This week on the Minnesota Native News Health Report, Minnesota leaders and health officials are reminding citizens about important and effective steps to take this holiday season to stay safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here’s reporter Cole Premo with more.
 
 Many Minnesotans will be spending time with their extended families this holiday season, with a notable exception being Gov. Tim Walz. He announced recently that he and his family tested positive for COVID-19 after his son presented symptoms.
 
 Here’s Walz in a video posted to social media on Dec. 21.
 
 WALZ: “My son Gus began feeling sick… Monday evening, we tested positive. Everyone is doing well. We’re boosted and I’m experiencing no symptoms. Was looking forward to Christmas but those things will have to wait.”
 
 For those who are gathering, health officials recommend that everyone get vaccinated if they haven’t already, and get their booster if they’re eligible.
 
 Researchers say the Omicron variant is more transmissible than previous variants, but those fully vaccinated and boosted have increased protection against severe illness or death if they do contract the virus.
 
 The next important step is testing; health officials suggest testing before holiday gatherings even if you’re not experiencing symptoms. If you’re using an over-the-counter rapid test, it’s best to do that as close to the gathering date as possible.
 
 Testing options are available at mn.gov/covid19.

As part of the country’s response to the Omicron variant, President Joe Biden announced that his administration will be distributing 500 million free rapid tests to Americans in January.

Lastly, people are urged to wear face masks while traveling and in in-door public settings such as a grocery store, shopping mall, or a school. Washing hands and avoiding crowded indoor spaces before family gatherings is also a good idea.

The state is approaching nearly 1 million positive COVID-19 cases since the pandemic began, with over 990,000 recorded so far. That includes reinfections. About 10,200 deaths have been attributed to the virus.

Hospitalizations remain high in the state with about 355 patients with the virus needing intensive care unit beds and an additional 1,115 patients with the virus needing non-ICU beds.

About 67% of the state’s total population has had at least one vaccine dose. Over 93% of seniors are fully vaccinated.

Over 8.5 million doses have been administered, 1.5 million of those being booster shots.

Find out more information on vaccines at mn.gov/vaccine. 
 

This week on the Minnesota Native News Health Report, healthcare leaders in the state are urging vaccination, saying hospital emergency departments are overfilled and the situation is “critical.” Reporter Cole Premo has more on that. 
 
 “We’re heartbroken, we’re overwhelmed” is the title of a collective and emotional statement by medical workers from major healthcare systems in Minnesota, including Mayo Clinic, Hennepin Healthcare and Children’s Minnesota. 
 
 The statement was released as the state experiences the seventh-highest COVID-19 infection rate in the country. 
 
 Medical workers say they are seeing avoidable illnesses and death as direct result of COVID-19 on a daily basis. The statement goes on to say that the pandemic has strained hospital operations and demoralized many medical workers. 
 
 Furthermore, medical workers say that hospital emergency rooms are overfilled and the ability to provide adequate care is being threatened. Getting care from a local community hospital without delay is now an uncertainty. 
 
 On Dec. 15, healthcare workers shared emotional stories during a press conference at Hennepin Healthcare in Minneapolis. Here’s Dr. Shirley Xie, who works at Hennepin Healthcare. 
 
 The group of medical workers is urging people to get vaccinated, including getting the booster shot. They also ask to wear a mask even if you’re vaccinated, and socially distance. If you feel sick, get tested. 
 
 Minnesotans are also encouraged to talk with neighbors and loved ones to take these steps.
 The state’s latest COVID-19 positivity rate, although on a downward trend most recently, continues to remain above the high risk threshold, last recorded at 10.2%. 
 
 Meanwhile, the state’s death toll officially breached 10,000 since the pandemic began. 
 
 Over 8.3 million vaccine doses have been administered, including 1.4 million booster shots. Just over 71% of those ages 5 and up have received at least one dose. 
 
 I’m Cole Premo. 

 MNN Heath Report for 12/10/21: 

This week on the Minnesota Native News Health Report…

Governor Walz is urging Minnesotans to get booster shots… ahead of the holidays. 

And… The FDA has now approved booster shots for 16- and 17-year-olds.

