Minnesota Department of Health: Press Releases

January 27, 2021

Minnesota reaches milestone of 1 million COVID-19 tests through community sites

Testing remains vital tool in effort to crush COVID-19 even as vaccines roll out

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) today announced it has passed 1 million tests administered through the state’s community testing sites. There are currently more than 20 testing sites located around the state, all of which offer no-barrier access to testing.

“This milestone is a credit to the incredible effort from so many people around the state, and it reminds us of the continued importance of testing for preventing the spread of COVID-19,” said Dan Huff, MDH assistant commissioner for health protection. “Testing has been a vital part of our response to the pandemic all along, and it remains one of our most powerful tools to beating this virus. Even as we see progress in vaccination efforts, we must remain vigilant and follow the safety guidelines of masking, social distancing, staying at home if sick, and getting tested.”

In all, Minnesota has conducted more than 6.4 million tests since the start of the pandemic. While many of those tests are done through private health care systems, long-term care facilities, and other settings, the community testing sites offer testing to any person who believes they need a COVID-19 test, with or without insurance. This week’s milestone marks 1 million tests through those community testing sites.

“Our testing strategy has focused on reaching as many people as possible, and offering options to reduce barriers for people,” Huff said. “As Minnesotans across the state continue returning to the classroom, youth sports, and other activities, we need people to continue seeking out testing so we can identify cases early and help those who have COVID-19 know what actions they can to take to avoid spreading the virus to others in their community. The importance of that testing is reflected in our updated testing recommendations, which urge young people ages 12-25 to seek out regular testing. Regular testing of our young people helps protect their families and friends who may be at higher risk for severe disease and it gives our schools the best chance to succeed.”

In addition to people with symptoms, case contacts and those interacting with people outside of their household, MDH recommends regular testing every two weeks or monthly for young people in K-12 schools, colleges and trade schools, young athletes, and those involved in other extracurricular activities using the state’s extensive statewide testing operation.

“Contrary to some myths, testing does not sideline your team,” Huff said. “COVID infections can and do put teams on the bench. Young people are often asymptomatic, allowing them to inadvertently spread the virus, and this can lead to bigger outbreaks that really hurt communities. Testing helps identify cases early, so they don’t have a chance to spread. Keeping youth sports safe is key to keeping sports and schools open.”

Residents have several ways in which they can access no-barrier testing, including more than 20 community testing sites, a mail-order at-home test program, and clinics and hospitals across the state. Tests remain no-cost to those getting the test, but they are asked to provide their insurance information so the state can seek reimbursement from insurance companies.

January 25, 2021

MDH lab testing confirms nation’s first known COVID-19 case associated with Brazil P.1 variant

Patient recently returned to Minnesota after having traveled to Brazil

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) today announced that its Public Health Laboratory has found the variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus known as the Brazil P.1 variant in a specimen from a Minnesota resident with recent travel history to Brazil. While this variant is thought to be more transmissible than the initial strain of the virus that causes COVID-19 disease, it is not yet known whether the variant causes more severe illness.

This case marks the first documented instance of the Brazil P.1 variant in the United States. The variant was found through the MDH’s variant surveillance program. Each week this program collects 50 random samples from the University of Minnesota clinical laboratories, Infinity Biologix Laboratory in Oakdale, and other testing partners and then conducts special testing using a process called whole genome sequencing. Through this program, the state develops a more accurate picture of what specific forms of COVID-19 are circulating in Minnesota.

According to Minnesota Commissioner of Health Jan Malcolm, this new finding underscores the importance of COVID-19 testing as well as continued efforts by all Minnesotans to limit the spread of the disease.

“We’re thankful that our testing program helped us find this case, and we thank all Minnesotans who seek out testing when they feel sick or otherwise have reason to get a test,” Minnesota Commissioner of Health Jan Malcolm said. “We know that even as we work hard to defeat COVID-19, the virus continues to evolve as all viruses do. That’s yet another reason why we want to limit COVID-19 transmission – the fewer people who get COVID-19, the fewer opportunities the virus has to evolve. The good news is that we can slow the spread of this variant and all COVID-19 variants by using the tried-and-true prevention methods of wearing masks, keeping social distance, staying home when sick, and getting tested when appropriate.”

