Recent content from Glenn Howatt
Weekly COVID count rises in Minnesota's pre-K-12 schools
Governor for third day visits schools at the start of classes, urges child vaccinations for those 12 and older who are eligible.
COVID outbreak in Albert Lea schools brings mask mandate
State officials are concerned that outbreaks could emerge in other districts without a mask mandate.
Wintertime virus keeps Minnesota hospitals busy during summer
COVID-19, traumatic injuries and staffing shortages add to pressure on hospitals
![Federal health officials recommend people wear masks in crowded outdoor settings where COVID-19 transmission is high. ] GLEN STUBBE • glen.stubbe@s](https://chorus.stimg.co/22803778/ows_f98c9b97_f7e7_48c4_8d34_edab819e6a59.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Health officials: Wear masks in outdoor crowds
The delta variant is spreading not only indoors but also in outdoor settings
Minnesota health officials hope for COVID-19 vaccine boost from FDA approval
Vaccine hesitancy has waned, but some say they are waiting for reassurance of full regulatory approval
Minnesota long-term care COVID-19 cases are on the rise
About 34% of facility workers are not fully vaccinated as officials await more details about a federal mandate that workers get the COVID-19 vaccine.
Health officials: Minnesotans should wait to get booster shots
Details about when boosters will commence and eligibility are yet to be revealed
![About 115,000 Minnesotans with weakened immune systems are now eligible to receive a third COVID-19 vaccine shot. ] ANTHONY SOUFFLE • anthony.souffl](https://chorus.stimg.co/22781616/ows_4c50654e_429a_40b5_8a02_ea337f4233e2.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
115,000 Minnesotans now eligible for third COVID-19 vaccine shot
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Minn. doctor disciplined for discouraging childhood vaccines
Four complaints filed against the Eden Prairie pediatrician, including two by physicians
![Minnesotans’ general health could suffer if they continue to delay preventive care because of the ongoing pandemic, health officials say. ] ANTHONY](https://chorus.stimg.co/22767374/ows_07abea1b_243f_40e1_830b_50caa69a44bb.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
COVID-19 has led to reduced preventive health care in Minnesota
Screenings for colorectal cancer and depression were down compared with 2019 and the quality of care was not as good for patients with diabetes, asthma and vascular disease, according to Minnesota Community Measurement.
CDC: Most metro counties join indoor mask guideline list
In the seven-county metro, all counties except Carver are seeing worrisome case transmission rates, in addition to 29 more counties statewide, based on per capita case rates and percentage of tests that are positive.
![Minnesotans who get their first COVID-19 shot July 30 through Aug. 15 can register to receive a $100 gift card. ] ALEX KORMANN • alex.kormann@s](https://chorus.stimg.co/22749493/ows_051e49fa_ee58_4f8b_99b1_7bf7ab5e9f65.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Minnesota offers $100 for getting COVID-19 shots
People who get their first dose between July 30 and August 15 are eligible
Minnesota virus hospitalizations double in 2 weeks, top 200
Governor promotes vaccine education that will take place in 14 Black-owned barber shops and salons in Minnesota.
Rising virus cases in Minnesota fuel an uptick in hospitalizations
With 47% of state residents not fully vaccinated, public health officials are concerned the delta variant could fuel another surge in cases.
Delta variant causing 75% of new Minnesota COVID-19 cases
Minnesota inched closer to meeting its COVID-19 vaccination goal, with 67.9% of those age 16 and older getting at least one shot, the state Health Department reported.
2 Legionnaires' cases linked to Albert Lea hotel
MDH warns people who stayed at the hotel in late June to seek medical care if they're feeling ill.
Minnesota COVID-19 vaccination incentives fall short
Most who got shots didn't register for state's prizes.
Archive: Tracking COVID-19 vaccinations in Minnesota
Daily vaccination data is not being updated after June 30, 2021. To see current weekly vaccination rates and COVID-19 data in Minnesota, go here.…
Minnesota's COVID-19 vaccine equity efforts to move beyond high-risk areas
As the pace of first doses slows, state officials are preparing new strategies for closing the gaps.
Minnesota adolescent mental health treatment facility closes abruptly
Cambia Hills cites payment dispute with state regulators as reason for closing.
Minneapolis and St. Paul now ending COVID-19 mask mandate
The move comes two weeks after Minnesota's statewide mandate was lifted.
What you need to know about Minnesota's COVID-19 restrictions
The latest updates on Gov. Tim Walz's coronavirus restrictions, from mask mandates to caps on gatherings.
Live: Latest updates and what you need to know about COVID-19
As the novel coronavirus spreads across the world, we've answered reader question about what they most want to know about the outbreak.
Minnesota makes progress on closing vaccine disparities gap
40% of first doses still being allocated to most vulnerable communities.
