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.

Stay up-to-date Daily data and trends | Sign up for weekly analysis of the latest data

Guides and tips Booster FAQ | Masks | Submit your questions | Tips for parents | Mental health resources

Guide our coverage: Pandemic reflections survey

June 9, 2020 4:01 AM

Feds spend billions on COVID-19 contracts, often without fully competitive bidding

In the government's hurried pandemic response, more than 250 companies, some with little or no medical supply experience, got contracts worth more than $1 million without fully competitive bidding.

by Cheryl W. Thompson, Joel Rose and Robert Benincasa

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

June 8, 2020 5:01 PM

Much of stimulus aid sent to states hasn't gone where it's needed most

Much of the billions in federal aid that was sent to states to help with the pandemic's economic fallout didn't go where it was most needed, leaving some hard hit areas struggling with little support.

by Laura Sullivan

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

June 8, 2020 4:52 PM

Even in a pandemic, WHO believes that public protests are important

The World Health Organization, in a press conference on Monday, expressed solidarity with the demonstrations calling for racial justice — and shared advice to reduce the risk of catching COVID-19.

by Pien Huang and Allison Aubrey

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

June 8, 2020 3:00 PM

Can tear gas and pepper spray increase virus spread?

There’s no research yet on riot control agents and COVID-19. But a former Army officer who studied tear gas and other respiratory infections says it's plausible that the chemical irritants heighten the danger of spreading the virus.

by The Associated Press

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

June 8, 2020 5:00 AM

June 8 update on COVID-19 in MN: 1,197 deaths; ICU cases stay below 200

While it was encouraging to see current hospitalizations stabilize and ICU cases dip, officials remain concerned “because we have seen deaths in healthy, younger adults.” One of the people reported in Monday’s death count was a person in their 20s with no underlying health conditions.

by MPR News Staff

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

June 8, 2020 4:00 AM

The office elevator in COVID-19 times: Experts weigh in on safer ups and downs

As more and more people filter back to the workplace, many face a tiny space that can create a large logjam: the elevator. Even the lobby is fraught with coronavirus questions. We have answers.

by Lauren Weber

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

June 8, 2020 4:00 AM

Northwest Angle first isolated by geography, now by COVID-19

Minnesota’s resort industry is reopening, and hoping for a good season. But in the state’s most isolated community, where tourism is the only industry, resorts are still empty.

by John Enger

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

June 7, 2020 7:52 PM

Doctors race for answers as kids fight rare inflammatory syndrome tied to coronavirus

While early research suggests the condition is rare, experts are still racing to answer even the most basic questions about the illness — such as why some children are more susceptible than others, how to safely treat it and what it might mean for their long-term health.

by Peter Breslow and Lulu Garcia-Navarro

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

June 7, 2020 11:01 AM

June 7 update on COVID-19 in MN: Death toll rises to 1,186 as testing again exceeds 10K

State health officials Sunday reported 16 additional confirmed COVID-19 deaths in Minnesota, bringing the overall death toll to 1,186. Sunday’s report also showed 199 COVID-19 patients being treated in ICUs — the first time that number has dropped below 200 since May 13.

by MPR News Staff

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

June 7, 2020 10:25 AM

'She was a book of generosity and fire': St. Paul school board chair Marny Xiong dies from COVID-19

"We prepared a celebration for her return and waited, and waited but she never came home," Xiong's family said in a statement posted online. "We prayed and prayed for a miracle but none was granted."

by Emily Bright

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.