Coronavirus Archives - Page 19 of 49

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Friday, December 11

December 11, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 3,773 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota Friday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 370,968 in the state. Health officials also reported 94 news deaths bringing the death total to 4,292 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 4,789,829 tests have been completed to date. There are…

Essentia Doctor Details COVID Reality in the Northland, Vaccine Progress

Dr. Melissa Simonson Encourages All Northland Residents to Receive the COVID Vaccine When Available

December 11, 2020

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – At Essentia Health in Duluth, capacity is stretched thin with both COVID patients and the normal patient population. Dr. Melissa Simonson, section chair of hospitalist services at Essentia Health, says over the last two weeks they have seen a slight improvement in the number of COVID patients. Right now, 20-25 percent of regular medical patients are COVID…

Parents Sue Walz to Lift ‘Pause’ on Youth Sports Over Virus

December 11, 2020

The Associated Press,

(Elizabeth Flores/Star Tribune via AP) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A group of parents has sued Gov. Tim Walz, seeking to throw out his order that put high school sports on hold as part of efforts to slow the spread of the coronavirus. But lawmakers agreed Thursday on $216 million in grants for businesses hurt by the four-week “pause” that Walz imposed…

Gov. Evers Encouraging More COVID-19 Testing as Hospitals Continue to Surge

December 10, 2020

CJ Baumgartner,

MADISON, Wis.– Wisconsin is still clocking in with a high number of COVID-19 cases each day, but the cases are slightly dropping. However, the strain on hospitals and healthcare workers is still as bad as ever. Governor Tony Evers says the state continues to be a ‘national hotspot’ for COVID-19 with thousands of new cases coming in again today. Wisconsin…

Bakeries Adjust to Changing Times

With COVID-19 changing the way social gatherings are held, some area bakeries are feeling the impact.

December 10, 2020

Jane Kim,

NORTHLAND – With COVID-19 changing the way social gatherings are held, some area bakeries are feeling the impact. Bakeries throughout the region are having to be flexible in the way they distribute their treats with the pandemic changing the way they do business. At Johnson’s Bakery on west 3rd street in Duluth, business has changed drastically mainly because its catering…

Evers Hints Wisconsin Schools Should Consider Reopening

December 10, 2020

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Gov. Tony Evers is hinting that Wisconsin schools should consider re-opening after the winter break. Evers’ administration has left it up to individual school districts to decide whether to hold virtual classes or open for in-person instruction in the face of the coronavirus pandemic. But concerns about the long-term effects of isolation on children and the…

Minnesota’s New COVID-19 Deaths Include 2 Victims in 20s

December 10, 2020

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Two Minnesotans in their 20s are among the 89 new deaths from COVID-19 reported by state health officials Thursday. It’s an unusual development in a pandemic that mostly claims the lives of elderly patients. The Minnesota Department of Health says they included someone 25 to 29 years old in Ramsey County and someone between 20 and 24…

Second COVID-19 Related Death Reported at Moose Lake MNSOP Facility

December 10, 2020

Site Staff,

(photo: AP news) MOOSE LAKE, Minn. – A second COVID-19 related death has been reported at the Minnesota Sex Offender Program’s Moose Lake facility. According to a recent press release from the facility, the client died Wednesday, December 9 and the family has been notified. The first COVID-19 related death at the facility was on December 2. “We offer our…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Thursday, December 10

December 10, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 3,523 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota Thursday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 367,218 in the state. Health officials also reported 89 news deaths bringing the death total to 4,198 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 4,731,719 tests have been completed to date. There are…

Walz Pushes Announcement on Extending COVID-19 Restrictions to Monday

December 10, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – Gov. Tim Walz is delaying until Monday an announcement on extending business closures due to COVID-19. Walz had initially planned to make that call on Friday, but the decision is still in the planning stages, a spokesperson told FOX 9. Last month, Walz initiated a four-week pause on indoor dining at bars and restaurants and youth…

Us Jobless Claims Jump to 853,000 Amid Resurgence of Virus

December 10, 2020

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) — The number of people applying for unemployment aid jumped last week to 853,000, the most since September, evidence that some companies are cutting more jobs as new virus cases spiral higher. The Labor Department said Thursday that the number of applications increased from 716,000 the previous week. Before the coronavirus paralyzed the economy in March, weekly jobless…

Ursa Minor Puts Together Take-Home Kits for Customers

With the governor’s shutdown of bars and restaurants, some local establishments are being a bit more creative with the products they sell.