The patient with the Brazil P.1 variant is a resident of the Twin Cities metro area. The person became ill during the first week of January and the specimen was collected Jan. 9. The patient spoke with MDH case investigators after the initial test came back positive for COVID-19, and reported traveling to Brazil prior to becoming ill. The person was advised during that interview to isolate from others and have any household contacts observe quarantine, as per standard protocol. With the new lab information showing the case to be the Brazil P.1 variant, MDH epidemiologists are re-interviewing the person to obtain more details about the illness, travel and contacts.

“One of the reasons we are able to detect those variants of concern in Minnesota so quickly is that we have one of the best public health laboratory surveillance systems in the U.S.,” said Commissioner Malcolm.

The MDH Public Health Laboratory also found two more cases of the B.1.1.7 variant – commonly known as the UK variant – through last week’s COVID-19 variant surveillance testing. Of the two new cases with the UK variant detected by MDH, both are Twin Cities metro area residents and both reported recent travel to California. One had no symptoms but sought testing following their travel, as recommended by MDH and CDC guidelines. One had a symptom onset date of Jan. 3, 2021.

MDH also reported that the CDC identified one additional patient with the variant – also a metro area resident – with recent travel history to the Dominican Republic. This case had a symptom onset date of Jan. 10, 2021.

With these latest cases, a total of eight UK variant cases now have been identified in Minnesota, although more are suspected to exist.

“These cases illustrate why it is so important to limit travel during a pandemic as much as possible,” said State Epidemiologist Dr. Ruth Lynfield. “If you must travel, it is important to watch for symptoms of COVID-19, follow public health guidance on getting tested prior to travel, use careful protective measures during travel, and quarantine and get tested after travel.”

For passengers traveling to the United States from abroad, a negative test from within three days of travel or certificate of prior infection will be required to board, beginning Jan. 26. Travelers are recommended to test for COVID-19 three to five days after arrival and quarantine for at least seven days. It is recommended that people consider getting tested one to three days prior to domestic travel, that they restrict their activities for at least seven days upon return, and that they get tested for COVID-19 three to five days after arrival.

“Widespread testing is the best tool we have for tracking what COVID-19 is doing in Minnesota,” MDH Assistant Commissioner Dan Huff said. “Broad testing is also the best way to find asymptomatic cases, which we know can still spread the virus to others. Testing is a key tool in our toolbox to mitigate the impact of this pandemic: Test, isolate, quarantine, practice social distancing, wear a mask, avoid gatherings outside your household whenever possible, and stay home if you are ill.”

More information about variant strains of SARS CoV2 virus can be found on the MDH website.
About COVID-19: COVID-19 variants

Information on precautions and testing associated with traveling can be found at:
CDC: Travel

January 23, 2021

MDH files lawsuit against Alibi Drinkery in Lakeville for operating without a license

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) filed a lawsuit yesterday, Jan. 22, against Alibi Drinkery, located in Lakeville Minn., for operating as a food and beverage service without a license.

MDH notified Alibi Drinkery on December 22 that its license to operate as a food and beverage service establishment would be suspended after twenty days. Separately, that license to operate as a food and beverage service establishment expired on Dec. 31, 2020. Alibi Drinkery continues to operate as a food and beverage establishment without a license, in violation of Minn. Stat. § 157.16

“We do not take enforcement actions lightly,” said Assistant Commissioner Dan Huff. “Even when there is no pandemic, the public depends upon the licensing of bars and restaurants as a basic public health measure – which is why the legislature requires that bars and restaurants have an active license in order to serve the public.”

Alibi’s recent history of noncompliance

The lawsuit, filed yesterday in district court, follows several regulatory actions from the Minnesota Department of Health, the Department of Public Safety, and the Attorney General’s office, including a cease-and-desist order, operating license suspension notice, liquor license suspension notice, and an additional ongoing lawsuit.

Governor Tim Walz issued Executive Order 20-99 on Nov. 18. The executive order prohibited bars and restaurants from offering on-premises dining. The executive order was issued at a time of rapid acceleration in the spread of COVID-19 across Minnesota and sought to protect Minnesotans while also preventing hospitals and health care systems from becoming overwhelmed by the surge in cases.

In December, the establishment announced in a social media post that it was open and welcoming customers to come in for food and drinks. Photos of customers eating and drinking in violation of the executive order were published on social media and in the news. MDH issued a cease-and-desist order and license suspension notice.

Since then, MDH staff found in follow-up inspections that the establishment continued to operate in violation of these notices and regulatory actions.

