Booster shots, second-generation vaccines: COVID-19 vaccine makers rush to adapt to coronavirus variants

Moderna and Pfizer have announced that they are prepared to make tweaks to their COVID-19 vaccines and are preparing for a potential booster dose to combat the mutated coronavirus variants circulating around the world.

CDC waives quarantine for vaccinated people after COVID-19 exposure, experts still say wear a mask

According to the most recent guidance by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people who have been fully vaccinated and exposed to COVID-19 don’t have to quarantine, but many medical experts still urge social distancing and mask-wearing.

Nearly 600K Minnesotans have received at least 1st COVID-19 vaccine dose

At least 599,218 people in Minnesota have now received at least the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and 177,329 people are fully vaccinated, roughly 13.9% and 4.1% of the state’s adult population respectively, according to the latest state Department of Health data. 

California edges past New York with highest coronavirus death toll

California has edged past New York with the most death from the coronavirus. California’s death toll reached 45,496, surpassing New York’s toll of 45,312 on Thursday, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University.

Fauci predicts 'open season' by April for everyone to start getting COVID-19 vaccines

Dr. Anthony Fauci said the pace of COVID-19 vaccinations in the U.S. has picked up considerably and predicted that by April all groups of people would be able to start getting the vaccine.

Up to 50,000 COVID-19 cases can be traced back to Mardi Gras 2020, study finds

A new study shows the lack of COVID-19 safety regulations during last year’s Mardi Gras at the dawn of the pandemic likely caused it to be a superspreader event that spawned up to 50,000 cases.

No increase in sports injuries because of masks, Minnesota health officials say

Injuries in youth and high school sports have not increased this season because of the state's mask mandate, health officials told senators Wednesday.

N95 mask scam: Federal government says counterfeit masks sold to hospitals in at least 5 states

Federal authorities are investigating a massive counterfeit N95 mask operation in which fake 3M masks were sold in at least five states to hospitals, medical facilities and government agencies.

Remdesivir effective against COVID-19, University of Minnesota study says

University of Minnesota Medical School researchers say a new study shows remdesivir’s effectiveness in combatting COVID-19 infections.

Minnesota launches 4 new National Suicide Prevention Lifeline call centers

Governor Tim Walz announced that Minnesota is opening four new call centers for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline in an effort to provide more mental health support to residents.

Researchers concerned ‘escape mutation’ found in COVID-19 variants may help virus evade antibodies

The E484K mutation - nicknamed “Eeek” - was first discovered in the South African variant. But now researchers are growing more concerned after finding it in the Brazilian variant and, most recently, some cases of the U.K. variant as well.

Minnesota reports 2nd child death from COVID-19

The Minnesota Department of Health reported 677 new COVID-19 cases and 11 more deaths Wednesday, one of whom was a child.

House requests briefing from postmaster general about ‘alarmingly high’ COVID-19 infections among USPS workers

The House Oversight Committee has asked USPS postmaster general Louis DeJoy to address the “alarmingly high numbers of coronavirus infections and deaths suffered by postal workers.”

CDC considers requiring negative COVID-19 test for domestic air travel

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg on Monday said there is an “active conversation with the CDC” going on regarding imposing requirement of a negative COVID-19 test for domestic airline flights, similar to what is now required for international flights.

Virginia woman delivers over 400 handmade cards to nursing home residents for Valentine’s Day

It has been nearly one year now since the coronavirus pandemic locked down nursing homes. Residents are often stuck inside their rooms and their loved ones aren’t allowed to visit. That’s why one Fairfax County woman is using handmade cards to spread love and joy to seniors.

Uber, Walgreens partner to offer free rides to COVID-19 vaccine appointments in underserved communities

Walgreens is teaming up with Uber to offer free rides to vaccine appointments, furthering Uber’s initiative to ensure transportation isn’t the reason somebody can’t get the vaccine.