But first, researchers are racing to understand the threat of the Omicron variant. 

I’m Marie Rock. 

Story A

The Omicron variant is FOUR times more transmissible that’s according to an early study of latest COVID variant. 

Still… the C-D-C says cases of omicron that have shown up in the United States have only caused mild disease in the 40 patients identified so far. 

Researchers are racing to understand the threat of the Omicron variant… and how it will impact people who have already been vaccinated. 

Just for some perspective… The first COVID case was diagnosed TWO years ago in December of 2019 in Wuhan China. 

Since then, the disease has claimed the lives of more than 5-point-2 million people world-wide.

Story B

Here in Minnesota…. Health officials are expressing concern about the number of people filling up I-C-U beds in our state. 

This prompted Governor Walz to urge people to get booster shots and vaccinations… 

Walz said: Don’t take up a hospital bed because you are unvaccinated.  Governor Walz made that remark at a vaccination event at Century College, where more than 500 first doses and booster shots were given. 

 Health officials say that many hospitals around the state have more critically ill patients… than they have intensive care beds available at this time. 

That’s a problem when patients need hospitalization for problems other than COVID.

Unvaccinated Minnesotans make up the majority of COVID-related hospitalizations.

That’s why Governor Walz is saying: get your shots.

Some people have reportedly had trouble getting an appointment for their booster shot, but Walz encourages people to keep trying… at their healthcare clinic or through your local pharmacy. 

Story C
 
 

Federal regulators approved booster shots for 16- and 17-year-olds… the emergency approval of the Pfizer COVID booster vaccination comes less than a month after health officials declared that everyone 18 and up is eligible to receive a booster shot six months after receiving the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines…. Or two months after getting the one-shot Johnson and Johnson vaccine.

 For more information about when and where to get your booster shot go online to 

Vaccine connector DOT MN DOT gov

 
 For the Minnesota Native News Health Report - I’m Marie Rock. 

Script: This week on the Minnesota Native News Health Report, the COVID-19 Omicron variant has been detected in the state for the first time. Health officials are calling it a concerning, but not surprising, development. Reporter Cole Premo has more on this and what it means for Minnesota.

 According to the Minnesota health department, a man who lives in Hennepin County is the state’s first confirmed case of the Omicron variant. It’s also the second confirmed case detected in the United States. 
 
 MDH says that the man recently traveled to New York City where he attended an Anime convention event. Then, a day after the event, on Nov. 22, he developed mild symptoms. A couple days later, he got tested. 
 
 In New York, the governor Kathy Hochul is urging everyone who attended the event to get tested. She says the state has a list of all attendees and can contact them. Omicron cases have since been detected in New York, Colorado and Hawaii. 
 
 The Minnesotan who tested positive for Omicron was fully vaccinated and had received their booster shot in early November before the event in New York City. 
 
 The Minnesota Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm addressed the development following the announcement of the confirmed case. 
 
 MALCOLM: “While this is clearly something we’re taking seriously, it’s not a reason to panic. As we are with other variants, there’s still a lot more to learn from the variant.”
 
 The Omicron variant is classified by the World Health Organization as a variant of concern. Scientists are still researching how the new variant compares to the predominant Delta variant, including its transmissibility and disease severity. Research also continues to look into how well the vaccines and treatments protect against Omicron. 
 
 Malcolm says the new finding underscores the importance of Minnesotans limiting the spread of COVID-19.
 
 MALCOM: “The most important thing we can do is stay on offense and use the important tools available to make it as hard as possible for this virus to spread. In addition to vaccination and boosters, we can slow the spread by using a layered approach of wearing masks, staying home when sick and getting tested when appropriate .. now is especially the time for everyone 5 and older get vaccinated, or anyone over 18 to get boosters”
 
 The Minnesota health department is working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as well as New York City on investigating the Omicron case. 
 
 The Omicron variant was first detected in South Africa.
 
 Meanwhile, Minnesota’s latest COVID-19 positivity rate is on a downward trend, with 10.1% recorded as of late November, down from 11% recorded in mid-November. It’s still slightly over what state health officials call a “high risk” threshold, which is 10%. 
 