“The vast majority of businesses are doing their best to help slow down the spread of COVID-19,” said Huff. “Establishments who operated in defiance do not get a free pass. Thousands of other bars and restaurants made sacrifices for the protection of our public health, and we are grateful for their cooperation and selflessness.”

January 21, 2021

Updated state testing guidance focuses on children, college students

As students of all ages return to classrooms, state implores more testing

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) today updated its COVID-19 testing recommendations, focused primarily on young Minnesotans returning to schools, youth sports, and extracurricular activities - especially those ages 12-25.

The new guidance comes as students across the state begin returning to the classroom and extracurricular activities following Governor Walz’s loosening of restrictions on certain activities and sectors of the economy.

The recommendations expand the category of people who should get tested to include students returning to school, youth sports, or extracurricular activities; college and trade school students returning to campus or classes; and anyone who regularly interacts with people outside of their family unit or household. This is in addition to anyone with symptoms, anyone who was exposed to someone who tested positive, or anyone who is working at places that remain open during the pandemic, such as critical infrastructure, first responders, health care, retail, schools, and child care.

“Testing remains one of the most powerful tools we have to stop the spread of COVID-19,” said MDH Assistant Commissioner Huff. “We’ve worked tremendously hard and Minnesotans have made a lot of sacrifices to get students back to their classrooms, sports, and extracurricular activities. Active testing by children, college and trade school students, and those who regularly engage with folks outside of their household—like our teachers—will protect our progress and mitigate the spread of the virus.”

The expanded recommendations complement the increase in testing focused on educators and staff. Early this month, Governor Walz announced that the state would provide training and saliva test kits so that all schools providing in-person or hybrid learning can offer on-site testing to all staff who interact with students. While testing is not required for K-12 teachers or staff, it is required for schools to offer the testing every other week. Since the testing program began, more than 17,000 staff have been tested, with a 0.36% positivity.

Huff emphasized that due to the extremely limited supply of vaccines that the federal government has made available to Minnesota, testing remains a vital tactic for slowing the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

“Even as we begin vaccinating Minnesotans the amount of vaccine that we have received from the federal government is minimal compared to our need,” said Huff. “And just this week we passed 6,000 deaths here in Minnesota. That’s 6,000 lives cut short by this virus. It’s a grim reminder that the pandemic isn’t over and that far too many of our neighbors are still impacted. We must remain vigilant and follow the safety guidelines of masking, social distancing, staying at home if sick, and getting tested.”

Minnesota has an extensive statewide testing operation. Residents have several ways in which they can access no-barrier testing, including more than 20 community testing sites, a mail-order at-home test program, and clinics and hospitals across the state. Tests remain no-cost to the individual but they are asked to provide their insurance information so the state can seek reimbursement from insurance companies.

January 20, 2021

Minnesota reports all COVID-19 vaccine pilot program appointments filled for adults 65+ this week

The State of Minnesota reported this morning that all available COVID-19 vaccine pilot program appointments for adults 65 years of age and older have been filled for this week.

Since noon yesterday, nearly 6,000 Minnesotans 65 years of age and older registered appointments for their first and second doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. Additional appointments are reserved this week for almost 6,000 pre-kindergarten through grade 12 educators, school staff and child care workers.

These Minnesotans with scheduled appointments will begin receiving their first vaccine doses at one of the nine pilot clinics across the state this Thursday, January 21, through Saturday, January 23.

Because this is a pilot program, there is a limited amount of vaccine and appointment slots available for eligible Minnesotans right now. Access is expected to increase as the federal government provides more doses of vaccine to Minnesota in the weeks ahead.

January 19, 2021

Minnesotans 65 and older can schedule appointments for COVID-19 community vaccine clinics starting today at noon

Educators and child care workers will be notified if they receive an appointment

At 12 p.m. today, some Minnesotans eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine will be able to sign up for appointments at one of the state’s nine community vaccination pilot clinics through a new website and call center launched today by the State of Minnesota. The clinics will initially serve adults age 65 and older, as well as prekindergarten through grade 12 educators, staff, and child care workers. (See Who's Getting Vaccinated?)

Because this is a limited pilot program, vaccine demand is certain to outpace available doses at this time, and there will be a limited number of appointments available. Minnesotans are encouraged to remain patient as the state waits for more vaccine doses from the federal government. These initial clinics will set the state on a path for a more extensive network of vaccination clinics in Minnesota communities as the federal government increases vaccine supply.

