Cultural, Faith, and Disability Communities COVID-19 Updates

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Cultural, Faith, and Disability Communities COVID-19 Updates

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Minnesota Department of Health

Jan. 14, 2021

The Cultural, Faith, and Disability Communities COVID-19 Update is being sent to the following three MDH mailing lists to reduce duplication:

  • Cultural, Faith, and Disability Communities COVID-19 Updates
  • MN Immigrant and Refugee Health Announcements
  • The Center for Health Equity

Today's COVID-19 updates include:


Status of COVID-19 in Minnesota

Updated Jan. 14, 2020

  • Total positive: 441,935
  • Patients who no longer need to be isolated: 420,919
  • Total approximate number of completed tests: 6,043,802
  • Deaths: 5,817
    o Deaths among cases that resided in long-term care or assisted living facilities: 3,716
  • Total cases requiring hospitalization: 23,113
    o Total hospitalized in ICU: 4,836 

Numbers are cumulative since Jan. 20, 2020.

The number of lab-confirmed positive tests among Minnesota residents will be updated daily on Situation Update for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) with test results from the previous day. The page also includes a map of counties with confirmed cases, and more.

This total reflects only the results from laboratory testing. There are more cases in Minnesota, and the virus is circulating in communities. It is important for everyone to follow advice on community mitigation and social distancing to help us flatten the case curve.

Governor has launched a public dashboard which includes race data of cases: Minnesota COVID-19 Public Dashboard.


Upcoming Testing Events

COVID-19 Community Testing

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) works in partnership with communities to provide safe and free on-site COVID-19 testing in areas with outbreaks, increasing cases, or other barriers to access existing test sites.

Newly listed: For more information visit the MDH COVID-19 Testing Site webpage

In the interest of testing participant and site staff safety, testing at the following COVID-19 community testing sites has been impacted due to winter weather conditions.

Minnesotans are encouraged to stay home if they do not need to be tested or if a test is needed, to make an appointment for the adjusted times listed below or order an at-home test.

  • Albert Lea
    • CLOSING AT 3:30, 1/14
      • ALL APPOINTMENTS AFTER 3:30 ARE CANCELLED
  • Morris
    • CLOSING AT 2:30, 1/14
      • ALL APPOINTMENTS AFTER 2:30 ARE CANCELLED
  • Worthington
    • CLOSING AT 3:30, 1/14
      • ALL APPOINTMENTS AFTER 3:30 ARE CANCELLED

We are assessing the conditions for this afternoon and tomorrow at all of our sites. If you were planning to get tested today or tomorrow, please check the state COVID website before you go for the most up-to-date information.

Individuals affected by today’s winter weather are encouraged to consider rescheduling for a later date here at the COVID-19 Community Testing Site webpage

Individuals are encouraged to utilize the state’s no-cost test at home program as well. At-home tests are ordered here: COVID-19 at home testing page

Individuals are also encouraged to continue to follow the state’s COVID-19 guidance: if you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, stay home and away from others. If you are older or have certain medical conditions, contact your health care provider. If your symptoms get worse or you have difficulty breathing, seek medical care right away. Before going to the doctor's office or emergency room, call ahead and tell them your symptoms.


Albert Lea

Albert Lea Armory, 410 Prospect Ave

Saliva

Jan. 14-15, 20-22, 27-30

12 p.m. - 6 p.m.

To schedule an appointment: mncovidtestingappt.as.me


Anoka

Anoka Armory, 408 East Main St

Saliva

Jan. 14-16, 19-22, 26-30

12 p.m. - 6 p.m.

To schedule an appointment: mncovidtestingappt.as.me


Bloomington

New location opening Jan. 15:.

Creekside Community Center

9801 Penn Ave South

Bloomington, MN 55431

Saliva

Jan. 15, 19-23, 25-29

12 p.m. - 6 p.m.

To schedule an appointment: mncovidtestingappt.as.me


Brooklyn Park

Starlite Center, 8085 Brooklyn Blvd

Saliva

7 days a week

Weekdays: 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Weekends: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

To schedule an appointment: mncovidtestingappt.as.me

Former Office Max building next to the Panda Garden Buffet, just east of Jolly Lane.