December 9, 2020

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – With the governor’s shutdown of bars and restaurants, some local establishments are being a bit more creative with the products they sell. Ursa Minor in Lincoln Park has begun selling make your own pizza kits and Duluth Best Bread’s pretzels to-go. Owners say it’s all about innovation and being flexible during these unique times. “Everyone’s been forced…

Increased Demand for Technology Repairs During Pandemic

With kids doing distance learning and adults working from home, there has been an increase in the number of repairs being done at tech shops throughout the area.

December 9, 2020

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – With kids doing distance learning and adults working from home, there has been an increase in the number of repairs being done at tech shops throughout the area. As more and more people either work or learn from home, local electronic repair shops have been busier than usual, fixing up Northlanders’ devices. Over at Box Tronics in…

Duluth Flower Farm Sells Homeschool Kits for Students of All Ages

Distance learning is becoming the norm for students but that doesn’t mean they have to be bored during these times. Duluth Flower Farm now has different homeschool kits for students of all ages.

December 9, 2020

Jane Kim,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Distance learning is becoming the norm for students but that doesn’t mean they have to be bored during these times. Duluth Flower Farm now has different homeschool kits for students of all ages. Kids can come to the store and buy their own homemade crafts, which range from winter decorated pots to wreath kits. “I just think…

Great Outdoors: Giant’s Ridge

Giant's Ridge is officially open despite the pandemic to help Northlanders get outside to enjoy some beautiful scenery while getting some exercise.

December 9, 2020

Jane Kim,

BIWABIK, Minn. – Giant’s Ridge is officially open despite the pandemic to help Northlanders get outside to enjoy some beautiful scenery while getting some exercise. Fred Seymour, the general manager at Giant’s Ridge, says that with COVID, it has been difficult adjusting to the different precautions, but visitors are likewise being flexible as well. While skiers enjoy all Giant’s Ridge…

Minnesota Reports 4,539 New Coronavirus Cases; 82 New Deaths

December 9, 2020

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota health officials reported 4,539 new coronavirus cases Wednesday and 82 new deaths, the state’s third-highest one-day total of the pandemic. The new cases raise Minnesota’s total case count to 363,719 and its cumulative death toll to 4,109. But hospitalizations are continuing a slow decline. Minnesota had 1,545 people hospitalized with COVID as of Tuesday, with 358…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Wednesday, December 9

December 9, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 4,539 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota Wednesday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 363,719 in the state. Health officials also reported 82 news deaths bringing the death total to 4,109 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 4,690,213 tests have been completed to date. There are…

UK Probing if Allergic Reactions Linked to Pfizer Vaccine

December 9, 2020

The Associated Press,

LONDON (AP) — British regulators have warned that people who have a history of serious allergic reactions shouldn’t receive the new Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine as they investigate two adverse reactions that occurred on the first day of the country’s mass vaccination program. The U.K.’s Medical and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency is looking into whether the reactions were linked to the vaccine….

Gov Walz: ‘The end of COVID is out there’ with Vaccine Rollout Likely Next Week

If approved, the state would receive 46,800 shots from Pfizer by next week.

December 8, 2020

Arman Rahman,

ST. PAUL, Minn.- Minnesota Governor Tim Walz unveiled the state’s plan for getting Minnesotans vaccinated against coronavirus, some as soon as the coming weeks. “This day is real, it’s happening, it is really here. In Minnesota, we’re prepared for it,” said the Governor in a press conference Tuesday. “We are on the doorstep of starting this.” According to the Minnesota…

Gov. Evers Asks Wisconsin for Caution Over Holidays As COVID-19 Surge Continues

Wisconsin is getting close to having 420,000 total cases since March with 3,800 deaths.

