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.”
South Africa pivots to unapproved Johnson & Johnson vaccine after scrapping AstraZeneca
South Africa's health minister says the country will begin administering the unapproved Johnson & Johnson vaccine to its front-line health workers next week.
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.
Minnesota reports 586 new COVID-19 cases, 6 more deaths Tuesday
The Minnesota Department of Health reported 586 new COVID-19 cases and six more deaths Tuesday.
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.
World Health Organization says coronavirus unlikely to have leaked from Chinese lab
A World Health Organization expert says the coronavirus is unlikely to have leaked from a Chinese lab.
Commissioner signals no immediate plan to advise middle and high school return to in-person
It could be some time before state leaders advise middle and high school students on the possible return to in-person learning full time.
Pete Buttigieg to quarantine after security agent tests positive for COVID-19
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg will quarantine for 14 days after a member of his security detail tested positive Monday for the coronavirus.
Coronavirus variants: Experts fear mutations could mean COVID-19 reinfections
Evidence is mounting that having COVID-19 may not protect a person against getting infected again with some of the new variants emerging around the world.
Minnesota COVID-19 vaccine pace moves ahead of US average, as hospitals backtrack from concerns
Minnesota's coronavirus vaccination pace has moved ahead of the U.S. average, as Minnesota hospitals backtracked from concerns about the state's vaccine rollout.
Minnesota expands access to COVID-19 vaccinations at pharmacies
More Minnesotans will have access to COVID-19 vaccinations at pharmacies across the state this week, Gov. Tim Walz’s office announced Monday.
Minnesota opens new COVID-19 community vaccination site in Rochester
Minnesota is opening a new COVID-19 community vaccination site in Rochester this week, the third such site in the state, Gov. Tim Walz announced Monday.