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.

Walz says he has COVID-19 symptoms
Gov. Tim Walz said Wednesday he had developed symptoms like a “tough cold” after initially not feeling the effects of COVID-19. 
COVID sent last year's U.S. death rate soaring, especially among people of color
Americans' life expectancy declined by nearly two years in 2020 compared to the year before, primarily because of COVID-19. The drop in life expectancy was bigger for men, and for Blacks and Latinos.
FDA authorizes 1st antiviral pill for COVID
In a highly anticipated decision, the Food and Drug Administration authorized Pfizer's Paxlovid as the first antiviral pill to treat COVID-19 at home.
As COVID fueled the drug crisis, Native Americans hit worst
As the pandemic ravaged the country, deaths from drug overdoses surged by nearly 30 percent, surpassing 100,000 dead for the first time in American history. The drug crisis also diversified from an overwhelmingly white affliction to killing people of color with staggering speed. 
As omicron becomes state's dominant strain, Minnesotans seek rapid tests and shots
With travel expected to be near pre-pandemic levels, the demand for COVID tests, as well as vaccinations, are up across the board. The fast-spreading omicron variant, now the state’s dominant coronavirus strain, adds urgency.
COVID drives halt to Minnesota's population growth
Minnesota’s population growth screeched to a halt in the past year, buffeted by COVID-19, slowing immigration rates and more people leaving the state.