 Over 7.8 million vaccine doses have been administered in the state so far, with 1.1 million of those being booster shots.  
 
 I’m Cole Premo. 

This week on the Minnesota Native News Health Report…

All adults 18 and older are eligible and should get a Covid-19 booster shot….

And… 400 MN National Guard members begin training to become temporary nursing aids… to help with health care worker shortage. 

Plus, need help paying your home heating bill? … Or getting a broken furnace repaired?

Federal funds are available…. We will tell you how to apply.  

I’m Marie Rock. 

Story A

Federal regulators expanded COVID-19 vaccine booster shots to all adults… last week.

And now State Health Officials are urging all Minnesotans to get their booster shots…  eligibility expands to all people 18 and up.  

For people who received their first and second dose of the Pfiizer vaccine or the Moderna vaccine… they should get their booster shot 6-months after their second dose. 

For people who received the single-dose Johnson & Johnson Covid-19 vaccine…. They should get their booster shot 2-months after their single dose. 

Getting a booster is the best way to maximize protection against serious illness and sometimes deadly effects of contracting COVID-19.

The FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced these new booster recommendations for because evidence is mounting…  that immunity to COVID infections from vaccines… lessens over time. 

Mayo Clinic Doctor Abinash Virk explains: “Boosters have increased the antibody response significantly after the third dose much higher than even the second dose. Therefore, we know there is going to be increased protection.”

For more information about when and where to get your booster shot go online to 

Vaccineconnector DOT MN DOT gov

Story B

 This comes as cases continue to surge in our Minnesota… with the CDC reporting that all 87 counties in our state remained at a HIGH level of COVID-19 community transmissions. 

This news is alarming Nursing home administrators who are having trouble keeping enough people on staff to care for elderly and vulnerable residents. 

In response, Governor Walz has activated the National Guard to help facilities experiencing staff shortages and are struggling to meet the needs of patients in long-term care centers. 

This week, 400 guard members began a one-week training session to become certified nursing assistants and temporary nursing aides.  Then the guards will form skilled nursing response teams to provide on-site staffing support for up to 3 weeks at a time. 

To get this help… Nursing home administrators just need to contact the MN Department of Health and ask for assistance.

The shortage of care workers is problem nationwide, with burned-out workers quitting in record numbers.  

Story C
In other news… Winter weather means fun outdoor activities for many in our state… But for some… the cold temperatures raise concern and anxieties about how to pay for soaring heating bills.

The Energy Assistance program or EAP has money available to help people pay for home heating, water costs and furnace repairs. The EAP grants are for income-qualified households.  

EAP is a federally funded program and the grants range from 3-hundred dollars to 2-thousand dollars which are paid directly to energy providers and utility companies. 

Grants are available to both renters and homeowners. Applications ask about household size and income. 

To apply for this grant…. Find your EAP provider by calling 1-800-657-3710… that’s 1-800-657-3710 

Or search for Energy Assistance Program on the MN dot gov website. 
 
 
 For the Minnesota Native News Health Report - I’m Marie Rock. 

This week on the Minnesota Native News Health Report, emergency medical teams from the federal government are being sent to the state to support hospitals during the current COVID-19 surge. Also, Dr. Antony Stately with the Native American Community Clinic talks about vaccines for younger children. Plus, an award has been given to two tribal health clinics in northern Minnesota. Here’s reporter Cole Premo.
 
 Gov. Tim Walz announced that the federal government accepted his “urgent request” for emergency medical staffing assistance, and now two Department of Defense medical teams are on the way.
 
 The emergency staffing teams, with 22 medical personnel each, will be supporting staff at Hennepin Healthcare in Minneapolis, also known as HCMC, and St. Cloud Hospital. They’re expected to arrive the week of Nov. 22.
 
 In Minnesota hospitals as of Nov. 16, there are 1,382 patients being hospitalized for COVID-19, which is the highest figure in 2021. Only 47 intensive care unit beds remain available for Minnesota patients.
 
 Health officials say Minnesotans can support hospitals by getting vaccinated, wearing a mask in indoor public settings, testing as appropriate and social distancing.
 
