COVID-19: Coverage of the pandemic from MPR News

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March 13, 2020 6:56 AM

States begin widespread school closures to fight coronavirus

The closures come after many school districts and dozens of colleges and universities have temporarily closed or switched to virtual classes because of the disease.

by Cory Turner and Merrit Kennedy

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March 13, 2020 5:03 AM

Wife of Canada's Trudeau tests positive for coronavirus

The office of the prime minister said Thursday that Sophie Grégoire Trudeau had began experiencing a low-grade fever and other mild flu-like symptoms, prompting the test.

by Scott Neuman

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March 13, 2020 4:01 AM

Rural towns insulated from coronavirus now may take a harder hit later

The coronavirus will likely take longer to reach remote rural communities but may be more devastating. Though there may not be public transit or big crowds, rural areas are vulnerable in other ways.

by Frank Morris

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March 13, 2020 4:00 AM

In reversal, Trump administration now urges agencies to allow telework

The coronavirus has led many employers to tell their workers to telework. But the federal government has sent mixed messages.

by Brian Naylor

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March 13, 2020 4:00 AM

COVID-19 danger: People with compromised immune systems are at risk

The threat of the novel coronavirus has become real for many Americans over the last few days and weeks. But for those with underlying health issues, it has been even more intense.

by Peter Cox

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March 12, 2020 11:20 PM

Minnesota DFL, GOP scale back political activity amid coronavirus concern

State DFLers and Republicans are postponing endorsing conventions, effectively suspending decisions in key political contests for a month or more. The DFL is also cutting back on in-person contact with voters.

by Brian Bakst

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March 12, 2020 10:35 PM

Public health experts question Trump's ban on most travelers from Europe

A key medical adviser to the president on COVID-19 defends the travel restrictions as "the right public health call." But others dismiss the move as "remarkably pointless" or, potentially, dangerous.

by Jason Beaubien

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March 12, 2020 5:23 PM

Self-quarantine diary: From drive-thru test to working at home during COVID-19

This week I learned I may have been in close contact with someone at an out-of-town conference who tested positive for the coronavirus. Here’s what I have done since.

by Jiwon Choi

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March 12, 2020 4:04 PM

Minn. health plans say they will cover costs of COVID-19 tests

People concerned that they may have contracted the coronavirus may not have to worry about paying much, if anything, for tests. But they may see bills for office visit and other costs, depending on their insurer and plan.

by Martin Moylan

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March 12, 2020 4:00 PM

New Mayo Clinic test could speed detection of COVID-19

The test became available Thursday, although Mayo labs will start with a small number of samples due to limited capacity.

by Catharine Richert

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