Vaccine mandates aren't causing staff shortage, Mayo and Allina say
Two of Minnesota's biggest health care systems, Mayo Clinic and Allina Health, refute claims that their COVID-19 vaccine mandates are causing a staff shortage that has the state scrambling for answers.
Pfizer: COVID-19 booster offers protection against omicron in early study
Pfizer said its COVID-19 booster dose may protect against the new omicron variant, but the initial two doses appear significantly less effective.
WHO: Kids in 5-14 age group account for Europe's highest COVID-19 rates
The WHO's office for Europe said children in the 5 to 14 age group now account for the highest rates of reported COVID-19 infections in the region.
List: Minnesota schools extending winter break due to pandemic impacts
Several schools in Minnesota have extended their winter breaks as districts throughout the state continue to deal with COVID-19 surges and staffing shortages.
Citing staffing shortages, Minnesota schools propose extended winter break
Students and teachers across the state will get a little more time away from school to enjoy the holidays this year.
First Georgia case of omicron variant identified, quarantined in New Jersey
A Georgia resident who is currently in New Jersey has tested positive for the omicron variant of COVID-19, the Georgia Department of Public Health announced late Friday.
Israel health officials confirm 7 omicron COVID-19 cases, 27 others suspected
Israel's Health Ministry says it has confirmed seven cases of the new omicron variant of the coronavirus, stoking fears of a pending surge in infections.
3rd teen death from COVID-19 in Minnesota, MDH reports
The Minnesota Department of Health reported the state's third teenage COVID-19 death Friday.
'Long' COVID causes bad smells and tastes, depression for some survivors: 'Hot water smells like rotting meat'
Some people can lose their sense of smell indefinitely
Omicron COVID-19 variant detected in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka has confirmed its first case of the omicron variant of the coronavirus in an unvaccinated person who returned from Nigeria.
Omicron: WHO says measures used against delta should work for new variant
The WHO says measures like higher vaccination rates, social-distancing guidelines and wearing masks should remain the foundation for fighting the pandemic.
1st confirmed omicron variant case in Minnesota connected to NY anime convention
The first case of the omicron variant of COVID-19 has been confirmed in Minnesota, the Minnesota Department of Health announced Thursday. The confirmation comes one day after the first U.S. cases of the omicron variant were detected in California.
Minnesota National Guard prepares for nursing home deployment
Soldiers from the Minnesota National Guard took turns practicing bedside care on mannequins and each other Thursday in two Anoka Technical College classrooms, preparing for their deployment to severely short-staffed nursing homes to deal with the latest COVID-19 surge.
Feds sending 3rd emergency medical team to Minnesota deal with COVID outbreak
The federal government is sending another federal emergency medical team to support Minnesota hospitals as they continue to deal with high COVID-19 caseloads amid a staffing shortage, Gov. Tim Walz announced Thursday.
Biden's new winter COVID-19 plan includes reimbursement for at-home tests
Biden is unveiling a winter plan to combat COVID-19 and its new omicron variant with more availability of shots and vaccines but without major new restrictions.
First U.S. case of omicron COVID-19 variant detected in California
The first U.S. case of the omicron COVID-19 variant has been detected in California, the White House announced Wednesday.
Economists: expect inflation to stick around, but it’s not time to panic
On Tuesday, the U.S. Treasury Secretary and Chairman of the Federal Reserve testified in front of a Senate committee commenting on rising inflation rates.
COVID-19 hospitalizations surpass 1,500 in Minnesota
More than 1,500 people are now hospitalized from COVID-19 in Minnesota, according to data released by the Minnesota Department of Health.
Foo Fighters 'unable to perform' in Minneapolis
"Due to Huntington Bank Stadium’s refusal to agree to the band’s COVID safety measures, Foo Fighters are unable to perform at that venue."
Minnesota health officials: No omicron found here -- yet
Minnesota health officials said Monday they had not found any cases of the new omicron COVID-19 variant in the state, while echoing calls for Minnesotans to get their shots to protect against the virus.