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.

Officials are determined to keep schools open, despite omicron
As coronavirus cases, and pediatric hospitalizations, surge in the U.S., the majority of U.S. schools are staying open for in-person learning.
MN pediatrician on the FDA approval of COVID-19 vaccine boosters for kids 12 and up
The Food and Drug Administration has approved the Pfizer booster for children ages 12 and up. Host Cathy Wurzer got more insight into the decision from Dr. Madeleine Gagnon, vice chief of staff at Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare. Wurzer also spoke with Gov. Tim Walz after he and his family recovered from COVID-19.
Latest on COVID-19 in MN: New, active case counts climbing again
Minnesota’s COVID-19 roller-coaster ride continues. The latest available data shows active cases rising following a three-week December dip. The Twin Cities metro area is seeing the bulk of new case growth.
With flu cases on the rise, hospitals brace for impact
The flu is reemerging after being almost dormant during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. In Minnesota, cases are growing more rapidly than expected, and they stand to collide with a wave of COVID-19 cases driven by the omicron variant.
Walz on pandemic, policy priorities as new year begins
Gov. Tim Walz spent the Christmas holiday isolating after he and other members of his family tested positive for COVID-19. Walz spoke to MPR News about his recovery, the latest in the state’s pandemic response and his policy priorities heading into this election year.
FDA expands Pfizer boosters for more teens as omicron surges
The U.S. is expanding COVID-19 boosters as it confronts the omicron surge, with the Food and Drug Administration allowing extra Pfizer shots for children as young as 12.
How will the pandemic end? Omicron clouds forecasts for endgame
Pandemics do eventually end, even if omicron is complicating the question of when this one will. But it won't be like flipping a light switch: The world will have to learn to coexist with a virus that's not going away.