 Meanwhile, the Food and Drug administration has officially expanded its emergency authorization of Pfizer’s and Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine booster shots to all adults. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will need to issue recommendations before its officially greenlit, but many states, including Minnesota, are preparing to give out the shots soon.
 
 ----
 
 In other news, COVID-19 vaccine doses are now available for children ages 5 to 11 years old.
 
 In COVID-19 Community Conversations, Antony Stately, PhD, talked about the importance of vaccination and how the virus can spread through families.
 
 STATELY: 5:18-5:46: I just think folks are just beginning to see the value of having your child vaccinated, so we can all enjoy being close to each other, and not have to repeat what happened last year.
 
 STATELY: 6:36-7:50 I think it’s really important that your children are going into schools, they’re playing in extra curricular activities. They’re petri dishes of infection anyways, even before covid. I think it’s important to recognize the danger. Maybe they will be fine, but they could bring it home to a family member. Immunocompromised people are very vulnerable”
 
 Check your local clinic or tribal health clinic for vaccines for more information on pediatric vaccinations. You can also go to mn.gov/vaccine and use the vaccine locator map. 
 
---- 
 
Lastly, two northern Minnesota tribal health systems have received awards for their vaccination efforts. 
 
Recently, the Minnesota Department of Health announced that the 2021 MN Rural Health Team Award has been given to Cass Lake Indian Health Services and Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, Health Division. 
 
The health department says from January to April of this year, both health systems not only developed and implemented a mass immunization model for eligible Native Americans, but the rural community at large. 
 
In 15 mass vaccine events, over 12,000 vaccine doses were provided, 70% of elders were vaccinated before it was a national goal, and 70% of the Cass Lake Indian Health Services user population was vaccinated before the president’s July 4th goal. 
 
The pair of health systems are considered two of the best and fastest vaccine administration teams in the state, and their vaccination model has gotten attention from federal, state and private sector partners across the United States, the health department said. 
 
I’m Cole Premo. 

This week on the Minnesota Native News Health Report, health leaders are sounding the alarm as COVID-19 case numbers are among the highest seen in 2021. Also, reminders on vaccine booster shots. Here’s reporter Cole Premo. 
 
 As the holiday season nears, Minnesota health officials are calling a spike in COVID-19 cases and deaths “scary” and “truly alarming.” 
 
 In recent days, the Minnesota Department of Health has been reporting dozens of new deaths every day, along with daily case numbers in the several thousands. 
 
 In fact, the health department recently reported a backlog of cases due to the intake of new cases exceeding the processing capacity of staff. If the high case rate continues, MDH may add more staff. 
 
 Meanwhile, the state’s positivity rate is on an upward trend, with the latest figure being 9.3% -- nearing the state’s “high risk” threshold of 10%.  
 
 Minnesota Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm says this spike in the pandemic is preventable. 
 
 2:02MALCOLM: “Every day now, we’re seeing dozens of people dying from an illness they didn’t have to get. The tragedy of this current spike in cases is more than ever, we have the tools and knowledge to minimize the pandemic. But a sizable number of people are not using those tools. Because some think it’s no big deal… and some because they have fallen victim to misinformation.”
 
 The health commissioner says those tools to minimize the pandemic include vaccination, masking in public, and staying home when sick.
 
 3:26 MALCOLM: “This spike is bad, it’s scary. But it could be much more worse, especially with many more hospitalizations and deaths, if it weren’t for the fact that most Minnesotans have the protection of the vaccine.” 
 
 Jan Malcolm says the state is now working to “decompress” the health system strain from the pandemic by opening up alternative care sites. 
 
 ----
 
 In other news, Pfizer is asking for federal approval of it’s COVID-19 vaccine booster shot for all adults. 
 
 While federal agencies work to determine that, here’s what you need to know about booster shot eligibility. 
 
 Right now, booster shots are authorized for seniors and adults at high risk who received the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine at least six months ago. 
 
 Also eligible for the booster shots are adults ages 18 years old and older who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine at least 2 months ago.
 
