Coronavirus Archives - Page 32 of 49

Feds Send Team to Evaluate Minnesota’s Coronavirus Response

July 24, 2020

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A federal COVID-19 response team provided Minnesota health officials with recommendations for improvements Friday in the state’s pandemic response following a recent rise in cases statewide. The COVID-19 Response Assistance Field Team was sent to Minnesota by Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar. It arrived earlier this week hoping to slow a rise in new cases….

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Friday, July 24

July 24, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 49,488 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Friday morning and 5 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,566 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 922,876 tests have been completed to date. There are 42,882 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 4,852 patients have required hospitalization…

Canal Park Grandma’s Saloon & Grill Partially Closing After Employee Tests Positive for COVID-19

July 24, 2020

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – Grandma’s Saloon & Grill in Canal Park announced on Friday morning that they will be partially closing after an employee recently tested positive for COVID-19. The restaurant made the announcement on its Facebook page writing, “Starting today, we will be temporarily closing our downstairs Grandma’s Saloon & Grill restaurant and kitchens at our Canal Park location due…

NAACP Gives Away More Free Masks After Statewide Mandate Announced

Organization gives away around 300 masks every week in the Twin Ports area

July 23, 2020

Andrew Kirov,

DULUTH, Minn. – The need for masks is even higher after the state of Minnesota and some Wisconsin cities like Superior have started requiring masks in indoor public places. The Duluth branch NAACP has been giving away free masks to the community since April, helping Northlanders protect themselves and others from the coronavirus. On Thursday, the organization was outside the…

Itasca County Officials Provide Update on COVID-19, Senior Living Facilities

Cases of COVID-19 Continue to Climb in Itasca County

July 23, 2020

Brett Scott,

ITASCA COUNTY, Minn. – Officials say coordination has been key to successful COVID-19 response strategies inside long term care facilities in Itasca County. Health professionals and management from many of the senior care facilities in the county provided an update Thursday morning on response efforts. Management from The Emeralds at Grand Rapids report they haven’t had any new cases of…

Space Redesign Leads to Kids Workshop

One local business is turning an office space into a kids' workshop area.

July 23, 2020

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – One local business is turning office space into a kids’ workshop area. Reimagined, by T. Underwood does home staging and redesign services. The business also holds chalk painting workshops and is a creative co-op where other local artists sell their goods at the store. This fall when parents sign up for workshops there will be activities for…

Marshall School to Reopen in Fall

As the state of Minnesota continues on with what the plans will be for the reopening of public schools, local private schools are taking steps to prepare to open for the upcoming school year.

July 23, 2020

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – As the state of Minnesota continues on with what the plans will be for the reopening of public schools, local private schools are taking steps to prepare to open for the upcoming school year. Administration from Duluth Marshall says masks will be required on campus this year while parents and visitors will not be allowed in the…

Local Leaders Advocate for Hospital Visits During COVID-19

The "Don't Die of Doubt" campaign is an effort to bring awareness that hospitals are truly the safest place to be.

July 23, 2020

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – There has been a significant decrease in the number of people coming into hospitals in the country for cases such as heart attacks and strokes due to a fear of going into hospitals because of the pandemic. Leaders at St. Luke’s and at the American Heart Association are working to remind the public that hospitals are safe…

Trump Calls off Florida Segment of GOP National Convention

July 23, 2020

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump announced Thursday that he has canceled segments of the Republican National Convention scheduled for Florida next month, citing a “flare-up” of the coronavirus. Convention events will still be held in North Carolina. “To have a big convention is not the right time,” Trump said of Jacksonville. Trump moved parts of the GOP convention to…

Free COVID-19 Testing Offered on Iron Range Next Week

July 23, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Minn. – St. Louis County officials say free COVID-19 testing will be made available on the Iron Range next Tuesday and Wednesday. The drive-thru testing will be held at the St. Louis County Fairgrounds on Tuesday from 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Anyone can be tested even if you…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Thursday, July 23

