COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — A new coronavirus variant identified in South Africa has been found in the United States for the first time. South Carolina officials say two such cases have been diagnosed in the state. Viruses mutate constantly, and many variants of the coronavirus are circulating around the globe, but scientists are primarily concerned with three that appears to…
(courtesy: WI Dept of Health Services via AP) MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Republican-controlled Wisconsin Assembly has backed off on voting to repeal Democratic Gov. Tony Evers’ mask mandate. The retreat Thursday came in the face of broad criticism from the state’s health, school and business leaders and out concern the move would jeopardize more than $49 million in federal…
ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 1,335 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota on Thursday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 458,633 in the state. Health officials also reported 16 news deaths bringing the death total to 6,140 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 6,467,868 tests have been completed to date. There…
DULUTH, Minn.– The race to give out the COVID-19 vaccine continues as the Northland begins to move on to the next wave of people to get the shot. So far, healthcare providers in Duluth have vaccinated over 1,400 people including frontline workers, long term care residents, and first responders. St. Luke’s and Essentia Health both started giving vaccines to people…
DULUTH, Minn. – The rebuild process continues at Husky Energy in Superior after an explosion ripped through the facility in the spring of 2018. The Husky Refinery in Superior continues to move forward in its rebuild process with the hopes that it reopens for business in 2022. This week along, two towers have gone up the vacuum tower and the…
DULUTH, Minn. – Starting Friday, the Great Lakes Aquarium opens its Brr Garden, which will be a bar set outside in these frigid temps. The bar will be open every Friday night from 5 to 8 p.m. through February and will feature ice bars with high top tables made entirely of ice. And to stay warm, the site will have…
DULUTH, Minn. – A solar co-op has popped up in Duluth with the hopes it gets more people interested in using clean energy. Minnesota Interfaith Power and Light is partnering with Solar United Neighbors to spread the word to Duluth neighborhoods about solar energy and the importance of doing it cooperatively to keep costs down. “Our primary focus about why…
DULUTH, Minn. – Lighthouse Center for Vital Living in Duluth has started a hotline that helps those with disabilities and the elderly understand more about the vaccine and testing process. Organizers say the hotline is vital especially with so much information out there. “The hotline is really important because people have questions and there’s so much information coming from so…
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin will become one of only 10 states without statewide mask mandates when the Assembly votes this week to overturn Gov. Tony Evers’ order. More than two dozen public health organizations, as well as state and local health officials, have urged the Republican-controlled Legislature to reconsider. The vote to repeal the mask order, planned for Thursday,…
ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 851 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota on Wednesday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 457,317 in the state. Health officials also reported 18 news deaths bringing the death total to 6,124 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 6,420,268 tests have been completed to date. There…
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Some hospital systems around Minnesota are flouting the state and federal guidance on the hierarchy for receiving the coronavirus vaccine, according to health officials. The Minnesota Department of Health has deputized large health systems to distribute the vaccine as part of a public-private partnership. Currently, the state has prioritized vaccinating people who provide in-person health care services…
LAKE COUNTY, Minn. – Lake County Public Health along with the Lake View Hospital & Medical Clinics say they are working to distribute COVID-19 vaccines to Lake County residents beginning next week. According to a recent press release, following the completion of vaccinations for healthcare workers and congregate care residents, pop-up clinics for residents aged 65 and over will be…
DULUTH, Minn.– 12,665 people have been given the COVID-19 vaccine in St. Louis County so far. Now, county leaders working out a plan to deliver the next round of vaccinations. St. Louis County Public Health expects to wrap up phase 1a as early as the end of the month, with people ages 65 and older up next for vaccinations. “It’s…
(courtesy: The Wildcat Sanctuary via Fox 9) PINE COUNTY, Minn. – A tiger at the Wildcat Sanctuary in Pine County has tested positive for COVID-19, according to the Minnesota Board of Animal Health According to reports from the sanctuary veterinarian, the tiger, a 21-year-old female Sumatran/Bengal tiger, has already recovered from the virus. Sanctuary staff says they first noticed symptoms…
ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 727 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota on Tuesday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 456,490 in the state. Health officials also reported 8 news deaths bringing the death total to 6,106 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 6,399,553 tests have been completed to date. There…
DULUTH, Minn.- As some elementary students across Duluth head back to the classrooms, some volunteers with the Northland Youth Basketball Alliance and Starks Academy are offering a place where kids of all ages can come to play, and get help with schoolwork. It’s called “Seal The Cracks.” For two hours after school at the Encounter Youth Center on First Street…
DULUTH, Minn.- On Monday, Kindergartners through 2nd Graders in the Duluth School District returned to their classrooms for the first time since November, after Minnesota Governor Tim Walz officially allowed elementary schools to reopen starting January 18th. “I am truly elated to be back at school,” said Homecroft Elementary Principal Tom Cawcutt. In Duluth, the rest of elementary schoolers Grades…
DULUTH, Minn.– As COVID-19 vaccinations continue around the country, one health center right here in the Northland reached a big milestone for those at the facility. In late December, residents and staff at the Benedictine Health Center in Duluth received their first dose of the Moderna vaccine. Now on Monday, they were able to get their second shot. “Lots of…
(FOX 9) – A variant of COVID-19 that originated in Brazil has been discovered in a Minnesota patient, officials say. It is the first known case documented in the United States. The Minnesota Department of Health said the variant, known as Brazil P.1 variant, was found in a person who had recently traveled to Brazil. The variant is thought to be more…
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Wisconsin Medical Society on Monday announced its opposition to a Republican-authored resolution that would overturn the statewide mask mandate put in place to slow the spread of the coronavirus. The state Senate planned to vote Tuesday on the resolution. The Assembly, also in session on Tuesday, has not said if it will vote on the resolution….
