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

March 15, 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 March 15, 2021

  • Total positive: 497,392
  • Patients who no longer need to be isolated: 482,053
  • Total approximate number of completed tests: 7,757,403
  • Deaths: 6,746
    o Deaths among cases that resided in long-term care or assisted living facilities: 4,240
  • Total cases requiring hospitalization: 26,279
    o Total hospitalized in ICU: 5,428 

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

Updated Material:

Translated videos:


Upcoming Webinars

COVID-19: A Conversation on Data, Communication, and Health Equity

Date: March 16, 2021

Time: 2 p.m. - 3 p.m. CST

Join Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) for the next event in the Ask the Experts communications webinar series: COVID-19: A Conversation on Data, Communication, and Health Equity.

The fight against COVID-19 is also a fight against misinformation and health disparities. How can you incorporate data into your communications strategy to combat misinformation, eliminate health disparities, and keep your community safe and informed? The panel of leading experts will explore the role that data can play in elevating public messaging, as well as offer insights into how to take a data-first approach to tell a story that resonates with diverse audiences. Participants will learn how audiences perceive data and how to use this understanding to present compelling information that drives action today.

Register for ASTHO Webinar here


Other Updates

Please see the excerpts below from a press release sent by the Governor’s office on March 12, 2021. You can also view the full press release at The Office of Governor Tim Walz & Lt. Peggy Flanagan News Page.

As Cases Fall and Vaccination Ramps up, Governor Walz Adjusts COVID-19 Mitigation Measures

As Minnesota continues to make progress vaccinating Minnesotans and slowing the spread of COVID-19, Governor Tim Walz today announced that on March 15 Minnesotans can begin safely gathering with more friends and loved ones, supporting Minnesota’s small businesses, and visiting large venues.

As vaccines have an impact, life is slowly returning to normal. In Feb., Governor Walz announced a plan to return more students to the classroom, and 90 percent of schools now offer in-person learning, while 60 percent of teachers have been vaccinated. Minnesota is weeks ahead of schedule on vaccinations. Nearly 1.2 million Minnesotans and more than 70 percent of seniors have gotten a shot.


Please see the excerpts below from a press release sent by the Governor’s office on March 9, 2021. You can also view the full press release at The Office of Governor Tim Walz & Lt. Peggy Flanagan News Page.

Governor Walz Expands Vaccine Eligibility as State Reaches Goal of 70% of Seniors Vaccinated

Newly eligible Minnesotans include those with underlying health conditions and essential frontline workers.

Announcement comes weeks ahead of schedule after the state moved quickly to use more vaccine from the federal government.

Governor Tim Walz announced that Minnesota is expanding vaccine eligibility as the state reaches its goal of vaccinating 70% of Minnesotans 65 years of age and older this week. The announcement comes several weeks ahead of schedule after the state moved quickly to use more vaccine from the federal government.

As a result, the state expanded eligibility to the next two phases of Minnesotans at once, starting March 10. Providers have been directed to prioritize people in the first of these phases, which includes Minnesotans with specific underlying health conditions; food processing plant workers; and Minnesotans with rare conditions or disabilities that put them at higher risk of severe illness. Providers will then have the flexibility to provide available appointments to other eligible Minnesotans


Oxford Community Center (St. Paul) COVID-19 Vaccine site for People 65 Years or Older

The Moderna COVID -19 Vaccine is available for people who are 65 years old or older. The vaccine is also available for one primary individual or family member who is the identified caregiver of the elder. Saint Paul - Ramsey County Public Health staff can help you get registered for an appointment to get the vaccine. Vaccines are free. No insurance is necessary. Please call the number listed below and we will help you get registered. Interpreters will be available.

BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. Call the number below to get registered.

Saturday appointments are available at Oxford Community Center between 12 noon and 6:00 pm on March 20, March 27, April 3, April 10, April 17, April 24

You will register for the 2nd dose at the end of your first appointment. The 2nd dose will be scheduled approximately 28 days after the 1st dose.

You must have an appointment. You cannot just show up at the community center. 

Transportation is available for free at selected places – registration is necessary. You will be notified of pick-up and drop-off times and locations.

To register for an appointment for your first dose of Moderna vaccine, please call:

●Hmong: 651-358-8715 ●Karen: 651-247-7084 ●Oromo: 651-357-6796

●Somali: 651-448-3988 ●Spanish: 651-266-2594

COVID-19 vaccine registration


Grants/Funding

The Minneapolis Foundation Announces Micro Grants to Address Community Trauma and Promote Wellness

The Minneapolis Foundation has announced a new funding opportunity for local organizations that are working to address community trauma and promote wellness as Minneapolis approaches the anniversary of George Floyd’s death and the trial of a former Minneapolis police officer charged in his killing.

Starting March 15, the Foundation will begin accepting applications for micro grants of $2,500 to $5,000 from its Fund for Safe Communities. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis this spring, with decisions communicated to applicants within roughly two weeks.

Funds for Safe Communities webpage 

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: 

Albert Lea

Albert Lea Armory, 410 Prospect Ave
Saliva
March 15-16, 22-23
12 p.m. - 6 p.m.
To schedule an appointment: mncovidtestingappt.as.me


Anoka

Anoka Armory, 408 East Main St
Saliva
March 16-19, 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
March 16-20, 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
March 22-23
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
March 17-18, 24-25 
12 p.m. - 6 p.m.
To schedule an appointment: mncovidtestingappt.as.me


Hutchinson

Hutchinson Armory, 1200 Adams St SE
Saliva
March 17-18, 24-25 
12 p.m. - 6 p.m.
To schedule an appointment: mncovidtestingappt.as.me


Inver Grove Heights

Inver Grove Heights Armory, 8076 Babcock Trail
Saliva
March 16-19, 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

Closed today due to weather. All appointments for March 15 are canceled


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

Starting on Monday, February 22, COVID-19 testing at the Minneapolis Convention Center will be held in Exhibit Hall B. Enter on the east side of the building. Parking is available in the 3rd Avenue ramp.


Minneapolis

Columbia Manor (Columbia Golf Course), 3300 Central Ave. NE
Saliva
March 18, 25
4 p.m. - 7 p.m. 


Minneapolis

Minneapolis Public Schools Davis Center, 1250 W Broadway Ave
Saliva 
March 13, 20  
11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
To schedule an appointment: mncovidtestingappt.as.me


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
March 17-18, 24-25 
12 p.m. - 6 p.m.
To schedule an appointment: mncovidtestingappt.as.me


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. 
  • Doors by the main RiverCentre sign at 175 W Kellogg Blvd, follow signs. 
  • Rice Park entrance on Washington Street near Herb Brooks statue, follow signs. 
  • Parking in front of Saint Paul RiverCentre is prohibited. Please utilize the free parking offered at the RiverCentre parking ramp by mentioning you are coming for a COVID-19 test.

The testing location is ADA accessible. Upon arrival, guests that cannot use an escalator should notify the greeter and an elevator will be made available. There are ramps and changes to the floor grade. People with mobility challenges may find the Minneapolis and Brooklyn Park locations easier to navigate.

Starting on Tuesday March 2, COVID-19 testing at the Roy Wilkins Auditorium will be held downstairs, in the exhibition hall. 


Stillwater

Stillwater Armory, 350 Maryknoll Dr N
Saliva
March 15-18, 20, 22-25 
12 p.m. - 6 p.m.
To schedule an appointment: mncovidtestingappt.as.me


Wadena

Wadena Armory, 517 North Jefferson St
Saliva
March 15-16, 22-23 
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.


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