Coronavirus Archives - Page 3 of 49

Minnesota COVID-19 Hospitalizations Top 1,400 Amid Surge

November 21, 2021

Dan Hanger,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – The number of Minnesota patients hospitalized with COVID-19 has surpassed 1,400 for the first time since last December, before vaccines became available. According to state health department statistics released Friday, Minnesota hospitals were caring for 1,414 patients with complications of the coronavirus, including 340 patients in intensive care. Only 2% of adult intensive care unit…

St. Louis County Vaccine Clinic Sees More Adults Get Boosters After Eligibility Expands

There will be another vaccine clinic at the Shriners Center on Miller Trunk Highway in Hermantown this Wednesday.

November 20, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The second week of St. Louis County’s vaccine clinic at the First United Methodist or Coppertop Church saw a boost in adults getting boosters after eligibility was expanded nationwide Friday. Initially, the clinic was started to provide 5 to 11-year-olds their COVID shot and adults their first and second. But officials say after the FDA and CDC both…

US Opens COVID Boosters to All Adults, Urges Them for 50+

November 19, 2021

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) – The U.S. is opening COVID-19 vaccine boosters to all adults, and urging them for anyone 50 and older. The decision Friday seeks to simplify what has been a confusing list of who’s eligible. Now for anyone 18 or older, the only requirement is to be at least six months past their last dose of a Pfizer or…

COVID Outbreak Among Cast, Crew Cancels ‘The Octette Bridge Club’ Performances

"It's tough. It's heartbreaking,” said Merry Renn Vaughan, the production's director.

November 17, 2021

Dan Hanger,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Cases of COVID-19 have shut down a theatre production in Superior after just one live performance and weeks of rehearsals. In a story on FOX 21 last week, the cast and crew were excited about the all-alumni production of “The Octette Bridge Club” at UW-Superior Theatre. They got to perform opening night Friday, Nov. 19, but one…

Surge of COVID Patients, Lack of ICU Beds Impacting Smaller Rural Hospitals

Lake View Hospital in Two Harbors and Community Memorial in Cloquet are stressing vaccinations, and patience with their overwhelmed employees.

November 16, 2021

Arman Rahman,

TWO HARBORS/ CLOQUET, Minn.- Hospitals in small rural towns are echoing more intensely the issues overwhelming larger city facilities — more COVID patients filling beds, and fatigue at battling a pandemic for close to 20 months — causing them to transfer patients far away when they pride themselves at providing local care. “The emotional strain that it puts on a…

Minnesota Ready To Allow COVID-19 Boosters for All Adults

November 16, 2021

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS – Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm says Minnesota officials are so alarmed about the continued surge in COVID-19 cases that they’re ready to start allowing vaccine booster shots for all adults by the end of the week if the federal government doesn’t approve them first. Other states are taking similar steps. Malcolm announced the plan on a day when Minnesota’s…

Health Officials: Minnesota Amid Coronavirus ‘Blizzard’

November 16, 2021

The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota health officials say the state is currently in the middle of a coronavirus “blizzard” with its rate of new infections worst in the nation over the pasts seven days. More than 95% of available inpatient hospital beds are filled across the state which has caused backups in some emergency departments, according to health care…

Virus Surge Sends Minnesota Hospitals Scrambling For Room

November 14, 2021

Dan Hanger,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Minnesota hospitals are scrambling to make room for patients as patients needing medical care for COVID-19 have hit a high for the year. Hospitals have delayed non-essential procedures, diverted less serious cases to outpatient clinics, and treated emergency room patients in hallways and ambulance bays that have been converted to urgent care centers, the St. Paul Pioneer…

Douglas County Jail Deals With First Major COVID-19 Outbreak

November 10, 2021

KQDS Staff,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Douglas County Jail is on the rebound after its first major COVID-19 outbreak affected more than two dozen inmates. Sheriff Tom Dalbec told FOX 21 Wednesday that 33 inmates have tested positive for the virus within the last two weeks. The problem exploded after a few inmates weren’t feeling well and ended up testing positive for…