Burnsville

Former Pier 1, 1501 County Rd 42 W

Saliva

Friday - Tuesday

Weekdays: 12 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Weekends: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

To schedule an appointment: mncovidtestingappt.as.me


Crookston

Crookston Armory, 1801 University Ave

Saliva

Jan. 14-16, 19-20, 27-30

12 p.m. - 6 p.m.

To schedule an appointment: mncovidtestingappt.as.me


Duluth

Duluth Entertainment Convention Center (DECC), 350 Harbor Drive, South Pioneer Hall

Saliva

7 days a week

Weekdays: 12 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Weekends: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

To schedule an appointment: mncovidtestingappt.as.me

People will enter the DECC parking lot through the east gate closest to the William A Irvin Museum Ship. They may park in the ramp, or make use of the DECC’s surface parking. They will enter the DECC facility through Door A, and proceed down a hallway to enter South Pioneer Hall.


Hibbing

Hibbing Armory, 2310 Brooklyn Dr

Saliva

Jan. 14-15, 20-23, 27-29

12 p.m. - 6 p.m.

To schedule an appointment: mncovidtestingappt.as.me


Hutchinson

Hutchinson Armory, 1200 Adams St SE

Saliva

Jan. 14-16, 19-22, 26-30

12 p.m. - 6 p.m.

To schedule an appointment: mncovidtestingappt.as.me


Inver Grove Heights

Inver Grove Heights Armory, 8076 Babcock Trail

Saliva

Jan. 14-16, 19-22, 26-30

12 p.m. - 6 p.m.

To schedule an appointment: mncovidtestingappt.as.me


MSP Airport

Terminal 1, 4300 Glumack Dr. (follow signs to the testing site on Level 2 of the Blue Ramp)

Saint Paul

Saliva

7 days a week

7 a.m. - 7 p.m. every day

To schedule an appointment: mncovidtestingappt.as.me

Parking will be available for all seeking a COVID-19 test:

Drive to Terminal 1 and into the entry plaza for the parking ramps. Signs will guide you from the inbound roadway to the clinic location itself.

Follow signage to Level 2 in the Blue Ramp.

Walk to the centrally located elevator lobby and follow signs to the clinic.


Mankato

Former Gander Mountain, 1940 Adams Street

Saliva

Friday - Tuesday

Weekdays: 12 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Weekends: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

To schedule an appointment: mncovidtestingappt.as.me


Minneapolis

Minneapolis Convention Center, 1301 2nd Ave. South

Saliva

7 days a week

Weekdays: 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Weekends: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

To schedule an appointment: mncovidtestingappt.as.me

Free parking will be available and marked in nearby surface lots and parking ramps.

Enter on the west side of the building off 1st Avenue, then continue to exhibit room E.


Minneapolis

Sabathani Community Center, 310 East 38th Street

Saliva

Saturdays, Jan. 23 

12 p.m.- 4 p.m.


Minneapolis

Columbia Manor (Columbia Golf Course), 3300 Central Ave. NE

Saliva

Mondays, Jan. 25

11 a.m. - 5 p.m. 


Minneapolis

Hennepin United Methodist Church, 511 Groveland Ave.

Saliva

11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Thursdays, Jan. 21 and 28


Minneapolis

Minneapolis Public Schools Davis Center, 1250 West Broadway Ave.

Saliva

11 a.m. - 3 p.m. 

Saturdays, Jan. 16 and 30


Moorhead

Former Thomas Edison Elementary School, 1110 S 14th Street

Saliva

7 days a week

Weekdays: 12 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Weekends: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

To schedule an appointment: mncovidtestingappt.as.me


Morris

Morris Armory, 722 Iowa Ave

Saliva

Jan. 14-15, 20-22, 27-30

12 p.m. - 6 p.m.

To schedule an appointment: mncovidtestingappt.as.me


St. Cloud

River’s Edge Convention Center, 10 Fourth Ave South

Saliva

Wednesday - Sunday

Weekdays: 12 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Weekends: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

To schedule an appointment: mncovidtestingappt.as.me

Parking in the west surface lot next to the Convention Center is available to those being tested. Look for the COVID-19 testing parking signs.