“Every shot in the arm is another step toward ending this pandemic and these clinics will help us meet the goal of getting millions of Minnesotans vaccinated as quickly and as safely as possible,” Minnesota Commissioner of Health Jan Malcolm said. “To be clear, we do not have enough vaccine for everyone who wants one. Appointment slots will fill very quickly, and most Minnesotans will need to be patient as we wait for more vaccine to arrive in the state. But we are working hard to build a community vaccination system so we are ready along with pharmacies and clinics and others to get Minnesotans immunized once the federal government provides those doses.”

In addition to the pilot clinics, Minnesota health care systems are providing limited vaccine doses to patients 65 years of age and older. Health care providers are developing systems to let their existing patients know when they can make an appointment for a vaccine. Providers will contact patients with this information – Minnesotans should not contact their health care providers directly right now.

Minnesotans age 65 and older can make appointments by visiting mn.gov/vaccine or by calling 612-426-7230 or toll free, 1-833-431-2053. Minnesotans should attempt to make an appointment online before dialing the call center. Minnesotans who cannot immediately make an appointment may be able to sign up for a waitlist.

Available appointments will refresh every Tuesday at noon. Minnesotans will have the opportunity to schedule appointments for both their first and second doses of vaccine.

Educators and child care providers, with few exceptions, will work directly with their employer to receive instructions on how to secure a vaccination appointment and should not try to schedule an appointment unless their employer has contacted them with information about their appointment.

Appointments are required to receive a shot. Minnesotans without an appointment should not visit a community vaccination pilot site. No walk-ins will be accepted, and anyone with the intention of walking in for an appointment will be asked to leave and given information on how to sign up for an appointment. Those on the waitlist will be notified if they should visit a vaccination pilot site for their shot. Minnesotans who are waitlisted but do not receive their vaccine one week will need to sign up again the following week.

No matter how Minnesotans make an appointment, they will be asked to provide the following information:

Name
Minnesota address
Phone number
Email (optional)
Gender/race/ethnicity
Date of birth
Health information, including underlying conditions, current illnesses, and allergies.
Minnesotans who make an appointment should arrive at their assigned pilot site no earlier than 15 minutes before their appointment to ensure social distancing. Educators will need to show an employee ID or a paystub to prove employment.

More information on scheduling can be found at Find My Vaccine.

Because this a pilot program, there is a limited amount of vaccine and appointment slots available for eligible Minnesotans right now. Access will increase as the federal government provides more doses of vaccine to Minnesota in the weeks ahead.

The pilot clinics are located in Andover, Brooklyn Center, Fergus Falls, Mountain Iron, Thief River Falls, St. Cloud, North Mankato, Rochester and Marshall.

“This pilot program is designed to help us how to best serve Minnesotans through our community vaccination strategy,” Commissioner Malcolm said. “What we learn now will help us ensure a smooth process when more doses arrive from the federal government and we can open more community vaccination clinics all across Minnesota. Please be patient. There is not enough vaccine for everyone who wants it. If you cannot make an appointment now, you will be able to soon.”

January 14, 2021

Minnesota urges providers to offer doses to broader groups

New guidance comes as Minnesota nears completion of vaccine rollout for first priority groups, but concerns remain over limited supply from federal government

Following significant changes in federal guidance on vaccine distribution earlier this week, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) today informed hospitals, health care systems and other vaccination partners that they can provide vaccines to broader categories of Minnesotans – including Minnesotans 65 years of age and older.

According to Minnesota Commissioner of Health Jan Malcolm, today’s announcement is designed to free health care providers and other vaccination partners to use all available doses as quickly as possible while still ensuring that doses are targeted to those most at need for protection from COVID-19.

“We are approaching the end of our earliest stages of the vaccine rollout, and we want to make sure all vaccines in the state are getting into arms as quickly as possible,” Commissioner Malcolm said. “The state is making sure that providers have nothing holding them back from immediately using any and all vaccine they have available. That said, the reality is that we have far more Minnesotans wanting the vaccine than we have doses available from the federal government. We are ready to get more vaccines out very quickly, but now we desperately need the federal government to step up and provide us with more vaccine.”

January 14, 2021

State announces new COVID-19 testing site in Rochester

Pop-up site will offer saliva testing to everyone

Today, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) announced a new temporary COVID-19 testing site in Olmsted County. Testing at this site will occur Friday, Jan. 22 through Saturday, Jan. 23 at the 318 Commons in Rochester. Appointments are strongly encouraged, but not required.

