COVID-19 Updates: February 3, 2021

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Minnesota Department of Health COVID-19 Updates

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Minnesota Department of Health

February 3, 2021

Minnesota News and Outreach

COVID-19 Vaccine Update

We are providing more doses than ever to Minnesotans age 65 and older this week. Minnesota is shipping 35,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine to health care providers and sites around the state to vaccinate seniors.

Following the successful two-week pilot to test community vaccination clinics around the state, Minnesota is standing up two new large-scale, permanent community vaccination sites in Minneapolis and Duluth. These sites will continue to vaccinate people age 65 and older with the same number of doses as in previous weeks. A third site in southern Minnesota will launch next week and additional sites may launch in the near future.

If you pre-registered for an appointment previously, you are still eligible to get a vaccine appointment at a state-run community vaccine clinic. People who are randomly selected will be notified by Vault Health starting today, Wednesday, February 3, by text, email, or phone with instructions on how to make your appointments for both your first and second doses of vaccine.

In addition to the two permanent sites, the state is sending doses of COVID-19 vaccine to more than 100 hospitals, clinics, and other health care providers to administer vaccines to Minnesota seniors.

A new online vaccine locator map will make it easier than ever to find a shot close to you. Minnesotans age 65 and older can use the map to Find Vaccine Locations near them and contact those health care providers with questions. Please note that vaccine supply is still limited, so appointments may not always be available.

Education and child care staff will be contacted directly if selected to sign up for vaccine appointments at a state vaccination clinic or community pharmacy this week. Local public health departments will partner directly with school and child care programs in their communities.

For more information, visit:

COVID-19 vaccine update for People 65+

Avoiding Vaccine Scams

Unfortunately, we have heard reports of people being contacted about COVID-19 vaccine opportunities that are actually scams. We know there is a lot of demand for vaccine right now. Claims that you can get vaccine faster sound great, but it’s important to be careful because these could be attempts to gain access to personal information.

So, how can you tell if it’s a scam? Here are a few ways: 

  • If they ask your credit card, bank account, or social security number--that’s a scam. Public health and health care providers will not call you and ask for this information.
  • If they offer to sell you the vaccine—that’s a scam. We’ve heard reports about offers to sell someone the vaccine for a low price. The vaccine is free for everyone through appropriate vaccination clinics.
  • If they say you can pay to get on a list for vaccine or get access to vaccine sooner—that’s a scam. Many health care providers have lists where people can express interest in getting vaccine, but there is no cost for these.
  • If they offer to ship you the vaccine—that’s a scam. You will need to get the vaccine from a medical professional, so any offers to ship vaccine directly to you are not legitimate.

There is still a limited supply of vaccine available, so we continue to ask people to be patient. Don’t be discouraged if you can’t get a vaccine appointment yet or are not in one of the groups currently eligible to get vaccine. There will be opportunities for everyone who wants to be vaccinated to get it, but it will take time.


Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) Materials

We are adding new videos, print materials, and translated documents often. Check out the pages below to view, download, or print these resources.

COVID-19 Translated Materials

Materials and Resources for COVID-19 Response

Videos for COVID-19 Response


The situation is changing rapidly. Visit Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) for the most up-to-date information and follow MDH on Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram to stay informed.

What's New

COVID-19 Online Case Investigation Survey (YouTube)

COVID-19 Online Case Investigation Survey video thumbnail

Case investigations are a way to slow the spread of COVID-19. Usually, the case investigation interview is done on the phone. Now, you have the option to answer the same questions in a private, online survey. The health department takes your privacy very seriously. We will never ask you for money, banking information, or your Social Security number.


COVID-19 Stay Safe This Winter PSA (YouTube)

COVID-19 Stay Safe This Winter PSA video thumbnail

Stay safe this season. Wear a mask around others. Stay 6 feet apart and stay home when you're sick.


For transcripts, translated versions, and more videos, visit Videos for COVID-19 Response.


COVID-19 Stories of Community Outreach and Partnership

COVID-19 Stories of Community Outreach and Partnership highlight the efforts of our staff in collaboration with community partners during the COVID-19 response. Some stories provide insight into how this work is done, others discuss what challenges our teams face, but all of them recognize how COVID-19 has pushed MDH to try new strategies so we can fulfill our mission of protecting, maintaining, and improving the health of all Minnesotans.

Reconnecting with Indigenous Roots: Tradition and Breastfeeding during the COVID-19 Pandemic

In August of 2019, Shashana Craft founded Nitamising Gimashkikinaan, bringing together a group of doulas able to provide culturally grounded lactation and pregnancy support to Indigenous mothers and their babies. In Ojibwe, Nitamising Gimashkikinaan means “first medicine,” paying homage to breast milk’s beneficial properties and acknowledging that it is the “first medicine” that is given to a baby upon birth.

When the COVID-19 pandemic began, it brought with it a decrease in culturally relevant social support. By transitioning to virtual sessions, Nitamising Gimashkikinaan was able to help provide new mothers the social support they needed during this especially difficult time.

Pearl Walker-Swaney, Nitamising Gimashkikinaan doula

Nitamising Gimashkikinaan also started creating COVID-19 care bundles for families. The bundles contain information on COVID-19 prevention and locations of testing sites, as well as thermometers, acetaminophen, hand sanitizer, pulse oximeters, Clorox wipes, and other items to protect families and prevent COVID-19 transmission. The care bundles incorporate culturally grounded methods and current public health guidelines.

Read more: Reconnecting with Indigenous Roots: Tradition and Breastfeeding during the COVID-19 Pandemic


Guidance and Resources

NEW:

UPDATED:

NOTE: As new Executive Orders and recommendations are issued, we will review and update the guidance and resources on our website accordingly. Look for an "Updated" date below guidance links to know when the resource was last revised.

Minnesota Helpline

For questions related to the COVID-19 pandemic

651-297-1304 or 1-800-657-3504

Monday-Friday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.