Some Minnesota businesses, areas keep a mask requirement
Gov. Tim Walz canceled the mandate Friday but said cities and businesses can set their own policies. For the near future, Minnesotans are likely to face a patchwork of different rules.
What you need to know about Minnesota's vaccine plan
Here are answers to questions you may have about vaccines and the state's strategy to vaccinate millions of Minnesotans.
![Maddox Nichols, 13, of Minneapolis, got his first dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine from nurse Erin Oleson Thursday at Children’s Minnesota. ] ANT](https://chorus.stimg.co/22514793/ows_c5e84304_2737_49ea_bf7b_f1092dea6955.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Minnesota reports 1,306 new COVID-19 cases, 9 more deaths
Minnesota begins first day without a mask mandate since July
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz to lift state's mask mandate today
Businesses will be free to make their own decisions about whether to ask customers or employees to mask up, and Minneapolis will keep its requirement until officials there have had time to review data and consult health advisers.
Gov. Tim Walz says state mask mandate to be lifted Friday
It comes after the CDC's new guidance on masks.
Minnesota's suicide deaths dropped in all groups but seniors in 2020
Suicides decreased to 723 in 2020, down from 830 the previous year.
Fentanyl pushes Minnesota drug overdose deaths up 27%
The onset of the coronavirus last year led many treatment and outreach resources to shut down, limiting access.
Minnesota to send 40% of COVID-19 vaccine doses to hard-hit communities
CDC study confirms effectiveness of Moderna and Pfizer vaccines against hospitalization
COVID-19 vaccination rates fall short in parts of Minnesota
First-vaccination rates still below 40% in eight counties in Minnesota.
1,197 more Minnesota COVID-19 cases, 0 new deaths
State could reach 2.5 million Minnesotans vaccinated with one dose this week
1,367 new COVID-19 cases, 3 more deaths reported in Minnesota
Young Minnesotans account for 23% of new cases
Minnesota's COVID-19 case rates have grown 25 days in a row
The state's test positivity rate and hospitalization growth rate are also at levels that public officials consider to be warning signs.
![Critical care nurses and respiratory therapists prepared to supine a proned patient at North Memorial Health Hospital in December. ] AARON LAVINSKY](https://chorus.stimg.co/22423030/ows_2f33d1bf_a1a6_4f17_9424_34b7ff2c0045.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
State's COVID-19 hospitalizations almost double February totals
Some evidence suggests that highly infectious and possibly more serious COVID-19 variants are also responsible, sickening those at younger ages who would have otherwise not needed medical care.
Minnesota State Fairgrounds to become COVID vaccination site
Gov. Tim Walz and FEMA announced Monday that shots will begin at the Falcon Heights location on April 14.
Minnesota offers financial assistance to older children who lost foster care benefits
An estimated 770 youth who have aged out or are close to it would be eligible for assistance.
COVID-19 pandemic fuels telehealth expansion
Emergency changes in telehealth rules likely to outlast pandemic.
Minnesota tops 1,700 new COVID-19 cases for third consecutive day
More than 1 million COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered this month.
All Minnesotans 16 and up to be eligible for vaccine on Tuesday
Gov. Tim Walz will make the announcement on Friday. Vaccinators will be asked to prioritize shots to those with high COVID-19 risk.
Younger Minnesotans lead COVID-19 case growth
New infections have jumped 9% this month in 10- to 14-year-olds. Officials reported 1,857 new COVID-19 cases and 16 deaths.
Walz: Minnesota on track to meet Biden COVID-19 vaccine goal
All adults will be eligible by May, but shots could stretch into June.
1,107 new COVID-19 cases, 13 more deaths in Minnesota
Nearly 21% of states residents have received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose
Lab reporting backlog adds 138 COVID-19 deaths to Minnesota toll
Four labs now face state investigation, possible administrative penalties for reporting failures.
Minnesota to address racial and ethnic inequities in COVID-19 vaccinations
COVID-19 vaccinations for Minnesota's Black, Hispanic and Asian populations lag behind shots given to the state's white population. The information comes from 10 large health care systems.
Eligible Minn. family caregivers turned away for COVID vaccine
People who care for relatives with complex needs qualify as health care workers, but some clinics and local public health agencies aren't aware of that.
First doses of new COVID-19 vaccine arrive in Minnesota
The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is the third vaccine to receive regulatory approval
![Registered nurse Darcey McCampbell measured a dose of the Pfizer COVID vaccine in January at a vaccine clinic site in Brooklyn Center. ] GLEN STUB](https://chorus.stimg.co/22342747/ows_d59ce3dd_707a_4e07_92bb_339c599cb8d9.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
788 new COVID-19 cases, 17 more deaths in Minnesota
Nearly 17% of the state's population has been vaccinated
Type 1 diabetes, rare diseases, added to vaccine priority groups
Minnesota health officials also added workers in the court system and some public health jobs after the 70% of those 65 and older are vaccinated by the end of the month.
