Researchers in Mexico invent nose-only COVID-19 masks to be worn during eating, drinking

Researchers in Mexico invented nose-only masks that reportedly give the wearer additional protection when eating and drinking when wearing a face covering is impractical.

New COVID-19 guidance helps Minnesota schools plan for prom, graduation

The Minnesota Department of Health and Department of Education came out with new COVID-19 guidance this week for high schools trying to plan proms and graduation ceremonies.

Minnesota reports 1,857 new COVID-19 cases, most in single day since Jan. 10

Minnesota health officials reported 1,857 new cases of COVID-19 and 16 deaths Thursday, the most cases reported in a single day since Jan. 10 and the most deaths in two weeks. 

Unemployment claims fall to 684,000, fewest since start of pandemic

The number of people seeking unemployment benefits fell sharply last week to 684,000, the fewest since the pandemic erupted a year ago and a sign the economy is improving.

Brazil becomes 2nd country to surpass 300K COVID-19 deaths

Brazil topped 300,000 confirmed COVID-19 deaths on Wednesday, becoming the second country to do so amid a spike in infections that has seen the South American country report record death tolls in recent days.

Pfizer begins phase 1 study of oral COVID-19 treatment drug

Pfizer announced Monday that it has begun the phase 1 study of an oral antiviral drug to treat SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

Wages are only up because the bottom half of workers lost their jobs

If one looks at the data for American wages in 2020, which shows that they grew historically fast, this fact may seem to be cause for celebration. But a closer look at the data paints yet another picture of stark inequality and of the "K-shaped recovery."

Person in their 20s among 7 newly reported COVID-19 deaths in Minnesota

The Minnesota Department of Health reported 870 new COVID-19 cases and seven more deaths Tuesday. The state has now seen 507,231 COVID-19 cases and 6,789 deaths since the pandemic began. 

New vaccination sites open in Marshall, Worthington to target food processing workers

The state of Minnesota opened two new community vaccination sites in Worthington and Marshall, Minnesota Monday in an effort to vaccinate food processing and agriculture workers.

Minnesota reports no new COVID-19 deaths for first time in nearly a year

The Minnesota Department of Health reported 1,152 new COVID-19 cases and no more deaths Monday. The state has now seen 506,376 COVID-19 cases and 6,782 deaths since the pandemic began. 

Stimulus checks: IRS says next batch of payments will be disbursed in coming days

Officials from the IRS and U.S. Treasury said Monday the next batch of COVID-19 stimulus payments will start hitting bank accounts later this week. Mailed checks will start going out as well.

Growing evidence links COVID-19, hearing loss, tinnitus and vertigo, researchers say

Researchers say there is mounting evidence suggesting that hearing loss and other auditory issues are strongly associated with COVID-19 infection, according to a systematic review.

Miami Beach: Over 1,000 arrested, emergency curfew extended amid unruly spring break crowds

Miami Beach officials stressed this isn’t the typical spring break crowd. They said it’s not college students, but adults looking to let loose in one of the few states fully open during the pandemic.

Married 66 years, Florida husband and wife die minutes apart from COVID-19

Bill and Esther Ilnisky spent nearly seven decades together, traveling the world as Christian ministers and missionaries before settling down in Florida to preach. After both were hospitalized with COVID-19, they were put in the same hospice room, where they died just minutes apart from each other.

AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine is safe, 79% effective in late-stage US study, company says

AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine provided strong protection against disease and complete protection against hospitalization and death across all age groups in a late-stage U.S. study.