COVID-19: Coverage of the pandemic from MPR News

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August 21, 2020 3:17 PM

New research suggests in-person voting may be less risky than previously thought

The report concludes Wisconsin voters who braved the pandemic and went to the polls in April did not see a surge in COVID-19 infections, although another study reaches the opposite conclusion.

by David Welna

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August 21, 2020 3:12 PM

Coronavirus FAQ: So do lots of people get COVID-19 from flying?

A study released this week points to two passengers infected on a 4-hour flight. But there hasn't been a lot of documentation of transmission on planes. So how risky is flying?

by Pranav Baskar

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August 21, 2020 10:55 AM

What comes next for Mayo’s COVID-19 plasma program?

The New York Times is reporting this week that a group of top federal health officials have privately voiced concern about a prominent COVID-19 research program run by the Mayo Clinic. The program is testing the use of blood plasma from recovered patients to treat those who are seriously ill with the virus.

by Cathy Wurzer

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August 21, 2020 8:09 AM

For students with disabilities, schools say they have to do better in the fall

When U.S. schools went online-only in the spring, many struggled to provide vital services to students with disabilities. Families, advocates and many educators say this fall has to be different.

by Cory Turner

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August 21, 2020 5:30 AM

Aug. 21 update on COVID-19: 15 cases tied to Sturgis, more expected

State health officials have worried for weeks about Minnesotans carrying COVID-19 back from the massive motorcycle rally in Sturgis, S.D. On Friday, they confirmed that Sturgis cases are surfacing, with one person hospitalized.

by MPR News Staff

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August 21, 2020 4:00 AM

Day care, grandparent, pod or nanny? How to manage the risks of pandemic child care

At least two-thirds of U.S. families are struggling to find safe and affordable child care as the pandemic rages on. NPR asked infectious disease experts to help sort the health risks of each option.

by Katherine Harmon Courage

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August 21, 2020 4:00 AM

Behind on rent? A new $100 million housing assistance program may help

Starting Monday, Minnesotans who are behind in their rent or mortgage can apply for housing assistance intended for those struggling financially because of COVID-19. But there will be challenges in getting the money into the hands of people who need it most, so officials want to enlist landlords to help get out the word.

by Melissa Townsend

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August 20, 2020 5:40 PM

U of M students brace for change when classes resume

As University of Minnesota students prepare for classes to begin in a couple of weeks, they know they are able to plan for only so much. Already some higher education institutions have had to abruptly stop in-person classes because of COVID-19 outbreaks.

by Peter Cox

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August 20, 2020 4:38 PM

1 in 5 nursing homes short on PPE and staff in virus rebound

One in 5 nursing homes in the country faced severe shortages of protective gear like N95 masks this summer, according to a new study that found facilities also struggled with a lack of staff as COVID-19 cases rebounded.

by The Associated Press

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August 20, 2020 3:31 PM

How the pandemic has upended high school sports

The coronavirus pandemic has disrupted high school sports across the country. In Minnesota, seasons are either starting later, ending shorter, or a combination of the two. Three high school coaches joined the program to talk about how they're dealing with these changes and how this could impact their students’ future.

by Angela Davis and Karen Zamora

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