'This thing is going to be with us'

Snow on Mother’s Day? If you were thinking of going outside for this Mother’s Day weekend, sorry but the forecast says you better stay indoors. A mix of rain and snow is expected Saturday evening, and cold temps will arrive in Minnesota after the slushy mix -- with highs Sunday in the 40s across the state.

COVID-19 in Minnesota today: No in-person graduation ceremonies this spring. Minnesota is banning traditional, large-scale high school graduation ceremonies to limit the spread of the coronavirus, and is encouraging schools to hold online ceremonies instead, state officials said. The announcement came as the state reported 534 people have died, up 26 from Thursday, while the total number of cases confirmed since the pandemic began crossed 10,000.

80 percent of COVID-19 deaths in MN tied to long-term care facilities. Tests have been available for residents showing symptoms, but not for people who were asymptomatic. As it turns out, some were infectious, too. It’s time for a new testing policy, Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm said. Officials this week announced a new plan to expand on-site testing and quickly follow up with facilities as well as help with the staffing shortage.

Will Minnesota schools be able to reopen this fall? Public schools in Minnesota remain closed until the end of this academic year, at least. While waiting for guidance from the state regarding what’s next, many districts have begun to move forward with their own plans -- Sneeze guards, face masks and no cafeteria lunches. Here’s what some school leaders in the state have come up with to safely reopen schools this summer, fall and beyond.

Mysterious inflammatory syndrome among some children and teens likely linked to COVID-19. In New York State, 64 children and teens are suspected of having a mysterious inflammatory syndrome that is believed to be linked to COVID-19. The syndrome remains extremely uncommon, doctors say, but if your child spikes a high, persistent fever, and has severe abdominal pain with vomiting that doesn't make them feel better, call your doctor as a precaution.

From COVID-19 news for you and your kids, to conversations with other Minnesotan parents, join our Raising Kids in Minnesota parents group.

— Jiwon Choi, MPR News