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.

 Floodwaters and bird flu continue to rise in Minnesota, COVID remains low
Flood waters continue to rise in Minnesota rivers. In addition to the immediate danger presented by rising and rushing waters, floods also pose other health risks. Floodwater can contain downed power lines, human and livestock waste, other hazardous waste, and other debris that may not be visible.
Minnesota health officials keeping a close eye on COVID uptick
Nationally, emergency room visits and hospitalizations tied to COVID-19 have climbed recently. A key Minnesota health official spoke with MPR News on the state of infections here.
Cows infected by bird flu in Minnesota, but human threat very low
The bird flu outbreak has impacted 17 million poultry across 26 states to date so far this year, 1.7 million of those affected poultry are in Minnesota. Threat to human health is very low, with only four known cases of human infection so far this year.
State agencies allowed pandemic cash to go to ineligible Minnesotans, Legislative Auditor finds 
The Minnesota Office of the Legislative Auditor says the Department of Labor and Industry did not comply with some state requirements for the Frontline Worker Pay Program leading to many ineligible individuals getting paid pandemic-era funds.
What to make of the new COVID variants, FLiRT
Dr. Ashish Jha, the dean of the Brown University School of Public Health and former White House COVID-19 response coordinator, returned to All Things Considered to speak with host Ailsa Chang about what the new variants could bring.
Class of 2024 reflects on tumultuous journey from 2020 to graduation
The class of 2024 may be one of the most unique college classes. They faced both a pandemic and a racial reckoning — many just as they were beginning college and leaving home for the first time. Now, with diploma in hand, they reflect on the tumultuous journey they made to walk across the stage on graduation day.