(AP Photo/Jim Mone) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Gov. Tim Walz on Monday announced changes in the sign-up process for a community vaccine program for seniors, teachers, and child care workers after heavy demand last week crashed a website and angered many people who could not get through. State officials have shifted from a first-come, first-served system to a lottery that allows…
ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 794 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota on Monday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 455,783 in the state. Health officials also reported 3 news deaths bringing the death total to 6,098 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 6,388,959 tests have been completed to date. There…
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The number of Minnesotans who have received at least the first dose of the two-shot COVID-19 vaccine is nearing a quarter-million or less than 5% of the population, the Minnesota Department of Health reported Sunday. A total of 247,415 Minnesotans have received at least one dose. More than 63,000 people have received both shots to complete their…
DULUTH, Minn.- Event coordinators throughout the region have had to be more flexible due to the pandemic. For instance, the Make a Difference Conference, hosted by Youth in Action, was held at the DECC last year, had about 400 participants. This year’s conference will be virtual. The conference itself focuses on youth in the area and equips them to invest…
DULUTH, Minn. – With Biden assuming the office this week, he has signed a mask mandate for interstate travelers at airports throughout the country. The Duluth International Airport has already been implementing masks inside of the airport because of the city-wide mask mandate. They say their customers have adapted well to the situation. “Because that’s already required here, for travelers…
MOUNTAIN IRON, Minn.– Mountain Iron is one of the places administering the COVID-19 vaccine to adults over 65 education and child care workers as part of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz’s new vaccine pilot program. COVID-19 vaccinations are ramping up in St. Louis County with more than 10,000 shots given out so far. And over in Mountain Iron, the next step…
DULUTH, Minn. – The Great Lakes Aquarium has introduced a fundraiser to help them during these tough times. In what they call the Otter Slide Race, Northlanders can race using multiple outlets like skiing, snowshoeing, fat tire biking, or even pulling your kid on a sled throughout February. Some of the best racers will eventually be given prizes. “It’s important…
NORTHLAND – As the COVID pandemic continues on, the flu has taken a back seat to the virus and numbers are down dramatically across the region. Both the flu and COVID-19 are transmitted in the same way, and prevention strategies for the coronavirus have helped out with the number of hospitalizations due to the flu. The current numbers for the…
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota health officials reported Friday the state has now been allocated 871,650 doses of federally controlled COVID-19 vaccine, up more than 240,000 doses from a week earlier. The state’s snapshot of progress in administering vaccines also showed that 214,050 people have gotten their first dose of a two-shot series, with 49,604 people having completed the two shots….
ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 1,525 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota on Friday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 452,268 in the state. Health officials also reported 21 news deaths bringing the death total to 6,032 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 6,289,662 tests have been completed to date. There…
SUPERIOR, Wis. – With a generous gift from Husky Energy, the Superior Fire Department is now equipped with four brand new ice rescue suits. Husky Refinery had reached out to the fire department at the end of last year, asking about making a donation to help out with some winter gear. The refinery gave $2,500 for the new suits, which…
ST. LOUIS COUNTY – St. Louis County Public Health along with area health facilities plans to move on from its phase 1a vaccination plans by the end of the month. There is a strong push to get through phase 1a to move onto 1b, which includes the 65 plus population. Phase 1 A includes people in skilled nursing facilities, along…
(AP) – Public health experts are blaming COVID-19 vaccine shortages around the U.S. in part on the Trump administration’s push to get states to vastly expand their vaccination drives to reach the nation’s estimated 54 million people age 65 and over. The push that began over a week ago has not been accompanied by enough doses to meet demand, leading…
DULUTH, Minn. – St. Luke’s announced on Thursday that its COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic will soon be opening at the hospital. The clinic is set to tentatively open in early February for patients 65 and older. According to a recent press release, the clinic’s hours will be Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. The COVID-19 Clinic will offer…
ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 1,292 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota on Thursday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 450,762 in the state. Health officials also reported 32 news deaths bringing the death total to 6,011 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 6,247,442 tests have been completed to date. There…
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Minnesota pharmacies and health care providers are requesting the state include them in the coronavirus vaccine rollout as the demand for a shot among seniors far outpaces the state’s supply. Pharmacists testified before a Minnesota Senate health committee on Wednesday, telling lawmakers they can provide easier access to a vaccine as the priority groups for doses expands…
(AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden is putting into play his national COVID-19 strategy to ramp up vaccinations and testing, reopen schools and businesses and increase the use of masks — including a requirement that Americans mask up for travel. He’ll sign 10 virus-related executive orders on Thursday as the nation is deep in the deadliest wave…
CLOQUET, Minn. – Do you want to build a snowman? National Honor Society students at Cloquet High School have said yes to the challenge. After a wild 2020, staff at the Sunnyside healthcare center in Cloquet were looking for a little pick-me-up for all the people living there. “Just trying to think of something to help put a smiles on…
DULUTH, Minn. – With several million people already vaccinated, medical professionals want the public to know about the possible side effects that could happen in people getting the vaccine. Overall, side effects of the vaccines are mostly pretty mild. With two different vaccines being distributed in the U.S., symptoms from each have been similar so far. Medical professionals are seeing…
SUPERIOR, Wis. – With the inauguration of President Biden, history was made in several ways. A professor over at UWS says she saw a somewhat peaceful transition to Biden, hopefully bringing the country together under a spirit of unity, especially in light of the events that happened at the Capitol. “I think it demonstrates for one that we, despite all…
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota health officials on Wednesday announced that all 6,000 spots in a coronavirus vaccine pilot program reserved for Minnesotans over 65 have been filled after issues with the registration website caused it to crash on Tuesday. The 12,000 doses reserved for the program this week — half of which are reserved for teachers and child care workers…
ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 1,237 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota on Wednesday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 449,492 in the state. Health officials also reported 34 news deaths bringing the death total to 5,979 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 6,206,196 tests have been completed to date. There…
DULUTH, Minn. – St. Luke’s in Duluth is now offering an emergency use COVID-19 antibody treatment that medical experts say has been proven to reduce the length of hospitalizations. The monoclonal antibody treatment is produced in a lab. The antibodies work to attack the COVID-19 virus in the patient’s system. St. Luke’s Infectious Disease Specialist, Dr. Andrew Thompson, says the…
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The state has started distributing and receiving at-home test kits for COVID-19. Wisconsin Department of Health Services spokeswoman Traci DeSalvo says more than 12,000 kits have been ordered and more than 1,600 have been returned as of last week. “People are ordering a kit and having it on hand for when they’re ready,” she said. “It’s…
DULUTH, Minn. — Members of the Duluth Police Department have begun getting their COVID-19 vaccinations as they mourn one of the colleagues who recently died of the virus. Some of the department’s employees started getting their shots this past weekend. Shelly Meixsel A spokesperson said while the department is not requiring employees to get vaccinated or report when they do,…
DULUTH, Minn. – Massive 6-foot tall boxes full of packed snow have popped up in Duluth’s Lincoln Park Craft District. The boxes will be peeled open later this week so local and regional artists can transform the snow cubes into creative snow sculptures. Organizers tell us it’s all about getting people out of the house to enjoy winter while also…
SUPERIOR, Wis. – With many students attending school in a hybrid format, Northland school districts are trying new strategies to make sure their students get enough to eat. Whether it’s chicken alfredo or cheeseburgers, the Superior School District is providing free meals to students not only for the food but also to give a sense of normalcy during these uncertain…
DULUTH, Minn. – A Duluth realtor is putting together a guide for local homebuyers. Ayla Dougherty helps out people who are moving to the Duluth area. She says that over the years, some of her clients have come from the Twin Cities area and further away such as the Dakotas and even Canada. This new guide will highlight the best…
(FOX 9) – Starting Tuesday at noon, some eligible Minnesotans will be able to sign up online for an appointment to receive the COVID-19 vaccine at one of the nine pilot vaccination sites that are opening across the state. Minnesota is expanding its COVID-19 vaccination program to include people 65 years old and above, teachers, and child care workers, but health officials say initial…
ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 922 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota on Tuesday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 448,268 in the state. Health officials also reported 6 news deaths bringing the death total to 5,945 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 6,188,091 tests have been completed to date. There…
