AP National News

The Latest: Minnesota officials urge proper mask wearing

By The Associated Press

MINNEAPOLIS — Minnesota health officials urged this week that people wear masks — and wear them properly — as the state reported an additional 964 new infections on Saturday. More than 6,300 people have died in Minnesota and more than 470,000 people have had confirmed coronavirus cases since the start of the pandemic. State figures show more than 209,010 people…

AP Week in Pictures, Global

AP

POW Slug: Pictures of the Week Photo Gallery–Global Headline: AP Week in Pictures, Global FEB. 6 – 12, 2021 This photo gallery highlights some of the most compelling images made or published in the past week by The Associated Press from around the world. The selection was curated by AP photo editor Patrick Sison in New York. Follow AP visual…

The Latest: Mexico to lower virus alert level in many states

By The Associated Press

MEXICO CITY __ Mexico is reducing its COVID-19 alert level in about half of the country’s states amid a drop in infections and hospitalizations in many places, including the capital. Mexico City announced that starting next week gyms, indoor swimming pools and churches will be allowed to open and restaurants will be able to operate outdoors until 10 p.m. Mexico’s…

The Latest: Australia’s 2nd largest city to begin lockdown

By The Associated Press

MELBOURNE, Australia — Australia’s second-largest city will begin its third lockdown due to a rapidly spreading COVID-19 cluster centered on hotel quarantine. The five-day lockdown will be enforced across Victoria state to prevent the virus spreading from the state capital Melbourne, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews says. Only international flights that were already in the air when the lockdown was announced…