic jumble, making it hard to know whether to cheer or curse as the pandemic stumbles toward February.
In one small Minnesota town, two warring visions of America
The headline in the Benson newspaper said COVID-19 numbers were spiking in the farm towns of western Minnesota, but some saw it as a lie. It’s brought the lines of a divided America into sharp focus: one little town, 3,000 people, two starkly different realities.
How many times can I reuse my N95 mask?
Experts say how often you can safely wear an N95 or KN95 mask will vary depending on how it’s used. Using a mask to run to the grocery store, for example, is very different than wearing it all day at work.
At vaccine mandate deadline, MN nursing homes say they are working to comply
Staff in hundreds of Minnesota nursing homes now must be vaccinated against COVID-19, as the operators of long-term care residences struggle to keep enough workers to operate safely.
A second version of omicron is spreading. Here's why scientists are on alert
It's a sibling of the first omicron variant that swept the world. Is it more contagious? Does it cause severe disease? Will it keep current omicron surges going? Researchers are looking for answers.
Student leaders ask Minnesota State to require vaccines
Faculty and staff at the system’s 30 community colleges and seven universities must be vaccinated or tested weekly, but the requirement only applies to certain students.
Looking for a COVID shot for your kid? 11 questions, answered
Vaccinations finally are available to U.S. children as young as 5. The shots are offered at pediatricians offices, clinics and pharmacies. Like COVID-19 vaccines for adults, they are free.