“Testing is a key component of our strategy to protect Minnesotans from COVID-19,” said Minnesota Commissioner of Health Jan Malcolm. “Through a robust, collaborative statewide testing program, we have made great progress in removing obstacles to testing. When combined with social distancing, masking, avoiding crowds and staying home when sick, testing can help us slow the spread of COVID-19 and bridge to the better days we know are coming.”

“Our community testing strategy continues to expand access all across Minnesota and has already allowed the state to conduct more than half a million COVID-19 tests at community testing sites alone. This disease is spread by people who don’t even know they have it. We want people to get tested, even if they're asymptomatic.

"If you have been working outside the home, are a case contact, or a young adult or teenager, you should get tested. By providing more options, we make it more likely that people will get tested and help us stop the spread of the virus,” he said.
The Rochester site is a coordinated effort between the State of Minnesota, Olmsted County, University of Minnesota Rochester, and Vault Health.

"COVID-19 testing remains an important part of our Maroon and Gold Sunrise Plan,” said Chancellor Lori Carrell, University of Minnesota Rochester. “As we work toward a safe and healthy spring semester for all students, faculty and staff, the University of Minnesota Rochester is grateful to host a COVID-19 testing site."

As with all of the state’s community testing sites, testing at the site is offered at no cost to participants. Participants will be asked for their health insurance information so the state can bill their insurance company on their behalf. If a person is uninsured or if insurance doesn’t cover some or all of the cost, the state will cover the difference so testing remains open to all at no cost.

Testing is open to anyone who believes they need a COVID-19 test, with or without insurance. State guidance on who should get tested can be found on the Minnesota COVID-19 Response webpage, Who Should Get Tested?.

Those who arrive for a test should avoid eating, drinking, chewing, or smoking anything for at least 30 minutes before providing a sample. Once they arrive at the site, they will self-administer the test by salivating into a funnel attached to a small tube. Clinic staff will be available on-site to monitor the collection process.

Individuals seeking testing can register at Vault Health. Tests will be processed in Minnesota at the saliva lab in Oakdale run by Vault Health and Infinity Biologix (IBX). Results will be provided via email in approximately 48-72 hours.

Testing site location:
318 Commons, second floor
318 1st Ave SW
Rochester, MN 55904

Hours of operation:
Friday, Jan. 22-Saturday, Jan. 23
Noon to 6 p.m.

More information on the next phases of vaccine rollout will be announced in the coming days. Meanwhile, the state is urging the federal government to provide more vaccine immediately.

“It will be some time before the federal government provides our state with enough vaccine to cover all those currently eligible,” Commissioner Malcolm said. “Minnesota is ready to move on anything we get immediately, and we are working quickly to create new options for Minnesotans to schedule a vaccine. We’ll be sharing more details on this in the next few days.”

January 14, 2021

State announces new COVID-19 testing site in International Falls

Pop-up site will offer saliva testing to everyone

Today, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) announced a new temporary COVID-19 testing site in Koochiching County. Testing at this site will occur Thursday, Jan. 21 through Saturday, Jan. 23 at the Bob Walls Memorial Union Hall in International Falls. Appointments are strongly encouraged, but not required.

“Our COVID-19 testing strategy has been data-driven since day one with the goal of offering low-barrier testing for every Minnesotan who needs it. The sooner we identify positive cases, the sooner infected individuals can take steps to isolate and stop the spread of the virus,” said Dan Huff, MDH assistant commissioner for health protection. “Our community testing strategy continues to expand access all across Minnesota and has already allowed the state to conduct more than half a million COVID-19 tests at community testing sites alone. This disease is spread by people who don’t even know they have it. We want people to get tested, even if they're asymptomatic. If you have been working outside the home, are a case contact, or a young adult or teenager, you should get tested. By providing more options, we make it more likely that people will get tested and help us stop the spread of the virus.”

The International Falls site is a coordinated effort between the State of Minnesota, the Minnesota National Guard, Koochiching County Public Health and Human Services, City of International Falls, Bob Walls Memorial Union Hall, ISD 361 – International Falls School District, Koochiching County Sheriff’s Office – Emergency Management Division, American Red Cross – North Central Division, and Vault Health.

“I surely encourage all community members to access this free test,” said Superintendent Kevin Grover, ISD 361 – International Falls School District. “The ability for the school district to keep students in person learning is to slow the spread of the virus which happens when positive case individuals are quarantining and not spreading the virus. The students need all of us to participate.”

