Coronavirus Update Newsletter Intro

As the coronavirus spreads, this newsletter will keep you up to date. Our staff-produced coverage is available for free to non-subscribers as a public service. Please consider subscribing to the Star Tribune to help us continue this vital work.

The latest

• Minnesota essential workers and medically vulnerable to get coronavirus shots starting in April: Once 70% of Minnesota's seniors are vaccinated by the end of March, the state's COVID-19 vaccine rollout will move on to those with underlying health conditions and workers who are at high risk for infection. The next phase will unfold in aseries of four tiers.
  
• Declining ICU admissions in Minnesota a sign of vaccine progress: The number of COVID-19 patients in Minnesota intensive care beds declined to 50 on Wednesday, a signal to at least one doctor that the state's vaccination campaign is paying off.
  
• Minnesota health officials ask students and families to take COVID-19 tests every two weeks: Experts recommend that schoolchildren and their families get tested for COVID-19 every two weeks as more students return to classrooms.
  

Must-read resources

• What you need to know about Minnesota's COVID-19 vaccine plan: Here are answers to questions you may have about vaccines and the state's strategy to vaccinate millions of Minnesotans.
  
• Tracking the coronavirus in Minnesota: Explore our interactive map to see how COVID-19 cases have spread across the state.
  

Stay in the know

• Get complete coverage of the coronavirus in Minnesota: Browse recent stories and read more frequently asked questions.