December 8, 2020

Arman Rahman,

MADISON, Wis.- Wisconsin will get 50,000 vaccines to start once it’s approved and will first go to long-term care facility residents and healthcare workers. Governor Evers said in a virtual briefing Tuesday that even through the United States is closer to approving the vaccine, there’s no backing away from all the precautions we still need to take to keep ourselves,…

‘Duluth Dolls’ Hosts Virtual Holiday Fundraiser For Families

December 8, 2020

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. -The Duluth Dolls burlesque dancing group is spreading some holiday magic by hosting its first online silent auction through Dec. 11. There are 30 donations from local artists and businesses, like a chair massage, a boat cruise, candles and handmade earrings. “Everyone needs a hand every once in a while and now with the pandemic, there are many…

Local Food Shelves Stay Busy During Holidays

With the holidays fast approaching, local food shelves are in need of donations to help local families.

December 8, 2020

Jane Kim,

CLOQUET, Minn. – With the holidays fast approaching, local food shelves are in need of donations to help local families. Over at the Salvation Army Food Shelf in Cloquet, they say they have been overwhelmed with the support from the community adding however, they are always in need especially during this time of year. “I think it’s wonderful,” said Sue…

Mental Health Students Distance Learning

Distance Learning Brings Up Mental Health Concerns for Students

With distance learning being implemented at schools throughout the Northland, district leaders say some students are struggling to catch up while also dealing with the stresses of a new way of learning.

December 8, 2020

Jane Kim,

NORTHLAND – With distance learning being implemented at schools throughout the Northland, district leaders say some students are struggling to catch up while also dealing with the stresses of a new way of learning. With distance learning comes new battles for students on how to pay attention to lessons on the web while also dealing with the stress of a…

Glensheen Hosts Virtual Tours for Public During Holiday Season

In light of the pandemic and having to close down due to statewide restrictions, Glensheen is hosting virtual tours for folks to participate in.

December 8, 2020

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – In light of the pandemic and having to close down due to statewide restrictions, Glensheen is hosting virtual tours for folks to participate in. The two tours will feature rare spaces, secret compartments, and all the fun things Glensheen fans love to see. The tours are about 15 to 20 minutes, and people will be able to…

Minnesota in Line to Get 183,400 COVID-19 Vaccines by the End of 2020

December 8, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – Gov. Tim Walz and state health officials outlined Minnesota’s COVID-19 vaccine rollout plan in a statewide address Tuesday. Walz said he expects Minnesota will get its first vaccine shipment “sometime in the next week or so.” However, Walz cautions there is an unclear and shifting schedule for delivery of both Pfizer and Moderna’s initial vaccines. Minnesota is…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Tuesday, December 8

December 8, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 3,080 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota Tuesday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 359,203 in the state. Health officials also reported 22 news deaths bringing the death total to 4,027 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 4,650,726 tests have been completed to date. There are…

‘Route Out’ of Pandemic: UK Gives 1st COVID-19 Vaccine Doses

December 8, 2020

The Associated Press,

LONDON (AP) — A retired British shop clerk has received the first shot in the country’s COVID-19 vaccination program, the start of an unprecedented global immunization effort intended to offer a route out of a pandemic that has killed 1.5 million. The U.K. is the first Western country to start a mass vaccination program after British regulators last week authorized…

Us Regulators Post Positive Review of Pfizer Vaccine Data

December 8, 2020

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. health regulators say in their initial review that the vaccine from Pfizer is 95% protective against COVID-19. The review posted online Tuesday by the Food and Drug Administration offers the world the first detailed look at the evidence behind the shot, which was co-developed with BioNTech. The FDA review comes before a Thursday meeting where a…

Gov. Walz, MDH Trim Recommended Quarantine to 10 or 7 Days After COVID Exposure

A full 14-day quarantine after being exposed to someone with COVID-19 is still the most safe, officials said.

December 8, 2020

Arman Rahman,

ST.PAUL, Minn.- Governor Tim Walz and state health leaders announced changes Monday to how long people should quarantine if exposed to someone with coronavirus, and also prepped the state for new mitigation efforts to come within the week. “The fact of the matter is a 14-day quarantine is the best thing to do. But the science has been refined enough…

Northlanders Take On Snowmobiling During COVID Restrictions

With some snow on the horizon, snowmobilers will soon be hitting the Northland trails.

December 7, 2020

Jane Kim,

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – With some snow on the horizon, snowmobilers will soon be hitting the Northland trails. Over at RJ Sport & Cycle, the store currently has about 50% less inventory in stock as more Northlanders want to get outdoors away from quarantining. “Because of the restrictions and stuff in place, people have been using the cabins more, they haven’t…

St. Louis County Distributes Almost $3 Million in Federal CARES Act Funding

St. Louis County recently distributed almost $3 million worth of federal CARES Act dollars to more than 50 community organizations. This funding is in addition to around $8 million given to area schools and small businesses.