“It has always been so important for our residents to have an opportunity to be tested for COVID-19,” said Mayor Harley Droba, City of International Falls. “This is an opportunity to have a mass test to see a point in time of where we are in the battle against the virus. I encourage as many people in our community that can be tested, to think of their neighbors and friends and take part in this mass testing at Bob Wall’s Union Hall.”

It is important to get tested for COVID-19 because it simply saves lives,” said Emergency Management Coordinator Willi Kostiuk, Koochiching County Sheriff’s Office. “Our county has experienced the effects of what COVID-19 can do to a community. The pandemic has changed how we work, learn, and interact as social distancing guidelines have led to a more virtual existence, both personally and professionally. It has taken an economic toll on our entire county that may take some time to recover. It has taken special people from our lives and affected families forever.

"Testing for COVID-19, including those who have no symptoms, who show symptoms of infection such as trouble breathing, fever or loss of sense of smell and taste and, and who may have been exposed to the virus will help prevent the spread of the virus within our county. A positive test early in the illness enables individuals to isolate themselves thereby reducing the chances that they will infect others and allows the individual to be treated for the infection sooner. Since it is proven that a large part of COVID-19 infections is transmitted by people who are not showing symptoms, identifying infected individuals while they are pre symptomatic, as well as those who asymptomatic, will help in stopping the pandemic in our county. The testing process is non-invasive and can be done in a very short amount of time so please Koochiching County, get tested and get vaccinated when it is offered to you.”

Hours of operation:
Thursday, Jan. 21-Saturday, Jan. 23
Noon to 6 p.m.

January 12, 2021

Minnesota launches dashboard to track statewide COVID-19 vaccine

Data updated daily to reflect number of Minnesotans vaccinated against COVID-19

The Walz-Flanagan Administration on Tuesday launched a public vaccine data dashboard to detail the progress of COVID-19 vaccine allocation, distribution and administration across Minnesota.

The dashboard, produced by Minnesota IT Services (MNIT) and the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), provides a visual and user-friendly way to view key vaccination data for our state. The dashboard includes information on the number of doses promised (allocated) to the state by the federal government; shipped to Minnesota providers; and administered to Minnesotans. The dashboard will be updated daily.

As of today, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has promised 541,100 doses of COVID-19 to Minnesota. Of those doses, 329,450 have been shipped to providers in Minnesota along with 100,500 doses shipped to pharmacies participating in the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Pharmacy Partnership Program for vaccination in long-term care settings.

There is currently a limited amount of vaccine available to states from the federal government. Once doses are promised to states, it takes several days before those doses are actually shipped, so it can be a week or more before they actually arrive at their final destination and can be given to people. Vaccine is moving throughout the state, but the process takes time. The dashboard will help Minnesotans see where we are at by showing progress at different stages of the process.

More than 140,000 Minnesotans have received at least one dose of vaccine. Over 7,000 people have completed their vaccination series. For currently available vaccines, a complete series is two doses of the same vaccine product separated by three or four weeks depending on the vaccine. These numbers are reflected in the dashboard.

screenshot of vaccine data dashboard

“We are committed to ensuring Minnesotans know how much vaccine is coming to our state and how many of our neighbors are receiving their shots when it’s their turn,” Minnesota Commissioner of Health Jan Malcolm said. “Transparency is a cornerstone principle of our vaccine rollout. We are pleased to provide Minnesotans with this vital information as the light at the end of the tunnel grows brighter.”

“This dashboard provides Minnesotans with transparency and promotes confidence that COVID-19 vaccine doses are consistently arriving in Minnesota, and shots are going in the arms of our health care workers and most vulnerable family and friends,” MNIT Commissioner Tarek Tomes said. “It will help Minnesotans visualize our progress toward ending this pandemic for good.”

The state’s role in vaccine distribution is oversight and facilitation. The state helps the federal government know where in Minnesota to send vaccine and helps make sure vaccine providers in Minnesota – mostly private health care providers and pharmacies at this stage – administer it safely.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Pharmacy Partnership Program is a partnership between the federal government, state government, and private-sector pharmacies to provide vaccinations in long-term care facilities. Vaccine doses for this program are provided from the state vaccine allocation. Three large pharmacy chains are doing the majority of this work in the skilled nursing facilities across the state—Walgreens, CVS, and Thrifty White.
Minnesotans can find more information on the dashboard, as well as the allocation and distribution process, on the state’s COVID-19 Response website.