July 23, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 48,721 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Thursday morning and 9 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,561 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 905,315 tests have been completed to date. There are 42,524 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 4,818 patients have required hospitalization…

Three Wisconsin Cities Enact Mask Mandates; Evers Resists Statewide Order

July 23, 2020

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Racine, Green Bay, and Superior joined Madison and Milwaukee as Wisconsin cities that passed mandates requiring people to wear masks in certain public settings, though Gov. Tony Evers has resisted issuing a statewide order like those in place in many nearby states. More than half of states have statewide mask mandates, including Illinois, Michigan, and Minnesota,…

Duluth Hotel Industry Slowly Picking Up, Hoping to Reach Last Summer Numbers

According to Visit Duluth hotels citywide during the pandemic saw 15-20% of available rooms early at their lowest point.

July 22, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The largest hotel in Duluth, Holiday Inn and Suites on First Street Downtown says while business doesn’t look like last summer, it is picking up. The staff at Holiday Inn say occupancy is down 50% from what it was last summer. According to Visit Duluth hotels citywide during the pandemic saw 15-20% of available rooms early at their…

Gov. Walz Says Mask Mandate Will Help Keep Businesses Open, Infection Rate Down

As of Saturday masks will be required in all indoor public spaces.

July 22, 2020

Arman Rahman,

MINNESOTA- On Wednesday, Minnesota joined over two dozen other states in requiring masks to be worn in all indoor public places statewide. That new Executive Order by Governor Tim Walz goes into effect Saturday morning. You can find the full executive order here. “This is a small sacrifice for a potentially big gain,” Gov. Walz said. “The upside of the…

UMD Bookstore Busy Preparing for Students for the Fall

As the fall semester nears, local college bookstores are finding new ways to accommodate students.

July 22, 2020

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – As the fall semester nears, local college bookstores are finding new ways to accommodate students. UMD bookstores have been pushing discounted shipping to their students while also having curbside pickup. Much of the textbook materials are also being converted to a digital model where students don’t have to pick up a printed textbook. Management says they expect…

Head of the Lakes Fair Begins

The Head of the Lakes Fairgrounds have opened in Superior.

July 22, 2020

Jane Kim,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Head of the Lakes Fairgrounds have opened in Superior. One competition took place today where kids got their animals judged. Fair organizers tell us they are glad they got to have the competition for the participants who have put a lot of effort into these animals. “The kids have been working hard all year to make…

Superior Businesses Prepare for New Mask Ordinance

Superior businesses are preparing for the new mask ordinance that officially starts next Monday.

July 22, 2020

Jane Kim,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Superior businesses are preparing for the new mask ordinance that officially starts next Monday. Some of the businesses we spoke today are all for it, while others believe it will be difficult to manage with how they currently operate. “I completely understand where it’s coming from,” said Shannon Johnson, owner of Shannon’s Stained Glassery. “It’s not going…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Wednesday, July 22

July 22, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 47,961 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Wednesday morning and 4 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,552 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 888,551 tests have been completed to date. There are 42,234 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 4,771 patients have required hospitalization…

Minnesota Governor Prepares to Announce Masking Decision

July 22, 2020

The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Gov. Tim Walz is expected to announce a statewide face mask mandate on Wednesday to try to slow the spread of the coronavirus. The governor has scheduled a news conference with health officials and business owners to announce his “next steps in the state’s response to COVID-19.” His spokesman said it will be an announcement…

Cloquet City Council Passes Mask Mandate; Votes to Take Effect August 1st

While some councilors supported the language of the ordinance, others thought enforcement would be an issue.

July 21, 2020

Arman Rahman,

CLOQUET, Minn.- A mask mandate for indoor public places was passed by the Cloquet City Council Monday evening, taking effect August 1st. Unlike Duluth, the vote was not unanimous — the council, it seems, as divided as they said the community is on the issue. The Council passed the ordinance 5-2, the only change being making it effective August 1st….