December 7, 2020

Jane Kim,

ST. LOUIS COUNTY – St. Louis County recently distributed almost $3 million worth of federal CARES Act dollars to more than 50 community organizations. This funding is in addition to around $8 million given to area schools and small businesses. The St. Louis County CARES Act community assistance funds are targeting those who are disproportionately hit by the COVID-19 pandemic….

Minnesota Reports Slight Dip in Daily New Cases of Virus

December 7, 2020

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota reported 5,296 new cases of the coronavirus and 21 deaths on Monday. Both numbers were down from the state’s seven-day averages, but Mondays are typically a lighter day for virus numbers due to a dropoff in testing over the weekends. Minnesota has averaged about 5,400 new daily cases and 58 deaths per day over the past…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Monday, December 7

December 7, 2020

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ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 5,296 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota Monday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 356,152 in the state. Health officials also reported 21 news deaths bringing the death total to 4,005 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 4,623,492 tests have been completed to date. There are…

Governor Walz Raises Concerns Over Rising COVID-19 Cases in Care Facilities

December 4, 2020

CJ Baumgartner,

DULUTH, Minn.– As COVID-19 cases continue to climb in Minnesota, the increase is starting to impact people living in group homes and assisted living facilities. Governor Walz has spent all week emphasizing the need to follow social distancing and health department guidelines. And now he says that need is even greater as the raging pandemic is crippling the most vulnerable…

Truckers for Tots Donates Thousands of Dollars Worth of Toys to Northland Kids

A major toy donation was made today for kids in the Northland.

December 4, 2020

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – A major toy donation was made today for kids in the Northland. The group Truckers for Tots, headed by Mid-state Truck Service with other area businesses, stopped by the Duluth Salvation Army to donate thousands of dollars worth of toys, making sure area children have the Christmas they deserve. This is the first year the company has…

Cold Plasma Generators Combatting COVID-19 Installed at Assisted Living Facilities

Several assisted living facilities in the area are now incorporating a disinfecting tool to help keep their residents healthy during the pandemic.

December 4, 2020

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – Several assisted living facilities in the area are now incorporating disinfecting technology to help keep their residents healthy during the pandemic. At both Keystone Bluffs in Duluth and Diamond Willow, which has multiple locations in the area, cold plasma generators have been installed in the HVAC systems, which provides an electric field filled with highly-charged ions. The…

Essentia, St. Luke’s Share Plans for COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution

The nation continues to draw closer to the distribution of a vaccine to fight off COVID-19 and now local hospitals are preparing for how they will deliver it to Northlanders.

December 4, 2020

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – The nation continues to draw closer to the distribution of a vaccine to fight off COVID-19 and now local hospitals are preparing for how they will deliver it to Northlanders. Both Essentia Health and St. Luke’s are preparing to make sure the vaccine is distributed and stored both safely and effectively. Essentia Health has been working closely…

Wisconsin Crosses 400,000 COVID-19 Cases

December 4, 2020

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MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin crossed the 400,000 mark in recorded COVID-19 cases on Friday, adding nearly 4,900 positives in one day and 63 additional deaths. There have now been 404,555 positive cases in the state and 3,625 deaths. Gov. Tony Evers on Thursday cited high case counts in the state when making the argument with President Donald Trump’s administration to…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Friday, December 4

December 4, 2020

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ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 5,371 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota Friday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 338,973 in the state. Health officials also reported 61 news deaths bringing the death total to 3,845 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 4,439,728 tests have been completed to date. There are…

Data Shows Americans Couldn’t Resist Thanksgiving Travel

December 4, 2020

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SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — Americans couldn’t resist the urge to gather for Thanksgiving. That’s according to data from roadways and airports provided to The Associated Press. Americans drove only slightly less than a year ago and largely ignored the pleas of public health experts, who begged them to forgo holiday travel to help contain the coronavirus pandemic. The nation’s…

COVID-19 Outbreak Leads to More Deaths at Superior Rehab Facility

December 3, 2020

CJ Baumgartner,

SUPERIOR, Wis.– The number of deaths from COVID-19 in Douglas County is now in the double digits. Now, additional deaths are coming from the Superior Rehabilitation Center in the wake of a virus outbreak at the facility. The center has confirmed that 16 residents that tested positive for COVID-19 have died. So far Douglas County health officials have confirmed that…

Legislators Working to Make Sure Vaccine Is Properly Distributed and Stored Locally

With the news of a COVID-19 vaccine, legislators are working to make sure that distribution and storage for the vaccine are being prepared, even in places like the Northland.

