Adding an extra layer of nylon pantyhose to a DIY face mask improves protection, researchers say

Nationwide shortages of key medical supplies amid the COVID-19 pandemic have forced millions of citizens to fashion protective equipment to keep themselves safe during the widespread outbreak. 

Minnesota reports 21 new COVID-19 deaths Thursday, most deaths reported in single day to date

Minnesota reported 21 news deaths attributed to COVID-19 Thursday, the most deaths reported in a single day to date, bringing the state’s death toll from the disease to 200. This is the second straight day Minnesota has set a new daily high for deaths. 

VP Mike Pence to visit Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota next week

Vice President Mike Pence will visit Mayo Clinic's facilities in Rochester next week, marking his second trip to Minnesota in the midst of the coronavirus outbreak.

Creating a new business plan - Birchwood Cafe owner reflects on COVID-19 changes
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In a matter of weeks, Twin Cities restaurant hot spots have worked around the clock to develop a whole new way of feeding guests. Birchwood Cafe owner Tracy Singleton joined the Morning Buzz to chat about pivoting her business to pickup and delivery, selling groceries, and how COVID-19 is impacting plans for a brand new restaurant.

US unemployment claims surge by another 4.4 million

More than 4.4 million laid-off workers applied for U.S. unemployment benefits last week as job cuts escalated across an economy that remains all but shut down, the government said Thursday.

U of M testing blood pressure drug in hopes of finding a new tool to treat COVID-19
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As COVID-19 patients continue to enter hospitals, researchers around the world are looking for new treatments to fight the virus. The University of Minnesota has launched a clinical trial looking at a common blood pressure medication. One of the lead investigators joined the FOX 9 Morning News to explain why the medication may have potential help treat COVID-19.

Walmart begins mandating one-way aisles

In order to encourage social distancing while shopping during the COVID-19 pandemic, Walmart stores are updating their policy by creating one-way aisles. 

Mom and daughter dress up for grocery visit to lighten mood during coronavirus pandemic

A mother and daughter in Florida decided to lighten the mood during the coronavirus pandemic, donning shark and giraffe costumes during a recent visit to the grocery store.

Gillette Children's team shifts from fabricating prosthetics to making masks

From fabricating prosthetics and wheelchairs to now making masks, a team from the Orthotics, Prosthetics and Seating Department at Gillette Children's Specialty Healthcare is using their sewing skills to help their fellow hospital workers during COVID-19 pandemic.

'Take the sample': Minnesota to open COVID-19 testing to all symptomatic patients

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and state health leaders announced a deal with the University of Minnesota and the Mayo Clinic to reach the goal of 20,000 COVID-19 tests a day within the coming weeks.

COVID-19 death toll felt heavily by 2 Twin Cities metro area nursing homes

The FOX 9 Investigators discovered two Twin Cities metro area long-term care facilities have each had at least 12 people die from COVID-19. 

Penguin Random House donates 750K books to students following school closures due to COVID-19

Publishing company Penguin Random House announced it has donated 750,000 books to First Book, an education nonprofit dedicated to bringing books to students in need amid school closures due to COVID-19. 

2 cats in NY state test positive for virus

Two pet cats in New York state have tested positive for the coronavirus, marking the first cases in companion animals in the United States, federal officials said Wednesday.