 Officials have authorized "mixing and matching" COVID-19 vaccine boosters, meaning your booster dose does not have to be the same type of vaccine as your primary series.
 
 I’m Cole Premo. 

This week on the Minnesota Native News Health Report, 5 to 11 year olds can officially get the COVID-19 vaccine, Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan is highlighting the importance of vaccination after contracting the virus herself, and a vaccination event is being held at a Native American clinic in the Twin Cities. Here’s reporter Cole Premo.
 
 It’s official: 5 to 11 year olds in Minnesota can now receive COVID-19 vaccination.
 
 It comes after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued formal recommendations for children as young as 5 years old to start receiving the Pfizer vaccine. For this age group, it’s a smaller dose and will come from smaller needles.
 
 According to Gov. Tim Walz, this means 94% of Minnesota’s population is now eligible for the vaccine.
 
 The governor’s office says more than 1,100 providers in Minnesota are prepared to begin administering vaccines to younger children. A community vaccination site at the Mall of America will triple its capacity to allow more children to get vaccinated.
 
 Places like Walmart, Walgreens, Hy-Vee and others are also offering the vaccine for kids.
 
 Medical experts shared their thoughts on the importance of children getting the vaccine in a video from the Minnesota Department of Health, including Twin Cities pediatrician Dr. Andrea Singh. Here she is.
 
 SINGH: “Im a pediatrician and a mother of two kids. Sometimes it’s hard as a parent to know what to do to protect your kids’ futures. Getting them COVID vaccine helps. It decreases transmission of COVID in your household. It also protects them from serious illness. If you have any questions, talk to your pediatrician, family doctor. We can do this, Minnesota. Let’s get the vaccine.”
 
 Families are advised to check with their pediatricians or family medicine clinic about appointments. They can also visit mn.gov/vaccine to use the vaccine locator map.
 
Minnesota has administered more than 7 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccination, including nearly 500,000 booster shots. About 74% of the state’s 12+ population has received at least one dose.
 
------
 
In other news, Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan is highlighting the importance of vaccination after her family recently contracted the virus. 
 
Flanagan, who says she’s fully vaccinated, says her 8-year-old daughter tested positive for COVID-19 in later October, and experienced fever and sniffles. Later, Flanagan said she tested positive. 
 
In a tweet, she said the pandemic is not over and getting vaccinated not only helps you but little kids who are not yet eligible, or who haven’t gotten, the vaccine. At the time, she said her daughter is looking forward to getting the first dose of the vaccine when she feels better. Flanagan will also be getting the booster shot. 
 
----
 
Lastly, the Native American Community Clinic in south Minneapolis is holding a vaccination event on Friday, Nov. 13. 
 
From 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. that day, those who attend can get vaccinated for both COVID-19 and the flu. COVID-19 booster shots will also be available. 
 
Shots for 5-11 year olds will not yet be available at this event, but the clinic will have that ability starting the week of Nov. 15. 
 
The clinic is located at 1213 East Franklin Avenue in Minneapolis. 
 
I’m Cole Premo. 

This week on the Minnesota Native News Health Report… state leaders announce plans to start vaccinating 5 to 11 year olds as soon as early November. Minnesota's health commissioner details why this is such an important step in the pandemic. Here's reporter Cole Premo.
 
State leaders, including health commissioner Jan Malcolm, recently unveiled plans to vaccinate 5 to 11 year olds.
 
 It comes after the US Food and Drug Administration voted to recommend the use of Pfizer’s vaccine in the age group. The official green light to start vaccinating the youngest age group so far could come in the first week of November.
 
 In order to prepare for the new vaccination push, state officials say they built a network of 1,100 providers, including health care systems, pharmacies, clinics, local public and tribal health agencies and state-run community clinics.
 
 Also, Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm says schools will be involved. Here she is.
 
 Malcolm: "In order to ensure equitable access to the vaccine… the administration has partnered with schools and charter schools to get kids vaccinated at or near schools."
 
 Jan Malcolm says the upcoming ability to vaccinate 5 to 11 year olds is an important step in the pandemic.
 