Superior School District Approves Three Reopening Scenarios; Asks Parents to Submit Preferences

July 21, 2020

Arman Rahman,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Superior School District has approved their possible plan for how students will be taught this fall. The coming school year will either be all virtual, all in-person, or a hybrid of at-home and in-school learning. The district is still waiting to pick a final option. They say they hope to have a set plan in place by…

Superior City Council Votes to Require Masks in Indoor Public Areas

City Council passed resolution 9-1, it takes effect July 27th

July 21, 2020

Andrew Kirov,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Superior City Council has voted to require masks in indoor public areas across the city. Masks will be required in places like restaurants, bars, retail stores, public transportation, gyms, fitness studios, and entertainment venues. The city council passed the resolution with a 9-1 vote. “In the middle of a global pandemic we have to take some…

Duluth Fire Department Issues Red Flag Warning

Due to the high risk of rip currents today, the Duluth Fire Department is issuing a warning for dangerous conditions for Park Point beaches effective until 10 a.m. tomorrow.

July 21, 2020

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – Due to the high risk of rip currents today, the Duluth Fire Department is issuing a warning for dangerous conditions for Park Point beaches effective until 10 a.m. tomorrow. So far this year, first responders say it’s been a normal year for water emergencies in the area as fewer people have been coming to the region due…

Northland Businesses Prepare for School Year

Despite all the uncertainty, around the upcoming school year, Northland businesses are still seeing customers come in to get their kids ready for school.

July 21, 2020

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – Despite all the uncertainty, around the upcoming school year, Northland businesses are still seeing customers come in to get their kids ready for school. Businesses are preparing for the uptick in sales from both parents and students in preparation for the school year. For instance, at Boxtronics on Mountain Shadow Drive in Duluth, more and more people…

Senator Klobuchar Urges Northlanders to Donate Plasma

As the pandemic continues, Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar wants to remind the public about the importance of donating plasma.

July 21, 2020

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – As the pandemic continues, Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar wants to remind the public about the importance of donating plasma. Recently, she introduced the Plasma Donation Awareness Act, which is a bipartisan effort to require the secretary of health and human services to have a public awareness campaign about plasma donation during the pandemic. People who have recovered…

Gov. Walz Strongly Hints he Will Impose Statewide Mask Mandate This Week

July 21, 2020

Site Staff,

(John Autey/Pioneer Press via AP, Pool) ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is strongly hinting that he will impose a statewide mask mandate this week. “I think you can expect an announcement in the next day or two,” he said at a press conference Tuesday afternoon, telling reporters that, “the businesses tell us we do” need a statewide…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Tuesday, July 21

July 21, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 47,457 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Tuesday morning and 3 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,548 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 876,859 tests have been completed to date. There are 41,511 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 4,723 patients have required hospitalization…

Superior School Board Approves Response Plan for Reopening this Fall

Plan allows families to choose all-virtual, or hybrid of virtual and in-person learning.

July 20, 2020

Arman Rahman,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- In their first in-person meeting since March, the Superior School Board Monday approved their COVID-19 District Response Plan on reopening schools this fall. In the plan (found here), families can choose whether to continue having their children learn virtually at home, or attend in a hybrid setting with partial education at home and partial in the school building….

Sports Garden’s Future Uncertain, Flame Nightclub Adapts Amid Pandemic

July 20, 2020

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – Two of Duluth’s biggest nightclubs are operating very differently during COVID-19. For The Flame Nightclub, it’s a shutdown dance floor. For Grandma’s Sports Garden — it’s a temporary closure of the entire venue. FOX 21’s Dan Hanger takes a look at the balance of health and safety versus bigger entertainment venues designed to bring hundreds of people…

City Council Votes On Plan For $2.2 Million in CARES Act Funding

The Duluth City Council will be determining what to do with $2.2 million they have received from the CARES Act.

July 20, 2020

Jane Kim, Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth City Council has voted on a plan on how to spend $2.2 million the city received from the federal CARES Act. The Act was passed by Congress in March with the goal of infusing funding into communities to help them get through the pandemic. The funding will go to low and moderate-income communities within Duluth….