December 3, 2020

Jane Kim,

NORTHLAND – With the news of a COVID-19 vaccine, legislators are working to make sure that distribution and storage for the vaccine are being prepared, even in places like the Northland. Senator Amy Klobuchar says that once the vaccine is available, it will first go to healthcare workers, those in assisted living facilities, seniors, and people on the front lines….

Itasca County Schools Establish Protocols to Combat COVID-19

Schools throughout the country are taking measures to help stop the spread of coronavirus and those in Itasca County are no different. Several superintendents are leading their schools to act in response to the virus.

December 3, 2020

Jane Kim,

ITASCA COUNTY – Schools throughout the country are taking measures to help stop the spread of coronavirus and those in Itasca County are no different. Several superintendents are leading their schools to act in response to the virus. From Greenway and Deer River to Nashwauk-Keewatin and Bigfork, protocols are being implemented to make sure students stay safe during these times….

Deadline Looms for Minnesotans to Seek COVID-19 Housing Aid

December 3, 2020

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MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota residents who have fallen behind on their rent, mortgage, or utility payments amid the coronavirus pandemic should apply for state aid before a looming deadline of Monday night, Gov. Tim Walz and other officials urged Thursday. The COVID-19 Housing Assistance Program has already taken more than 28,000 applications for more than $67 million in aid. About…

Superior Rehab Center Reports 14 COVID-19 Related Deaths

December 3, 2020

Kelly Tekler,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – An outbreak of COVID-19 cases continues to grow at the Superior Rehabilitation Center with the facility now reporting a total of 61 staff members and 88 residents testing positive for COVID-19. The facility says 51 of those residents have since recovered from the virus. Since the start of the outbreak, 14 residents have died all of whom…

Minnesota Sex Offender Program Reports One COVID-19 Related Death, 18 Active Cases

December 3, 2020

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MOOSE LAKE, Minn. – The Minnesota Sex Offender Program in Moose Lake announced on Thursday that a client at the facility died on Tuesday due to COVID-19. Minnesota Department of Human Services officials say the family of the deceased has been notified and this is the first COVID-19 related death among clients or staff MOSP facilities. “Losing a loved one…

Minnesota Reports 92 New COVID-19 Deaths as New Cases Grow

December 3, 2020

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MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota health officials reported 92 new COVID-19 deaths on Thursday, the second-highest one-day toll since the pandemic reached the state. The deaths raised the state’s cumulative toll to 3,784 on a day when the U.S. recorded over 3,100 COVID-19 deaths in a single day, obliterating the one-day national record set last spring. Minnesota’s highest one-day total is 101…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Thursday, December 3

December 3, 2020

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ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 6,166 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota Thursday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 333,626 in the state. Health officials also reported 92 news deaths bringing the death total to 3,784 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 4,379,610 tests have been completed to date. There are…

Gov. Walz, DFD Chief Krizaj Address First Responders Impact as Cases Continue to Climb

December 2, 2020

CJ Baumgartner,

DULUTH, Minn.– In Minnesota, the state is continuing to see a surge in COVID-19 cases. With another 5,200 added Wednesday, with the case positivity rate staying above 12 percent. The increase in cases and hospital capacity is putting a strain on healthcare workers, and it’s also putting a strain on other groups who are trying to keep everyone safe. Wednesday…

Youth in Action Kicks Off Food Collection Drive

The local group Youth in Action is hosting a food collection drive where they ask Northlanders to collect a variety of non-perishable items.

December 2, 2020

Jane Kim,

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – The local group Youth in Action is hosting a food collection drive where they ask Northlanders to collect a variety of non-perishable items and on December 22nd, community members can bring those items to the front of Hermantown High School where Youth in Action will deliver them to Second Harvest. “It’s definitely a time of big need,…