Cultural, Faith, and Disability Communities COVID-19 Updates

Minnesota Department of Health sent this bulletin at 02/19/2021 01:32 PM CST
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Cultural, Faith, and Disability Communities COVID-19 Updates

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Minnesota Department of Health

Feb. 19, 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 Feb. 19, 2021

  • Total positive: 477,287
  • Patients who no longer need to be isolated: 463,454
  • Total approximate number of completed tests: 3,398,592
  • Deaths: 6,412
    o Deaths among cases that resided in long-term care or assisted living facilities: 4,029
  • Total cases requiring hospitalization: 25,368
    o Total cases hospitalized in ICU: 5,240

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.

New & Updated Materials

Vaccine Hotlines

Community Vaccination Program – For General Inquiries

For general information about the Community Vaccination Program, please visit Find my vaccine or call 833-431-2053 between 9:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Community Vaccination Program – For Current Patients Only 

For anyone who received their first dose on Feb. 4 or later; OR anyone who has their first dose scheduled; OR anyone who has been selected to schedule their first dose.

  • If you received or are scheduled to receive your first dose through the Community Vaccination Program on February 4 or later and you have questions about your first or second dose appointments, email vaccinations@vaulthealth.com or call 929-205-6708 (toll free at 800-800-5698). The call center is open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday through Thursday, and 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. CST on Friday and Saturday. 

  • The email and call center above serve the following types of inquiries:

    • Appointment Cancellations

    • Appointment Confirmation

    • Seniors 65+ that may need assistance with scheduling appointment or appointment questions. Please note that at this time, appointments cannot be rescheduled.

Vaccine Pilot Program – For Current Patients Only

For anyone who received their first dose before Feb. 4.

  • If you received your first dose before Feb. 4 and have questions about your second dose appointment, call 833-431-2053. The call center is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m, Monday through Friday.

    • Note: this is the same number as the general Community Vaccine Program inquiry number.

Minnesota Helpline / MDH Public Hotline

For anyone with questions about Minnesota’s COVID-19 response or about vaccines in general; OR for help with the Vaccine Locator Map. 

  • For questions about COVID-19 resources, call the Minnesota Helpline at 651-297-1304 or 1-800-657-3504 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. For general health questions about COVID-19 and vaccines, press 2 or 3 for the Minnesota Department of Health Public Hotline. 

#StayConnectedMN: Mental health messaging toolkit now available in multiple languages

The #StayConnectedMN is a four-week communication campaign with simple messages and tips on how to support mental health and well-being. The self-guided toolkit is easy to use, with messages and ready-made posts that apply to most audiences.  It is now available in Spanish, Hmong, Karen, and Somali.  

Spanish -- #StayConnectedMNToolkit (PDF)  

Hmong -- #StayConnectedMNToolkit (PDF)

Karen -- #StayConnectedMNToolkit (PDF)

Somali -- #StayConnectedMNToolkit (PDF)

English- #StayConnectedMNToolkit (PDF)

Translated Videos

Upcoming Webinars

Mini Medical School COVID-19: The Way Forward

Date: Monday, Feb. 22 and March 1

Time: 5:30-7:00 p.m. CST

COVID-19: The Way Forward is an exploratory journey of emerging questions and new developments around COVID-19. As we move into a new phase of the pandemic with vaccines becoming available, we’ll discuss real-time updates and what we believe lies ahead.  

Mini Medical School offers a unique glimpse into the health sciences at the University of Minnesota. Community learners with a shared interest in health embark on a journey examining the scientific foundations of health and disease. Presented using common language for ease of understanding complex topics, your guides are internationally renowned experts who are shaping the way health care is delivered locally and globally. You will also hear from Minnesotans with lived experience of COVID-19

Register for both session on the Mini Medical School COVID-19 webpage

Join a conversation about COVID-19 with the MDH People with Disabilities Unit and Community Partners

MDH People with Disabilities Team will be hosting regular Zoom sessions in partnership with the Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities. At these sessions, MDH and others will give information on COVID-19-related efforts that impact persons with disabilities. This will be an opportunity to hear the latest information and share your input and questions.