January 9, 2021

COVID-19 variant found in Minnesota

Five cases of the variant strain confirmed in residents from the metro area

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) today announced the new variant strain of the SARS-CoV-2 virus first detected in the United Kingdom was identified by genomic sequencing in positive specimens from five residents of four different counties in the Twin Cities metro area. Four of the cases were identified through the MDH Public Health Laboratory, and one was identified through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The results were confirmed on Saturday, Jan. 9. The cases range in age from 15 to 37 years and their illness onsets range from Dec. 16 to Dec. 31. None have been hospitalized, to MDH’s knowledge. Two cases reported international travel, one did not travel, and the others have unknown travel history. MDH epidemiologists are re-interviewing the cases to gather more information about how they were likely exposed and who their close contacts were. That investigation is continuing.

“It’s important to note that this variant strain of the virus has been found in other states in the U.S., so we were expecting to find the virus in Minnesota. Knowing that it is now here does not change our current public health recommendations,” said State Epidemiologist Ruth Lynfield.

“While it is thought to be more easily spread from one person to another, it has not been found to cause more serious disease,” Lynfield said. “With RNA viruses, like SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, it is not unexpected to see new, more successful strains emerge.”

“The fact that the variant strain is thought to be more contagious, but not more virulent, than the viral strains currently in wide circulation in Minnesota reinforces the importance of wearing a mask, social distancing outside your home and quarantining if you’ve been exposed to a positive case,” said MDH Director of Infectious Disease Kris Ehresmann.

“This virus makes it really hard for people to know whether they or the person next to them is infected – whether this strain or another strain – so we all need to do our part to protect ourselves and each other,” Ehresmann said.

The good news, Ehresmann said, is that preliminary studies have indicated the COVID-19 vaccines currently in use are effective against the variant strain.

Health officials said it is still too early to know what kind of impact this variant strain may have in the state, but MDH epidemiologists are looking into that.

“Whether this new strain infects more people will be determined to a large degree by how rigorously we all practice those protective measures that are so important,” Lynfield said. “Getting as many people vaccinated as possible will also be critical in the control of spread of this variant and the emergence of other variants.”

This variant strain of the virus was first detected in the United Kingdom in September 2020 and has been found in numerous countries around the world, including the United States. According to the CDC, 63 cases of this UK variant strain have been identified in 8 states as of Jan. 8. For more information, see CDC: New COVID-19 Variants.

January 8, 2021

Bloomington COVID-19 testing site relocating to Creekside Community Center

Site will continue barrier-free saliva testing to everyone

Today, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) announced the Bloomington community testing site currently located at Ridgeview Elementary School will be moving to Creekside Community Center. Testing at Ridgeview will continue through Jan. 13. Testing at Creekside will begin on Jan. 15. Appointments are strongly encouraged, but not required.

“Our COVID-19 testing strategy has been data-driven since day one with the goal of offering low-barrier testing for every Minnesotan who needs it. The sooner we identify positive cases, the sooner infected individuals can take steps to isolate and stop the spread of the virus,” said Dan Huff, MDH assistant commissioner for health protection. “Our community testing strategy continues to expand access all across Minnesota and has already allowed the state to conduct more than half a million COVID-19 tests at community testing sites alone. This disease is spread by people who don’t even know they have it. We want people to get tested, even if they're asymptomatic. If you have been working outside the home during this dial back period, are a case contact, a young adult or teenager, you should get tested. By providing more options, we make it more likely that people will get tested and help us stop the spread of the virus.”

The Bloomington site is a coordinated effort between the State of Minnesota, the Minnesota National Guard, Bloomington Public Health, Creekside Community Center, and Vault Health.

“The City of Bloomington is excited to continue our partnership with the State of Minnesota to provide COVID-19 testing for the community at Creekside Community Center,” said Nick Kelley, Acting Bloomington Public Health Administrator. “Having testing readily available in a familiar location helps to ensure community members have access to this critical resource.”

Testing is safe, barrier-free and open to anyone – with or without insurance. State guidance on who should get tested can be found on the Minnesota COVID-19 Response webpage, Who Should Get Tested?.