St. Paul

Roy Wilkins Auditorium, 175 W Kellogg Blvd

Saliva

7 days a week

Weekdays: 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Weekends: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

To schedule an appointment: mncovidtestingappt.as.me

Free parking is available on the roof of the RiverCentre ramp. If that is full, metered parking is available in Rice Park.

Entrances:

  • Skyway from the RiverCentre Parking Ramp, follow signs. Testing location is about a 5-minute walk.
  • Doors by the main RiverCentre sign at 175 W Kellogg Blvd, follow signs. Testing location is about a 3-minute walk.
  • Rice Park entrance on Washington Street near Herb Brooks statue, follow signs. Testing location is about a 2-minute walk.

The testing location is ADA accessible. There are ramps and changes to the floor grade. People with mobility challenges may find the Minneapolis and Brooklyn Park locations easier to navigate.


Stillwater

Stillwater Armory, 350 Maryknoll Dr N

Saliva

Jan. 14, 19-23, 25-28

12 p.m. - 6 p.m.

To schedule an appointment: mncovidtestingappt.as.me


Wadena

Wadena Armory, 517 North Jefferson St

Saliva

Jan. 14-16, 20-22, 27-30

12 p.m. - 6 p.m.

To schedule an appointment: mncovidtestingappt.as.me


Winona

Winona Mall, 1213 Gilmore Ave

Saliva

Wednesday - Sunday

Weekdays: 12 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Weekends: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

To schedule an appointment: mncovidtestingappt.as.me

Testing is located in the back of the Winona Mall near the DMV (southwest corner), facing Highway 61. The entrance is on the outside of the mall.


Worthington

Worthington Event Center, 1477 Prairie Drive

Saliva

Thursday - Monday

Weekdays: 12 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Weekends: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

To schedule an appointment: mncovidtestingappt.as.me


New & Updated Materials

Translated videos


Upcoming Webinars

Community Engagement Tours Rescheduled

Some Community Engagement Tours previously scheduled for Jan. 15 has been rescheduled to Jan. 20. Keep an eye out for other updates.

New tour date information:

Wednesday, Jan. 20 – Hennepin County

Bloomington Community Testing Site

Creekside Community Center

9801 Penn Avenue South

Bloomington, MN 55431

10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Wednesday, Jan. 20 – Stearns County

St. Cloud Community Testing Site

River’s Edge Convention Center

10 Fourth Ave South

St. Cloud MN 56301

10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

In an effort to make Minnesota’s community testing sites more welcoming, inclusive, accommodating and accessible to communities disproportionately impacted by COVID-19, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) Cultural, Faith, and Disabilities Communities Branch has joined with the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) to offer community testing site tours.

By welcoming community-based organizations, diverse media partners and community leaders to private tours of the sites when they are not open to the general public, these organizations hope to:

  • Provide you with the opportunity to learn more about the sites and testing experience, as well as an opportunity to get tested yourself
  • Hear your feedback on how to improve the sites to make them more welcoming, inclusive, accommodating and accessible to the communities we all serve
  • Strengthen our relationships in order to collaborate in a more coordinated, strategic manner
  • Build a team of Community Testing Ambassadors dedicated to influencing their communities to get tested by building trust, breaking down stigmas and barriers, and raising awareness about testing opportunities

Here are the details of the tours:

Friday, Jan. 15 – Dakota County

Burnsville Community Testing Site

Pier 1 (Former)

1501 County Rd 42 W.

Burnsville, MN 55306

10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

 

Tuesday, Jan. 19 – Clay County

Moorhead Community Testing Site

Thomas Edison Elementary School (Former)

1110 S. 14th St.

Moorhead, MN 56560

10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

 

Saturday, Jan. 16 – McLeod County

Hutchinson Community Testing Site

Hutchinson Armory

1200 Adams Street Southeast

Hutchinson, MN 55350

10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

 

Thursday, Jan. 21 – Winona County

Winona Community Testing Site

Winona Mall

1213 Gilmore Ave.

Winona, MN 55987

11:00 a.m. – noon

 

Please RSVP to Jesse Stock, the SEOC’s Testing Workgroups State Community Testing Public Information Officer, by sending your name, your organization and the city of the site/s you will be touring via email to jesse.stock@state.mn.us.

