Recent content from Glenn Howatt
Minnesota group home capacity shrinks amid staffing shortages
For the first time since 2019, the number of group home licenses has fallen.
Vulnerable Minnesotans face new risks as mask mandates end
Transplant recipients and those with chronic illnesses worry COVID-19 will continue to spread as more Minnesotans stop wearing masks.
New omicron subvariant found in Twin Cities area wastewater
The subvariant, which has been detected in low levels in Twin Cities area wastewater, is 30-50% more infectious than its predecessor, but researchers are still trying to determine whether it is more severe.
Minn. EMS workers depart as demand for services grows
Regulators and the industry are seeking regulatory flexibility to address staff shortages.
Can at-home COVID-19 tests survive Minnesota's frigid temperatures?
The tests should be used only at room temperature, and there are ways to tell if the test performed properly.
Omicron continues retreat in Minnesota: 'It appears that we have peaked'
But health officials caution that new case rates are still high.
Advocates call for COVID-19 protections for Minnesota prisoners
Nearly 35% of Minnesota prisoners tested positive for COVID-19 last week.
Minnesota COVID-19 cases set monthly record in January
More than 275,000 new infections were detected in January, but omicron has not caused as many hospitalizations and deaths, due in part to Minnesota's COVID-19 vaccination rate of 64.7%.
Doctor suspended over Beltrami County Jail death
Board said a Beltrami County jail inmate suffered from medical neglect that led to his death.
Omicron variant now hitting Minnesota long-term care homes
New cases had been falling last month after residents received COVID-19 vaccine boosters
Minn. infectious disease director Kris Ehresmann to retire Feb. 2
Kris Ehresmann, a key architect of the state's response to the COVID pandemic, will retire in February after more than 30 years at the state's health agency.
State shutters troubled northeast Mpls. nursing home
Twin City Gardens was placed under state receivership in October because of patient care lapses and financial difficulties.
After signs of retreat, COVID-19 roars back as 2022 begins
Health officials are expecting the omicron variant to fuel new cases in the coming weeks.
After year of virtually no cases, seasonal flu is back in Minnesota
Although flu infections are not yet swamping the system, health officials report a noticeable uptick in cases that began in early December and continues to escalate.
Walz: $2.5M in federal funds will increase at-home virus tests
More than 200,000 residents took COVID-19 tests in the days before Christmas. The testing labs reported 9,873 positive test results over the three-day period that included Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Minnesota passes 1 million COVID cases, but growth slows
With the highly contagious omicron variant accounting for over 50% of new cases, according to state health officials, Minnesota could see an escalation of infections similar to what is happening in many other states.
COVID-19 rapid tests in high demand as omicron takes hold in Minn.
Tests are a hot item for Christmas this year, but availability is spotty as families seek reassurance before holiday gatherings.
Sarah Stoesz, longtime CEO of Minnesota Planned Parenthood, to step down in 2022
The leadership change comes at a time when the future of abortion rights is uncertain nationwide.
COVID-19 vaccine boosters approved for all adults, will start immediately in Minn.
With cases rising, public health officials hope the approval will slow virus spread.
Minn. hospitals get federal help to address staff shortages
HCMC and St. Cloud Hospital each will receive 22 emergency medical workers from the Department of Defense. Cerenity Senior Care-Marian in St. Paul will become the third long-term care facility in the state to open its beds to hospitalized patients.
Study: Raising tobacco purchase age lowered youth tobacco use
Minnesota eighth- and ninth-graders used tobacco less often in communities that set purchase age at 21.
Hastings' Regina Hospital to close birthing center
Labor and delivery patients will be referred to United and Children's Minnesota hospitals in St. Paul.
Shots for Minnesota teens rise 38% with $200 incentive program
The state is offering $200 to teens who get fully vaccinated by end of November. Those wanting the $200 Visa gift card should get their first dose by Nov. 9 in order to complete the two doses needed to qualify.
More than 1,100 Minnesota providers are ready to give COVID-19 shots to kids
Federal approvals of the COVID-19 vaccine for children 5-11 are expected next week.
State regulators take control of Minneapolis nursing home
Twin City Gardens has been cited for violating federal and state regulations during inspections and complaint investigations and had numerous unpaid bills.
Minnesota school COVID-19 cases plunge since mid-September
COVID-19 cases in Minnesota pre-K-12 schools have dropped significantly with the number of new infections falling nearly 70%. One student and two staff members have died of COVID-19 complications last week.
Minnesota prepares to vaccinate children for COVID-19
The shots will be available shortly after federal officials give approval, expected in early November.
U, Mayo win $19.4 million grant to study heart health disparities
New research center will address high rates of heart disease in Black, Indigenous and people of color communities.
Minnesota Guard to assist with long-term care staffing shortage
The National Guard will also be used to start a new community rapid testing program.
![Staff vaccination rates at Minnesota nursing homes are now at 72%. ] Jerry Holt •Jerry.Holt@startribune.com](https://chorus.stimg.co/22915198/ows_848e79f7_e5cb_4bab_acc2_26ff1be0eb6d.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Nursing home staff vaccinations increase ahead of federal mandate, but some quit
Despite concerns that an upcoming federal vaccination mandate for long-term care workers would lead to resignations, Minnesota nursing homes so far have consistently managed to staff about two health care workers for every resident, although some are temporary employees.
![Minnesota hospital beds are in short supply because of seasonal illnesses and trauma patients as well as COVID-19 patients. ] AARON LAVINSKY • aaron](https://chorus.stimg.co/22908983/ows_5d3cbf93_82eb_42bd_828d_2b6c08817240.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Minnesota hospital beds in short supply
As COVID-19 case surge continues, urban and rural hospitals are filling up.
Nonfatal drug overdoses up 18% in Minnesota
The increases come as drug overdose deaths in Minnesota reached record levels.
1M Minnesotans eligible for Pfizer COVID vaccine booster shot
Minnesotans might get shots quicker at pharmacies than at large health care systems, state health officials said, adding that Pfizer vaccine supply is sufficient to meet demand.
![Child-care providers in Minnesota soon will be able to receive financial assistance under a $300 million state grant program. ] Shari L. Gross • s](https://chorus.stimg.co/22871127/ows_79d9e0e7_1c4a_40cd_90f8_22f156ccda90.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Minnesota child-care providers to receive $300 million in grants
The program will help improve child-care worker salaries.
Minnesota surpasses 8,000 COVID-19 deaths as hospitals fill
Hospitalizations set a 2021 record with 791 COVID-19 patients. Of the state's 1,206 intensive care beds, 95% are occupied. About 92% of non-ICU beds are full.
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.