 MALCOLM: “It comes at a crucial moment. We are definitely seeing a high transmission rate…and very high levels of health care pressure. Since Jan. 1, there have been more than 45,000 pediatric cases and more than 300 child hospitalizations for COVID-19 just in our state. As of yesterday (Oct. 26),  all but 17 pediatric ICU beds in the state were full, occupied by children not only with COVID-19, but otherwise with grave illnesses.”
 
 Malcolm says COVID-19 can also have long-term consequences, and thousands of children in the country have been diagnosed with COVID-19-linked multisystem inflammatory syndrome. Almost 100 cases have been discovered in Minnesota. Some of these children need intensive care treatment.
 
 MALCOLM: “Getting your child vaccinated gives you reassurance that your child is protected.. Getting your child vaccinated also protects your family members and neighbors.. And they can focus on being kids again.”
 
 The network of providers in Minnesota cannot vaccinate 5 to 11 year olds until the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has given its final approval. Once that happens, families are advised to check with their pediatricians or family medicine clinic about appointments. They can also visit mn.gov/vaccine to use the vaccine locator map.
 
Minnesota Department of Health COVID-19 community coordinators will also host clinics offering vaccines to the whole family.
 
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In other news, the health department is now offering even more COVID-19 rapid tests for people who are showing symptoms.
 
The free tests are being done at sites in St. Paul, Crookston, Hutchinson, Moorhead and Stillwater, along with Brooklyn Park, Duluth, Inver Grove Heights, Wadena and Hibbing.
 
Gov. Tim Walz launched the new sites to meet increasing demand due to the Delta variant.
 
All of the locations are free and you get results within a few hours after the nasal swab.
 

This week on the Minnesota Native News Health Report… state leaders announce a COVID-19 vaccine incentive program that aims to get more young Minnesotans vaccinated … also, there are new COVID-19 rapid testing sites popping up across Minnesota. Here’s reporter Cole Premo.
 
 Here’s reporter Cole Premo.
 
 Minnesotans between the ages 12 and 17 years old who start and complete their vaccine series before the end of November will get a $200 Visa gift card -- and a shot at a $100,000 college scholarship.
 
 Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz recently announced the new vaccine incentive program for youth at a press conference outside Gordan Parks High School In St. Paul. The vaccine program is called Kids Deserve A Shot. Here’s Gov. Walz.
 
 WALZ: “Being in school has a positive impact. So, we’re here today to show that one of the biggest pieces of that is getting 12 to 17 year olds vaccinated. We’re really gonna highlight this group because if these outbreaks happen, we’ll have distance learning happen and spread in communities.”
 In order to get the $200 Visa gift card, 12 to 17 year olds will need to start their vaccine series over the coming weeks, and complete it by November 30.
 
 Youth who have already completed the vaccine series before this announcement won’t be eligible for the $200. However, all Mnnesotans ages 12 to 17 years old who have completed their vaccine series at any point will be entered for a chance to win a $100,000 Minnesota College Scholarship.
 
 The state will hold five drawings of $100,000 for five students to attend any public or private non-profit higher educational institution in Minnesota.
 
 The funds for the incentive program come from $12.2 million dollars in federal American Rescue Plan funds.
 
 According to the latest data, only about 50% of Minnesotans ages 12 to 17 years old have been fully vaccinated. Less than 60% of Minnesota 16 to 17 years old are fully vaccinated.
 
 More information on the incentive and how to register, visit the state’s website at mn.gov. From there, you can search for the program by typing in “Kids Deserve A Shot.”
 
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In other news, there are more options for COVID-19 rapid testing across Minnesota. 
 
State leaders recently announced an expansion of rapid testing availability at community sites across Minnesota. 
 
Recently launched sites include the cities of Brooklyn Park, Duluth, Stillwater, Crookston and Hutchinson. 
 
New rapid testing sites will also soon launch in Inver Grove Heights, Wadena, Hibbing, and Albert Lea.
 
Additionally, the state is offering rapid testing at the existing community saliva testing locations in Moorhead and at St. Paul’s Roy Wilkins Auditorium.
 
More information on rapid testing can be found on the Minnesota Department of Health’s website.