If you require any additional accommodations, please let us know in your RSVP and we will do our very best to accommodate. Please also direct any questions about the tour to Jesse in your RSVP.

Minnesota’s community testing sites offer safe, simple testing at no cost to participants – with or without insurance. The sites take extensive precautions to help prevent the spread of the virus. For more information on the community testing sites Minnesota offers across the state, please visit this website: Community testing sites

Information about the state’s current COVID-19 testing guidance can be found here: Who should get tested?

Information about the current guidance of the state’s Stay Safe Plan can be found here: Minnesotas Stay Safe Plan


Other Updates

Vaccine Distribution / COVID-19 Updates and Information - State of Minnesota

There are currently a limited number of vaccine doses available to states from the federal government. Even once doses are promised (allocated) to states, it takes time before they actually arrive and before they can be given to people.

To find more information visit the Vaccine distribution and administration webpage


What Primary Care Providers Need to Know about COVID-19 Vaccines

As vaccines continue to be rolled out, primary care providers are preparing their patients for vaccination. In this article by Healio News, four medical professionals answer common questions about the COVID-19 vaccination.

Read the Q&A: What PCPs need to know about COVID-19 vaccines article


Questions about mandatory vaccination

Employee questions: For questions on whether the employer can mandate the vaccine or if they have to get the vaccine, refer them to the following document, specifically part “K” that answers Vaccination questions: What You Should Know About COVID-19 and the ADA, the Rehabilitation Act, and Other EEO Laws | U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (eeoc.gov).

You can also refer people to the Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) labor standard group helpline at 651-284-5075 or 800-342-5354 and press 5, or Email:  dli.laborstandards@state.mn.us.

Employer questions: For questions from the employer, refer them to the following document What You Should Know About COVID-19 and the ADA, the Rehabilitation Act, and Other EEO Laws | U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (eeoc.gov) and their legal counsel. MDH does not give legal advice to employers.

 


Grants/Funding

James R. Thorpe Foundation Minneapolis Youth Program Grants

Deadline: Feb. 15, 2021

The James R. Thorpe Foundation welcomes applications for its youth program. Grants will be awarded to organizations located in and serving the City of Minneapolis and its western suburbs working to create opportunities for middle school and high school age youth that help them achieve productive and independent lives. The foundation supports in-school and out-of-school time programs that encourage character development, support academic success, and foster social and emotional well-being, as well as arts programs that incorporate youth development goals. The foundation has a focus on the needs of economically disadvantaged and at-risk youth.

For more information, please visit the James R. Thorpe Foundation website.


Clif Bar Family Foundation Small Grants

Deadline: Feb. 1, 2021

The Clif Bar Family Foundation invites applications for its Small Grants program. The foundation awards grants to mission-driven organizations and/or projects that protect Earth's beauty and bounty; help create robust, healthy food systems; increase opportunities for outdoor activity; reduce environmental health hazards; and build stronger communities. Grants are awarded for general organizational support as well as funding for specific projects.

For more information, please visit the Clif Bar Family Foundation website.

Reminders

Discrimination helpline

Discrimination Helpline

Report Discrimination and Bias

COVID-19 does not discriminate based on race, where you come from, your immigration status, or anything else. 

If you have experienced or witnessed an incident of discrimination or bias call Minnesota's Discrimination Helpline at 1-833-454-0148 or submit this online form. The helpline is staffed by investigators from the Minnesota Department of Human Rights. Translation/interpretation services are available.

If you are the victim of a crime, including a hate crime, or fear for your safety, call 911 immediately.

Click here to get this information in multiple languages. 


Minnesota Helpline:

For questions related to the COVID-19 pandemic, call 651-297-1304 or 1-800-657-3504
Mon.-Fri.: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.


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