Malcolm Decries ‘Alarming Spike’ in Minnesota COVID-19 Cases

November 10, 2021

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Minnesota Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm says COVID-19 hospitalizations have reached their highest level of the year. And she says hospital capacity continues to tighten across the state amid a “truly alarming spike in cases.” The Minnesota Department of Health on Wednesday reported 5,277 new cases and 43 new deaths. As of Wednesday, Minnesota hospitals were caring for…

Pfizer Asks FDA to OK COVID-19 Booster Shots for All Adults

November 9, 2021

The Associated Press,

(AP) – Pfizer is asking U.S. regulators to allow boosters of its COVID-19 vaccine for anyone 18 or older. Older Americans and other groups particularly vulnerable to the virus have had access to a third dose of the Pfizer and BioNTech vaccine since September. But the Food and Drug Administration has said it would move quickly to expand boosters to…

Hospital Sued by Employees Fired for Refusing Vaccine

November 9, 2021

The Associated Press,

NORTHFIELD, Minn. (AP) — Some medical professionals are suing a city-owned hospital in southeastern Minnesota after they were terminated for refusing to receive the coronavirus vaccine. The 20 plaintiffs, which include a doctor, registered nurses, and other medical staff, filed their lawsuit in U.S. District Court Monday alleging they were fired without just cause. They claim Northfield Hospital and Clinics…

Pfizer Says COVID-19 Pill Cut Hospital, Death Risk by 90%

November 5, 2021

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) – Pfizer says its experimental pill for COVID-19 cut rates of hospitalization and death by nearly 90% among patients with mild-to-moderate infections. The company announced Friday it will soon ask the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and international regulators to authorize its pill, which is taken twice a day for five days. A similar pill from competitor Merck…

Manufacturers Sue Over Federal Vaccine Mandates for Workers

November 5, 2021

The Associated Press,

DARIEN, Wis. (AP) – Two Wisconsin manufacturers are among those suing to block the Biden administration from instituting COVID-19 vaccine mandates for private-sector workers. The Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty filed the lawsuit Thursday on behalf of Darien-based Tankcraft Corp. and Plasticraft Corp. The lawsuit challenges the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s new vaccine-or-test mandate for businesses with 100…

City Of Duluth To Require Employees Get Vaccinated Or Test For Covid Weekly

November 5, 2021

KQDS Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – The city of Duluth will soon be requiring its employees to get vaccinated or get weekly COVID tests. A city spokesperson said the new requirement will start in December. This comes after President Joe Biden made an executive order in September telling employers with 100 or more people to require workers to get vaccinated or get weekly…

US Mandates Vaccines or Tests for Big Companies by Jan. 4

November 4, 2021

The Associated Press,

(AP) – Tens of millions of Americans who work at companies with 100 or more employees will need to be vaccinated against COVID-19 by Jan. 4 or get tested for the virus weekly. The new government rules were issued Thursday. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration says companies that fail to comply could face penalties of nearly $14,000 per violation….

US Advisers Urge COVID Shot for Kids 5-11, Final OK Due Soon

November 2, 2021

The Associated Press,

(AP) – An influential U.S. advisory panel is recommending that all children ages 5 to 11 should get Pfizer’s pediatric COVID-19 vaccine. If the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention agrees with Tuesday’s vote, the U.S. will embark on a major expansion of vaccinations. Pediatricians are getting ready to put kid-size doses into little arms as soon…

U.S. Military Weighs Penalties for Service Members Who Refuse COVID Vaccine

November 2, 2021

The Associated Press,

(courtesy: U.S. Navy) WASHINGTON (AP) – As deadlines loom for military and defense civilians to get mandated COVID-19 vaccines, senior leaders must now wrestle with the fate of those who flatly refuse the shots or are seeking exemptions, and how to make sure they are treated fairly and equally. The vast majority of the active-duty force has received at least…

COVID-19 Vaccine To Be Ready for Children in Wisconsin Later This Week

November 2, 2021

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Health care providers and other coronavirus vaccine distributors in Wisconsin say they could have doses that are ready to be administered to younger children by the end of the week. On Tuesday, a special advisory panel to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will meet to consider recommendations for administering the Pfizer vaccine to younger…

FDA Paves Way for Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccinations in Young Kids

October 29, 2021

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) – The Food and Drug Administration has paved the way for children ages 5 to 11 to get Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine. The agency authorized the kid-size doses on Friday. But there’s one more regulatory hurdle. Next week, advisers to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will discuss which youngsters should get vaccinated. In the meantime, Pfizer plans…

