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.

Your COVID and omicron surge questions, answered by a doctor
Amid a record-breaking surge of COVID-19 infections, Dr. Susan Kline of the University of Minnesota Medical School took audience questions about the pandemic.
More than 1 million fewer students are in college, the lowest enrollment numbers in 50 years
People are sitting out college in droves. During the pandemic, undergraduate enrollment has dropped nearly 7 percent. The long-term effects of this decline could have a dramatic impact on the economy.
Go back to school and ditch weekly testing: The advice from one children's hospital
Dr. David Rubin discusses guidance from the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia that says schools should stay open for in-person learning and discontinue required weekly testing.
Coronavirus FAQ: Why are some folks hacking home COVID tests by swabbing their throat?
The FDA-approved tests call for a nasal swab. Some doctors are tweeting that they're doing a throat swab too — though they don't recommend this step to the public. Here's a look at the swab debate.
Minneapolis public schools, many others head to online learning as COVID absences mount
With hundreds of staff absences daily, officials say the district can't keep the doors open. "We've reached our tipping point,” said Ed Graff, the district superintendent. The move starts Friday, with in-person classes set to resume Jan. 31.
Twin Cities tightening COVID bar, restaurant rules as cases climb
With the virus spreading rapidly, Minneapolis and St. Paul will soon require proof of vaccination or a recent negative COVID test to enter places serving food and drink. Some worry the plan will spark new confrontations with patrons.
As omicron surges, Osseo superintendent faces school staff absences of up to 25 percent
Freezing temperatures, staff shortages and skyrocketing COVID-19 case numbers have pushed school leaders to move to distance learning in a number of Minnesota districts, including Osseo Area Schools. Superintendent Cory McIntyre says sending students home isn’t ideal, but that it wasn’t sustainable to continue in person.
Gov. Walz taps $40M in COVID relief funding to ease hospital staffing strain
The money will help pay staffing costs for providers who will work 60 hours per week for 60 days to provide patient care. Walz says it’s a necessary step to help hospitals cope with severe staffing shortages brought on by the current surge of COVID-19 cases.
Reporter roundtable: The latest from Austin, Cloquet, Roseau
We're calling reporters from newspapers outside the Twin Cities metro area to hear what's happening in their neck of the woods. Wednesday, host Cathy Wurzer was joined by journalists from the Roseau Times-Region, Pine Knot News and the Austin Daily Herald.
COVID-19 in MN: Active cases hit new high; Mpls., St. Paul tighten eatery regs
Minnesota continues to get whacked by a post-holiday COVID surge driven by the omicron mutation. Minneapolis and St. Paul will soon temporarily require either a proof of vaccine or recent negative COVID test for bar and restaurant customers.