COVID-19: Coverage of the pandemic from MPR News

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Okee Dokee Brothers move up album release to help families ease 'stay-at-home' time
"Songs for Singin'" was originally going to be released in July. But when it became clear families would be cooped up together for a long time, Justin Lansing said they wanted to offer something to help. “If we make this difficult time into something that is actually special, we are going to get through it a lot better,” he said.
A next-generation coronavirus test raises hopes and concerns
An antigen test could be quick, and much simpler and cheaper than the PCR tests now used to spot people infected with the novel coronavirus. But some scientists worry about an antigen test's accuracy.
April 30 update on COVID-19 in MN: 343 dead; Walz tweaks, extends stay-home order
Gov. Tim Walz unveiled a plan Thursday that extends his stay-at-home order and keeps bars and restaurants takeout-only until May 18. It also let retailers and other businesses offer curbside pickup of purchases, a move he said would put up to 30,000 Minnesotans back to work.
Northern Minn. companies step in to help fill PPE shortage
Hospitals and clinics have struggled to get enough personal protective equipment, or PPE, since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. In Duluth, and across the state, local companies have retooled to manufacture masks, face shields, and other equipment to help meet that shortfall.
How does PPE get to Minnesota health workers who need it?
Many hospitals and clinics are struggling to get the personal protective equipment they need to protect health care workers on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. MPR News has been digging into the factors driving the shortage, what’s being done about it and the impact it’s having on health care workers. Here’s what we learned.
Walz decision on stay-at-home order due Thursday
Gov. Tim Walz must decide whether to extend limits on nonessential travel and business operations past Sunday night. He’s gradually allowed more exceptions, though he’s taking a longer view on bars and spectator sports.