Merck Agrees To Let Other Drug Makers Make Its COVID Pill

October 27, 2021

The Associated Press,

(Merck & Co. via AP) LONDON (AP) – Pharmaceutical company Merck has agreed to allow other drug makers to make its COVID-19 treatment, the first pill that has been shown to be effective against the disease. The move aims at helping millions of people in poorer countries access the drug. The U.N.-backed Medicines Patent Pool said in a statement on…

Gov Walz Announces Plan to Vaccinate 5-11 Year Olds in Minnesota

October 27, 2021

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Today, Governor Tim Walz announced Minnesota’s plan to administer the COVID-19 vaccine to children ages 5-11 after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Advisory Committee voted to recommend the use of the Pfizer vaccine in children 5-11 years old. “Every 5-11-year-old in Minnesota deserves the protection the COVID-19 vaccine has to offer,” said Governor Walz. “The…

FDA Advisers Back Pfizer’s COVID-19 Vaccine for Young Kids

October 26, 2021

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) – U.S. health advisers have endorsed kid-size doses of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine for younger children. The vote Tuesday by the Food and Drug Administration panel moves the U.S. closer to vaccinating children ages 5 to 11. The FDA isn’t bound by the panel’s recommendation and is expected to make its own decision within days. If regulators agree, shots…

COVID-19 Wave Overwhelms Rural Hospitals Short On ICU Beds

October 24, 2021

Dan Hanger,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The case of a rural Minnesota man who waited two days for an ICU bed and later died is among several examples that have frustrated officials in rural hospitals whose facilities are overwhelmed by COVID-19 patients. Bob Cameron spent two days in his hometown hospital in Hallock, Minnesota, where caregivers searched nonstop for space in a larger…

Pfizer Says COVID-19 Vaccine More Than 90% Effective in Kids

October 22, 2021

The Associated Press,

(AP) – Pfizer says kid-size doses of its COVID-19 vaccine are safe and nearly 91% effective at preventing symptomatic infections in elementary school children. Details of the study were posted online Friday as U.S. regulators consider opening vaccinations to youngsters 5 to 11. The shots could begin early next month if regulators give the go-ahead. If the FDA authorizes the…

Teachers Ask For Virus Protocols After Student, Staff Deaths

October 21, 2021

The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Members of Minnesota’s teacher’s union are calling on on school leaders to do more to protect students and staff after the state Department of Health reported the first student death from COVID-19 this school year. Health officials said the student and two staff members died last week. That increased the total number of school fatalities…

St. Louis County Public Health Updates Online COVID Dashboard To Include New Regional Data, Pediatric Information

October 21, 2021

Site Staff,

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Minn. – St. Louis County Public Health has updated its online COVID-19 dashboard to include new and updated regional data as well as pediatric COVID information. Health officials say the dashboard now includes clearer data about transmission rates and trends in the county. New graphs have also been added showing the total number of new cases added…

Unvaccinated Minnesotans 30x More Likely To Die From COVID

October 20, 2021

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm says unvaccinated Minnesotans are 15 times more likely to require hospitalization for COVID-19 and 30 times more likely to die from the disease than unvaccinated residents. The commissioner gave those figures Wednesday as the Minnesota Department of Health began posting additional data as part of its weekly report on vaccine breakthrough cases, which…

Gov. Walz Announces More COVID Rapid Testing Sites Across Minnesota

October 20, 2021

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – On Wednesday Governor Walz’s office announced more COVID-19 rapid testing sites will be added in the coming weeks across Minnesota, including Duluth and Hibbing. Beginning Friday the current COVID testing site located at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center will offer rapid tests to the community. Earlier this month the DECC exapnded its COVID testing capacity by…

White House Details Plans to Vaccinate 28M Children Age 5-11

October 20, 2021

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) – Kids aged 5 to 11 will soon be able to get a COVID-19 shot at their pediatrician’s office, local pharmacy, and potentially even their school. The White House is detailing plans Wednesday for the expected authorization of the Pfizer shot for younger children in a matter of weeks. The country has ample supplies of shots to vaccinate…

