Coronavirus (COVID-19) Coverage

News-Talk 1340 KROC AM & 96.9 FM is dedicated to keeping you up to date with the latest Coronavirus (COVID-19) news and information from across Southeast Minnesota. Scroll down for the latest local Coronavirus articles.

LIVE UPDATES: Coronavirus in Rochester, MN

Download the KROC News App to have the latest COVID-19 updates sent to your phone.

Local Restaurant Listings: Deals, Discounts, Special Services Offered
Local Business Open During COVID-19 Pandemic
Local Deals, Discounts, and Freebies During COVID-19 Pandemic
Virtual Tip Jar for Service Industry — Click to Tip!

COVID-19 HOTLINE: Questions about COVID-19? Call the MN Dept of Health COVID-19 Hotline at 651-201-3920 Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Helpful links:

Centers for Disease Control & Prevention
World Health Organization
Minnesota Dept of Health
Olmsted County Public Health
Mayo Clinic MN Board of Nursing
IRS

Rochester Area COVID Activity Lowest Reported in 10 Weeks

After peaking in early November, COVID-19 activity continues to trend downward in Olmsted County and across much of the state.

Andy Brownell

New Round Of COVID Grants For Olmsted County Businesses

Olmsted County businesses and non-profits that have been financially affected by the pandemic are being reminded of a local grant program that begins this week.

Kim David

High Demand Overwhelmed Minnesota Pilot Vaccine Program Website

An online appointment portal for a pilot COVID-19 vaccination program in Minnesota was hammered by over 10,000 hits per second after it was launched at noon today.

Andy Brownell

Rochester Pre-K through 2nd Grade Students Resume Hybrid Schedule

Some students in the Rochester School District will be returning to school for in-person instruction tomorrow.

Andy Brownell

Rochester Chosen to Participate in Pilot COVID Vaccine Program

Rochester is among the nine locations in Minnesota chosen to participate in a pilot COVID-19 vaccination program announced today by Governor Tim Walz.

Andy Brownell

Communitywide COVID Testing Event in Rochester This Week

The saliva tests will be free and available to anyone.

Andy Brownell

Rochester Area COVID Vaccination Rate is Now Over 10 Percent

The most recent update from the state shows close to 185,000 Minnesotans have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.

Andy Brownell

Four More COVID Related Deaths Reported in the Rochester Area

The number of Olmsted County residents who have died after contracting the viral illness now stands at 75.

Andy Brownell

President-Elect Biden Proposes $1.9 Trillion COVID Package

It includes another $1400 in COVID relief payments to individuals.

Associated Press

Minnesota Residents 65 and Older Now Eligible for COVID Vaccine

Minnesota health officials have given the green light to hospitals, healthcare systems, and other organizations administering COVID-19 vaccine shots to provide the vaccine to broader categories of Minnesotans.

Andy Brownell

Mayo Clinic Outlines Plans For Getting COVID Vaccine to Patients

The Mayo Clinic has outlined plans to begin administering COVID-19 vaccine shots to its patients.

Andy Brownell

Seven COVID Deaths Reported Today in SE Minnesota

The grim statistic was reported along with another extension of Minnesota's pandemic emergency.

Andy Brownell

Nickelodeon Universe at MOA Now Open With New Safety Protocols

What's your favorite ride at Nickelodeon Universe? ...and do you think it is safe enough to go there?

Jessica Williams

Minnesota Cafe Reaches Settlement For COVID Pandemic Violations

A central Minnesota restaurant that defied the governor's pandemic executive orders has worked out a settlement with Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison.

Andy Brownell