![M Health Fairview nurse Nicole Parr extracted a dose of the Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine on Feb. 19 at Shiloh Temple in Minneapolis. ] AARON LA](https://chorus.stimg.co/22340061/ows_129c8b9d_b637_47fc_a82d_cd5003c037dd.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
53% of Minnesota seniors have received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose
Goal is to get 70% vaccinated by end of March
Vaccine for at-risk patients is next step in Minnesota's rollout
More than 1.3 million Minnesotans will become eligible for vaccine in April due to underlying health conditions. But new questions were raised by a federal panel Monday that some states were defining eligibility too narrowly.
16% of Minnesotans have received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose
The number of doses given increased 28% last week
Health advocates warn Minnesota's COVID-19 vaccine priorities ignore high-risk individuals
New state vaccination guidelines leave off people with some chronic conditions and disabilities
Minnesota reports 1,156 new COVID-19 cases, 12 more deaths
More than 800,000 Minnesotans have received first doses of COVID-19 vaccine.
![Leona Murphy, 77, of St. Paul, received a dose of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine Feb. 5 at a United Family Medicine clinic in St. Paul. ] AARON LA](https://chorus.stimg.co/22328663/ows_387c5358_8c42_4b00_a72c_f89f90d00954.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Minnesota essential workers, vulnerable get vaccine 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.
Students, families asked to take COVID tests every 2 weeks
Recommendation comes as more children are returning to school.
Walz set to announce next phases in vaccine rollout today
State will prioritize essential workers and medically vulnerable after 70% of seniors are vaccinated by the end of March
Minnesota reports 761 new COVID-19 cases, nine more deaths
Feds send $3M to Minnesota for COVID-19 vaccination sites
University of Minnesota to launch program on health equity research
Donation will fund a center for anti-racism health equity research in School of Public Health
Walz to announce soon new COVID vaccine priority groups
It could come within a week after state officials make final decisions about the next phase of the rollout, the governor said.
One additional death reported; 513 new COVID cases in state
Nearly 14% of the state's residents have received at least one COVID-19 vaccine shot
Hennepin Healthcare hires first chief health equity officer
The hire is part of an effort to eliminate health care disparities and improve patient health.
Minnesota hospitals start outreach to improve COVID-19 vaccine equity
Some Minnesota health care systems have begun COVID-19 vaccination outreach programs to communities that have been hit the hardest by the pandemic.The efforts come as…
Minnesota falling behind in equitable allocation of COVID-19 vaccine
Recent shift in vaccine priority groups delays shots for those at highest risk, critics say
COVID-19 cases plunge at Minnesota senior homes as vaccinations ramp up
State health officials say there are promising signs the COVID-19 vaccine is reducing infections.
Minn. hospitals criticize state's COVID-19 vaccine allocations
Some providers have not received any vaccine for weeks, the trade group said, adding that the new state COVID-19 vaccine allocation system deprives some rural communities of doses needed for patients.
22,643 more Minnesotans get first COVID-19 vaccine shot
State health officials estimate that 9% of the state's population has gotten at least one of the two recommended shots. Among those 65 and older, the number is 23.1%. Minnesota providers will receive nearly 84,000 vaccine doses next week.
Osterholm: Delay 2nd COVID-19 dose to get more vaccinated
Speaking before a Minnesota House health committee, the epidemiologist said that with many other vaccines immunity protection improves when the doses are spaced out by months. The Minnesota Department of Health said it plans no changes to the dosing schedule.
'Closer to home': State has 35K doses for seniors at 100 sites
Minnesota health officials are shifting away from reliance on nine state-sponsored COVID-19 community vaccination sites that opened two weeks ago toward established local providers, long the backbone for delivering influenza and other vaccinations.
Minnesota reports 727 new COVID-19 infections, two more deaths
7.6% of state residents have been vaccinated
Minnesota's independent clinics struggle to get COVID-19 vaccine
Six weeks after the first COVID-19 vaccine was administered in Minnesota, clinics not part of the large health systems are getting their first notification about where they stand in line, raising questions about planning shortfalls.
Some Minnesota seniors getting COVID-19 vaccine in clinics
It does raise questions about the distribution system for Minnesota's seniors, given that some have to wait while others don't.
Minnesota chooses 9,425 seniors to receive COVID-19 vaccine
State officials have begun notifying seniors who were picked to receive COVID-19 vaccines this week by text, e-mail or phone. There were 18 COVID-19 deaths and 851 new confirmed cases Wednesday.
