Minnesota enters the last week of 2020 carrying a heavy burden of more than 400,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases and more than 5,100 deaths from the disease.

But as a new year approaches, there are signs of hope. Distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine will continue this week across the state, with vaccinations ramping up for residents and staff at Minnesota's long-term care facilities. They're next in line after thousands of health-care workers in the state have received their first doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines in the past couple weeks.

This is an MPR News morning update for Monday, December 28, 2020. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer.

Our theme music is by Gary Meister.