St. Louis County Public Health Announces New Vaccine and Testing Options

October 19, 2021

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Louis County Public Health is continuing to offer COVID-19 vaccine appointments and testing opportunities for the community. Vaccines available at these clinics include Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson and Johnson. Also available are Pfizer boosters for those who are eligible, as well as third doses of Pfizer and Moderna vaccines for immunocompromised individuals. Vaccine appointments this week…

Gov. Walz Announces Gift Cards, Shot at Scholarships for Vaccinated 12-17 Year-Olds

Those between the ages of 12 to 17 can get a $200 VISA gift card if they get vaccinated, and a shot at one of 5 $100k scholarships

October 18, 2021

Arman Rahman,

ST. PAUL, Minn.- Governor Tim Walz just rolled out a new incentive program for Minnesota pre-teens and teens to get the COVID vaccine. The program is called “Kids Deserve a Shot.” Those between the ages of 12 to 17 can get a $200 VISA gift card if they get vaccinated. The Governor says with covid-19 cases surging in the state…

Walz to Deploy National Guard to Help Ease COVID-19 Surge

October 15, 2021

Arman Rahman,

ROBBINSDALE, Minn. (AP) – Gov. Tim Walz says he’ll use the Minnesota National Guard to help alleviate staffing shortages at care facilities that are struggling with the surge in COVID-19 cases. The governor announced plans Friday at North Memorial Health Hospital in Robbinsdale for alleviating bottlenecks caused by staffing shortages that prevent hospitals from moving recovering patients to transitional and…

Judge Won’t Block Vaccine Mandate for Minnesota Workers

October 13, 2021

The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — A federal judge won’t block a COVID-19 vaccine mandate for scores of Minnesota health care workers, at least for now. Nearly 200 Minnesota health care workers filed a lawsuit in September challenging the requirement from President Joe Biden’s administration that all workers in most health settings get vaccinated or lose their jobs. The workers argued…

Beds, Staff at Duluth Hospitals Stretched Thin Under St. Louis County’s COVID Surge

COVID patients take up 59 of the hospital beds at Essentia St. Mary's Medical Center -- the highest they've seen since last winter. At St. Luke's, 25% of the ICU beds are filled with COVID patients.

October 12, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- St. Louis County continues to see an uptick of COVID-19 cases, while the country overall is seeing a dip. The surge is continuing to fatigue health systems according to experts, as they urge more to get vaccinated and mask up. “Now, while much of the country experiences a decrease in COVID transmission following the latest peak, there’s some…

Minnesota COVID-19 Positivity Rate Hits Vaccine-era High

October 12, 2021

The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota’s COVID-19 test positivity rate has soared to 8.3%, the highest mark since the vaccines first rolled out late last year. The seven-day rolling average for the state’s positivity rate continues to climb toward the high-risk category. The state draws that line at 10%. Meanwhile, COVID-19 hospitalizations in Minnesota reached 960 as of Monday and…

Next on FDA’s Agenda: Booster Shots of Moderna, J&J Vaccines

October 12, 2021

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) – With many Americans who got Pfizer vaccinations already rolling up their sleeves for a booster shot, millions of others who received the Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccine wait anxiously to learn when it’s their turn. Federal regulators begin tackling that question this week. On Thursday and Friday, the Food and Drug Administration convenes its independent advisers…

Parent Sues Wisconsin School District After Child Contracts COVID-19

October 11, 2021

The Associated Press,

WAUKESHA, Wis. (AP) – A parent has sued a southeastern Wisconsin school district after her son contracted COVID-19 from a classmate. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports that Shannon Jensen filed the lawsuit in federal court against the Waukesha School District and school board on Oct. 5. According to the lawsuit, the board in May removed a student mask requirement and…

Merck Asks US FDA To Authorize Promising Anti-COVID Pill

October 11, 2021

The Associated Press,

(Merck & Co. via AP) WASHINGTON (AP) – Drugmaker Merck has asked U.S. regulators to authorize its promising antiviral pill against COVID-19, setting the stage for a decision within weeks. If cleared by the Food and Drug Administration, it would be the first pill shown to treat COVID-19, adding a new, easy-to-use weapon to the world’s arsenal against the pandemic….

Minnesota Long-Term Care Facilities have 23,000 Job Openings

Leaders from senior living organizations throughout the state say they have about 23,000 job openings, about 20 percent of the workforce at full strength.