Superior Street Reconstruction Continues

As the pandemic continues, multiple construction projects are still happening throughout the Northland.

July 20, 2020

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – As the pandemic continues, multiple construction projects are still happening throughout the Northland. Back in 2018, Phase One of the Superior Street project began and now they are on the home stretch to finally finish the project. Leadership from the city tells us the project is still on time and coronavirus hasn’t done much to hinder the…

Strays From Across Country Sent to Local Shelter to be Adopted

Northland animal adoption centers have seen a drop in local animals in their spaces.

July 20, 2020

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – Northland animal adoption centers have seen a drop in local animals in their spaces. Leadership from Animal Allies says they now had to pull animals from places like Texas and North Dakota, where there is an abundance of strays, and bring them here for adoption to find homes in the Northland. Leadership from Animal Allies says that…

Minnesota Reports its 1st COVID-Related Death of Child

July 20, 2020

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota has recorded its first COVID-19-related death in a child, according to health department data released Monday, as Gov. Tim Walz ponders whether students should head back to school for learning in the fall. Few details about the child were released Monday, but the Minnesota Department of Health said the child was between the ages of 0-5…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Monday, July 20

July 20, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 46,204 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Monday morning and 3 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,541 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 853,188 tests have been completed to date. There are 40,001 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 4,627 patients have required hospitalization…

Some Cloquet Business Owners Ready for Mask Mandate Ahead of Council Vote Tuesday

While city officials' views on the ordinance are divided, these business owners say it's a good idea.

July 19, 2020

Arman Rahman,

CLOQUET, Minn.- Coming up Tuesday two Northland cities, Cloquet and Superior, will vote on a mask mandate for indoor public places. In Cloquet, some business owners say it’s a good idea if it means continuing their operations as safely as possible. “I think it’s good for the community overall, just to keep the spread of the Coronavirus,” said Cindy Peterson,…

Owner of Twin Ports Bars, Restaurants Weighs in On Proposed Superior Mask Mandate

After abiding by the new ordinance at his Duluth locations, Rick Lampton says he expects adjusting at Grizzly's and 7 West in Superior to go smoothly.

July 18, 2020

Arman Rahman,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- In just three days the Superior City Council will vote on whether to implement an indoor public mask mandate similar to Duluth. Now more bar and restaurant owners are speaking out on that proposed ordinance. Rick Lampton, owner of many establishments in both Duluth and Superior, including Grizzly’s and 7 West Taphouse, has already adjusted his businesses to…

Northland Rummage Sales Pop-Up Despite Pandemic

July 18, 2020

Jane Kim, Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – In a summer season masked by a pandemic rummage sales are still a way for people to enjoy a different social event while still maintaining good social distancing practices. “It gets people out and about during Covid-19. We’re encouraging people to wear masks and social distance. Just a nice social event for people feeling shut in, trapped…

Sen. Tina Smith Visits Duluth Businesses, Discusses COVID-19 Response

July 18, 2020

Andrew Kirov,

DULUTH, Minn. – U.S. Sen. Tina Smith (DFL-Minn.) visited with small businesses in Duluth about how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted them. Smith met with leaders in the Lincoln Park neighborhood about efforts to make personal protective equipment locally. Duluth-based Ecolibrium3 has brought various organizations together to manufacture hundreds of thousands of face shields. The senator says that kind of…

Youth in Action Hosts Online Retreat

One local youth organization is putting together a unique gathering in an online format.

July 17, 2020

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – One local youth organization is putting together a unique gathering in an online format. Youth in Action, which works to develop leadership skills in young people throughout St. Louis County, will now be hosting a virtual retreat this year because of COVID-19, with 20 slots currently available for students. Organizers hope that there will be at least…

What are Event Planning Groups Doing in Response to the Pandemic?

The pandemic has canceled many events, and Northland event planners say that it's been difficult to adjust especially when COVID-19 has prevented tourists from coming into the region.