Date: Thursday, Feb. 25

Time: 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. CST

Zoom registration link

Let's Talk Flyer

Other Updates

State Launches New Tool to Connect All Minnesotans to COVID-19 Vaccines

The Minnesota COVID-19 Vaccine Connector will help Minnesotans find out when, where, and how to get their shot 

All Minnesotans encouraged to sign up, regardless of current eligibility status

Governor Tim Walz announced the launch of the Minnesota COVID-19 Vaccine Connector, a tool that helps all Minnesotans find out when, where, and how to get their COVID-19 vaccine. The Vaccine Connector is the next step of the state’s vaccination strategy to meet Minnesotans where they are and connect them to vaccine opportunities, no matter where they live or their personal circumstances.

Minnesotans can sign up at the vaccine connector webpage. Minnesotans unable to sign up online can call 833-431-2053 for assistance signing up over the phone. Translation is available by phone in all languages. Minnesotans can call the translation hotline at 833-431-2053 for assistance signing up over the phone. 

Additional Resources

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

Albert Lea

Albert Lea Armory, 410 Prospect Ave
Saliva
Feb. 19, 24-27
12 p.m. - 6 p.m.
To schedule an appointment: mncovidtestingappt.as.me

Anoka

Anoka Armory, 408 East Main St
Saliva
Feb. 19, 23-27
12 p.m. - 6 p.m.
To schedule an appointment: mncovidtestingappt.as.me

Bloomington

Creekside Community Center
9801 Penn Ave South
Bloomington, MN 55431
Saliva
Feb. 19-20, 22-26
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: 11 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
Feb. 19, 24-27
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
Wednesday - Sunday
Weekdays: 12 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Weekends: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
To schedule an appointment: mncovidtestingappt.as.me

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

Hibbing

Hibbing Armory, 2310 Brooklyn Dr
Saliva
Feb. 19-20, 24-26
12 p.m. - 6 p.m.
To schedule an appointment: mncovidtestingappt.as.me

Hutchinson

Hutchinson Armory, 1200 Adams St SE
Saliva
Feb. 19, 23-27
12 p.m. - 6 p.m.
To schedule an appointment: mncovidtestingappt.as.me

Inver Grove Heights

Inver Grove Heights Armory, 8076 Babcock Trail
Saliva
Feb. 19, 23-27
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: 10 a.m. - 6 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.

Starting on Monday, February 22, COVID-19 testing at the Minneapolis Convention Center will be held in Exhibit Hall B. Parking will be made available in the 3rd Avenue ramp. The site will be closed on Sunday, Feb. 21 in order to allow staff time to move operations to this new location.

Minneapolis

Columbia Manor (Columbia Golf Course), 3300 Central Ave. NE
Saliva
Thursdays, Feb. 25
4 p.m. - 7 p.m. 

Minneapolis

Minneapolis Public Schools Davis Center, 1250 West Broadway Ave.
Saliva
Saturday, Feb. 20
11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
More info about testing from the Minneapolis Department of Health

Minneapolis

Saliva
Phyllis Wheatley Community Center, 1301 N 10th Ave
Saturday, Feb. 27
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Moorhead

Former Thomas Edison Elementary School, 1110 S 14th 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

Morris

Morris Armory, 722 Iowa Ave
Saliva
Feb. 19, 24-27
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.

The COVID-19 community testing site at River’s Edge Convention Center in St. Cloud will be closed temporarily from Feb. 22 through March 2 for a previously scheduled event. During this closure, we encourage you to seek out COVID-19 testing at alternate locations on this page or by using the Test at Home program. 

St. Paul

Roy Wilkins Auditorium, 175 W Kellogg Blvd
Saliva
7 days a week
Weekdays: 9 a.m. - 5 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
Feb. 19-20, 22-25
12 p.m. - 6 p.m.
To schedule an appointment: mncovidtestingappt.as.me

Wadena

Wadena Armory, 517 North Jefferson St
Saliva
Feb. 19, 24-27
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

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.

If you've been forwarded this email and would like to receive these updates directly, sign up here: Subscribe to Cultural, Faith, and Disability Communities COVID-19 Updates.