October 9, 2021

Arman Rahman,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – While much has been made about the stress that COVID-19 has placed on Minnesota hospitals, the state’s long-term care industry says it is facing its worst-ever workforce shortage. Leaders from senior living organizations throughout the state say they have about 23,000 job openings. That is about 20 percent of the workforce at full strength. Leaders…

97% Of University of Minnesota Students Vaccinated Before Mandate Deadline

October 8, 2021

Site Staff,

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – When students returned to the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus last month, it was with the understanding they had to be vaccinated by October 8. Now that the deadline is here, university officials say most students have complied with the vaccine mandate. “I filled mine out yesterday. They sent me a reminder email,” said sophomore…

Minnesota Health Leaders Warn of Strain on Caregivers, Kids

October 8, 2021

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Minnesota health leaders are warning that the fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic is putting a heavy strain on hospitals and health care workers statewide as the coronavirus burns through the unvaccinated population. They also told reporters Thursday that transmission in schools and among children is a particular concern, with pediatric ICU beds in short supply. Health…

Most State Workers Get COVID Shots, but Some Face Discipline

October 7, 2021

The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Some Minnesota government employees say that a month into the COVID-19 vaccine policy for state workers, their agencies are ramping up discipline for employees who either won’t get the vaccine or submit to weekly testing. State officials say more than 500 employees have declined both options, Employees who decline to be vaccinated or tested can…

Pfizer Asks US To Allow COVID Shots for Kids Ages 5 to 11

October 7, 2021

The Associated Press,

(AP) – Pfizer is asking the U.S. government to allow the use of its COVID-19 vaccine in children ages 5 to 11. If regulators agree, shots could begin within a matter of weeks. Pfizer already had announced that a lower dose of its vaccine worked and appeared safe in a study of the youngsters. Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech…

Parents File Lawsuit Against Rock Ridge School District Over Mask Mandate

October 6, 2021

Site Staff,

VIRGINIA, Minn. – Following last week’s announcement that Rock Ridge schools would be implementing a mask mandate for all students, staff, and visitors a group of parents has responded by filing a lawsuit against the district on Monday. The group of nearly 300 parents is asking in the lawsuit to cease implementation of the district’s “COVID-19 Mitigation Plan” and to…

Walz Calls for Vaccine and Testing Requirements for Teachers

October 5, 2021

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Gov. Tim Walz is calling on lawmakers to approve a series of new measures to respond to the fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, including vaccine and testing requirements for teachers and school staff, and for long-term care workers. The Democratic governor detailed his proposal in a letter to lawmakers that he released after meeting privately with…

J&J Seeks US Clearance for COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Doses

October 5, 2021

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) – Johnson & Johnson has asked U.S. regulators to allow booster shots of its COVID-19 vaccine as the U.S. government moves toward shoring up protection in more vaccinated Americans. J&J said Tuesday it filed data with the Food and Drug Administration on giving a booster dose between two to six months after vaccination. The U.S. government last month…

Northland Health Experts Warn of ‘Severe’ Flu Season to Come, On Top of Pandemic

The shadow looming over all this, according to experts, is the stress healthcare systems nationwide are already under.

October 4, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- According to Northland health experts, the outlook for this year’s flu season is not good, as they prepare for a one-two punch of the flu and the ongoing COVID-19 surge. “A lot of people are back out doing their normal activities, we’re not in quarantine so those factors will play a role in what could be a severe…

New COVID Testing Options Offered on the Iron Range

October 4, 2021

Site Staff,

VIRGINIA, Minn. – New COVID-19 testing options are available on the Iron Range starting this week. St. Louis County Public Health along with the Minnesota Department of Health has increased the availability of walk-in saliva tests in Eveleth and Virginia. Free saliva tests are now available on the following days at the following locations, and will continue until further notice:…

COVID-19 Testing Numbers in Minnesota Reach Highs Not Seen Since Last Year

October 1, 2021

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – COVID-19 testing numbers in Minnesota are reaching highs not seen since the peak of the pandemic last winter. As of Thursday, the state is averaging 40,000 tests a day over the last 7 days. For some people trying to get tested, the last few weeks have been tough. “I tried to start finding a…