Testing site location:

Creekside Community Center
9801 Penn Avenue South
Bloomington, MN 55431

Hours of operation beginning Jan. 15:

Noon to 6 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 15
Tuesday, Jan. 19 – Saturday, Jan. 23
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January 5, 2021

MDH takes regulatory action against restaurants in Buffalo and St. Paul

Norm’s Wayside received a license suspension notice and cease-and-desist order and Patrick McGovern’s Pub received a license suspension notice after violating executive orders designed to protect Minnesotans

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) today announced it has issued a license suspension to Patrick McGovern’s pub, in St. Paul, and issued a license suspension and cease-and-desist order to Norm’s Wayside, in Buffalo, after determining that the facilities had violated executive orders designed to protect their employees, customers, and communities from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Governor Tim Walz issued Executive Order 20-99 on Nov. 18. The executive order prohibits bars and restaurants from offering on-premises dining. The executive order was issued at a time of rapid acceleration in the spread of COVID-19 across Minnesota and sought to protect Minnesotans while also preventing hospitals and health care systems from becoming overwhelmed by the surge in cases. As of Dec. 18, at 11:59 p.m., restaurants and bars could resume outdoor dining at 50% capacity, with a maximum of 100 people, with some additional restrictions. While up to five customers at a time may step inside briefly to pick up takeout, indoor dining remains closed to the public.

On Dec. 26, MDH inspected Norm’s Wayside in Buffalo. During the inspection, MDH staff found the establishment was open for indoor on-site consumption of food and/or beverage, in violation of Executive Order 20-99, and employees were working without masks, in violation of Executive Order 20-81. A cease-and-desist and license suspension notice were served on Dec. 30.

On Dec. 28, MDH inspected Patrick McGovern’s Pub in St. Paul. During the inspection, MDH staff found the establishment was open for on-site consumption of food and/or beverage, in violation of Executive Order 20-99. Customers were served in a patio area which has retractable walls and ceiling that open to the outdoors; however, the walls and ceiling were closed, therefore allowing customers to dine indoors. A 60-day license suspension notice was served on Dec. 29. A cease-and-desist order was not issued because the establishment closed the patio to become compliant.

According to MDH Assistant Commissioner Dan Huff, enforcement actions are a last resort when it is clear that education and outreach are not sufficient to help a regulated establishment come into compliance with requirements.

“We know most bars and restaurants are complying, and that’s evident when we look at the positive impact the executive order has had on the COVID-19 trends in Minnesota,” said Assistant Commissioner Dan Huff. “Daily cases numbers are levelling off and the pressure on our health systems has decreased. Bars and restaurants operating in violation jeopardize that progress and put their employees, customers and the surrounding community at risk for more COVID-19 transmission.”

January 4, 2021

Minnesota announces COVID-19 vaccines fully distributed for first priority group of hospital health care workers

First priority hospital health care workers include personnel at highest risk for COVID-19

The Minnesota Department of Health today announced that vaccine doses needed to provide first shots to hospital health care personnel in the “phase 1a – first priority” group have been allocated and distributed to providers for administration.

As of today, 297,350 doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been allocated to Minnesota by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Of those allocated doses, over 150,000 doses have been sent to hospital settings, which is a sufficient amount of vaccine to provide a first dose to people in the initial priority group of hospital workers. Hospitals now must work through the logistics of administering the vaccine to health care personnel.

“Enough vaccine has now been allocated by the state and delivered to providers to complete the first shots for all first priority, phase 1a health care workers. Hospitals and other vaccinators now are taking the necessary steps to administer vaccine to health care personnel,” Commissioner Malcolm said. “This is not an easy task as much of the vaccination is happening within hospitals that are already stretched very thin right now. They are working through the process and we are making progress.”

Health care personnel included in the “phase 1a – first priority” group include hospital staff working with patients who may have COVID-19, staff and residents in skilled nursing facilities and nursing homes, emergency medical services personnel who provide direct patient care, COVID-19 testers, and COVID-19 vaccinators. Recommendations for all of phase 1a vaccination are based on broader federal recommendations and were further sub prioritized by the state into three additional priority groups.

“Until there is enough vaccine for everyone, we are focused on immunizing for impact. We will start with the people who are most likely to get COVID-19 and those most at risk of serious complications,” said Infectious Disease Director Kris Ehresmann.

More information about vaccine doses delivered and administered can be found on MDH’s COVID-19 Vaccine Data page. For more information about the phases of the vaccine distribution, visit MDH’s Phases of COVID-19 Vaccination page.

Minnesota Department of Health: Press Releases

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