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.

On Christmas, pope prays for pandemic's end, peace dialogues
Pope Francis prayed Saturday for an end to the coronavirus pandemic, using his Christmas Day address to urge health care for all, vaccines for the poor and for dialogue to prevail in resolving the world’s conflicts.
Judge halts vaccine mandate for St. Paul city employees
A judge has temporarily halted a COVID-19 vaccine mandate for St. Paul city employees. The St. Paul Pioneer Press reported that Ramsey County District Judge Robert Awsumb issued a temporary restraining order blocking the mandate on Thursday.
Boosters, vigilance help keep COVID away for the holidays, experts say
The torrent of information on COVID and vaccines can sometimes be overwhelming. Public health leaders, though, say the basics are clear: take precautions against COVID during the holiday season -- and get the shots.
The FDA has authorized Merck's COVID pill for home use — the second in two days
The medicine, called molnupiravir, is taken twice a day for five days and works by preventing the virus from replicating. Merck says it will have 10 million packs available by the end of the month.
Nonprofits with big COVID-19 roles now face added scrutiny
A flood of federal coronavirus money over the past year will require some Minnesota nonprofits to undergo more intensive audits for the first time.
With omicron, you need a mask that means business
To block a variant this transmissible, scientists say you need an N95 and other high-filtration mask. Here's how to find a good one and when to wear it.