July 17, 2020

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – The pandemic has canceled many events, and Northland event planners say that it’s been difficult to adjust especially when COVID-19 has prevented tourists from coming into the region. Handfuls of events have been canceled and postponed due to the pandemic, and event planners are working to accommodate the difficulties they have to face. “Realistically, the event planning…

Minnesota Hospitals Ask Walz for Statewide Mask Mandate

July 17, 2020

The Associated Press,

(John Autey/Pioneer Press via AP,Pool) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota’s hospitals have asked Gov. Tim Walz to impose a statewide mask mandate to slow the spread of the coronavirus. In a letter released Friday, the Minnesota Hospital Association urged the governor to act quickly to protect Minnesota from the surge hitting other states. While hospitalizations in Minnesota for COVID-19 have been…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Friday, July 17

July 17, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 45,013 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Friday morning and 7 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,533 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 819,511 tests have been completed to date. There are 38,568 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 4,563 patients have required hospitalization…

Veggie Stands Open as Corn Season Kicks Off

Corn season has kicked off and corn stands throughout the Northland have started off busy.

July 16, 2020

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – Corn season has kicked off and corn stands throughout the Northland have started off busy. One local owner of a corn stand on Central Entrance says he’s been farming for 26 years. He says that corn and tomatoes are big sellers and compared to last year, the season is ahead by about a week. “A lot of…

Chester Bowl Fall Fest Canceled

Unfortunately, the event will not be held this year for the first time ever due to the pandemic.

July 16, 2020

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – For the past 35 years, Chester Bowl has been packed with food trucks and vendors as thousands of Northlanders attend the annual Fall Fest at Chester Bowl. Unfortunately, the event will not be held this year for the first time ever due to the pandemic. Staff from the festival say it’s unfortunate they had to cancel this…

Duluth Cider Expands to the Twin Cities

One local cidery is expanding its products to more liquor stores throughout Minnesota.

July 16, 2020

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – One local cidery is expanding its products to more liquor stores throughout Minnesota. Duluth Cider in Lincoln Park is bringing its drinks to liquor stores throughout the state as they have been now canning 12-ounce versions of their products. Owners say there has been a huge demand for their products and they are excited to finally branch…

Hummingbird Assisted Living Confirms 11 COVID-19 Cases

July 16, 2020

Site Staff,

MEADOWLANDS, Minn. – Hummingbird Assisted Living confirmed Thursday that nine residents and two staff members have tested positive for COVID-19. Facilities Administrator Mike Lindgren says they are still waiting to hear back about additional test results for six residents and five staff members. “It was just a matter of time before we got it. We are taking this very seriously….

Target Joins List of Major Retailers Mandating Masks

July 16, 2020

The Associated Press,

NEW YORK (AP) — Target has joined a list of the nation’s largest retailers that will require customers to wear masks as cases of COVID-19 spike. The policy will go into effect on Aug. 1. More than 80% of Target’s 1,800 stores already require customers to wear masks due to local and state regulations. Target said Thursday that it will…

Bayfield City Council Approves Face Mask Ordinance

July 16, 2020

Site Staff,

BAYFIELD, Wis. – On Wednesday night the Bayfield City Council voted unanimously to pass an ordinance requiring face coverings in indoor public spaces and most outdoor spaces in the city beginning Saturday. The ordinance states: “While indoors in any commercial business or City office, and in an Outdoor Space that is open to the general public, all customers, employees, and…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Thursday, July 16

July 16, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 44,347 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Thursday morning and 8 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,526 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 805,212 tests have been completed to date. There are 38,290 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 4,526 patients have required hospitalization…

Two Silver Bay Veterans Home Staff Test Positive for COVID-19

July 16, 2020

Site Staff,

SILVER BAY, Minn. – The Silver Bay Veterans Home has confirmed two positive cases of COVID-19 at the facility. The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs says although the facility has taken necessary precautions two employees tested positive earlier this week. “We anticipated this day would come and we are prepared for this situation and are taking all necessary precautions to…