Coronavirus Archives - Page 35 of 49

Minnesota Prison Inmate Dies After Testing COVID-19 Positive

June 25, 2020

The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — A Minnesota prison inmate has died after testing positive for COVID-19 earlier this month, state corrections officials said Thursday. The Minnesota Department of Corrections said Adrian Raymaar Keys, 43, died Tuesday night at a hospital. Keys was an inmate at the Minnesota Correctional Facility in Faribault and tested positive for COVID-19 along with a number…

Falvey: ‘A few’ Twins Players Test Positive for Covid-19

June 25, 2020

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (Fox 9) – At least “a few” Minnesota Twins players have tested positive for Coronavirus within the last few days, Chief Baseball Officer Derek Falvey said Thursday. Falvey held a nearly 60-minute Zoom session with reporters Thursday morning on several topics. He declined to specify how many players have had positive Covid-19 tests, declined to name any of the players,…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Thursday, June 25

June 25, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 34,123 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Thursday morning and 9 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,406 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 542,696 tests have been completed to date. There are 29,854 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 3,943 patients have required hospitalization…

Disney Delays Southern California Theme Park Reopenings

June 25, 2020

The Associated Press,

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Disney is postponing the mid-July reopening of its Southern California theme parks until it receives guidelines from the state, the company announced Wednesday. Disney had hoped to reopen Disneyland and Disney California Adventure in Anaheim on July 17 after a four-month closure due to the coronavirus. But the state has indicated it won’t issue guidelines until…

Northlanders Visit Loved Ones in Nursing Homes

For months, restrictions have prevented visitors at group care facilities in Minnesota like nursing homes, but now, Northlanders are allowed to visit their loved ones in a limited fashion.

June 24, 2020

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – For months, restrictions have prevented visitors at group care facilities in Minnesota like nursing homes, but now, Northlanders are allowed to visit their loved ones in a limited fashion. For weeks, Richard Smith and his wife Ronene have been regularly traveling more than 100 miles from their home on the Gunflint Trail outside of Grand Marais to…

Socially Distanced Storytime

Despite the pandemic, the Duluth Public Library is finding new ways to have storytime.

June 24, 2020

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – Despite the pandemic, the Duluth Public Library is finding new ways to have storytime. Over at Leif Erikson Park today, the library hosted an event where kids were able to come with their parents and read a book in a socially distanced manner as they strolled around the park. Participants were also able to take home craft…

St. Luke’s Visitor Policy Upgraded

St. Luke's is now allowing patients to see loved ones in the hospital while also being able to attend appointments with them.

June 24, 2020

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Luke’s is now allowing patients to see loved ones in the hospital while also being able to attend appointments with them. For instance, one adult visitor is allowed for inpatient visitors, and for critically unstable inpatients, two visitors are allowed per day. “But at this time, things are going well,” said Kevin Nokels, the president and…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Wednesday, June 24

June 24, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 33,763 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Wednesday morning and 5 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,397 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 529,643 tests have been completed to date. There are 29,707 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 3,897 patients have required hospitalization…

Superior School District Hopes to Open for In-Person Learning This Fall

Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction issued guidelines for how schools can best reopen Monday

June 23, 2020

Andrew Kirov,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Superior School District hopes to open schools for in-person learning in some capacity this fall. That announcement comes after the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction issued guidelines for how schools can best reopen during the pandemic. Wisconsin’s Education Forward plan includes examples for how schools may have to change scheduling this fall. Plan examples include four-day…

Amazon’s Fulfillment Center in Shakopee One of Larger Warehouse COVID Outbreaks

June 23, 2020

Arman Rahman,

(AP Photo/Richard Drew, File) SHAKOPEE, Minn. (AP) – State health officials say the Amazon fulfillment center in Shakopee has one of the larger coronavirus outbreaks in a warehouse or distribution plant setting. At least 88 of its approximately 1,000 workers have tested positive for the disease caused by the virus. Another 99 workers at other Amazon sites in the…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Monday, June 22

June 22, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 33,227 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Monday morning and 4 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,384 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 513,137 tests have been completed to date. There are 29,065 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 3,830 patients have required hospitalization…

Duluth Without Grandma’s Marathon for the First Time in 43 Years

Race officials say crews are hard at work making next year even better.

June 20, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- For the first time in 43 years, Duluth and the North Shore were not packed with thousands of runners as Grandma’s Marathon was cancelled this year. Due to the Coronavirus pandemic the race was called off after over 18,000 runners had already registered. Runners across the country still participated in the virtual races, but race officials say it’s…

Cancellation Not Breaking Runners’ Stride on Grandma’s Race Day

Out of the 18,000 that registered this year, about 3,000 are doing virtual races.

June 20, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- While the Grandma’s Marathon finish line in Canal Park was considerably emptier this year, shoes still jogged across, pushed by cheers, as some runners still ran the Gary Bjorklund Half Marathon themselves. “Being a Duluth resident you just partake in this event, and obviously being different this year but still fun to do it,” said Sierra Johnson, running…

Duluth Harbor Mission Receives Water Bottle Donation

One local organization received a large donation of water bottles for the city's homeless population.

June 20, 2020

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – One local organization received a large donation of water bottles for the city’s homeless population. Duluth Harbor Mission in Lincoln Park received more than 6,000 water bottles today. Donors included parents and staff from Jaime’s Daycare in West Duluth. About twelve volunteers helped out with shipping the bottles from Sam’s Club to the Duluth Harbor Mission using…

Two More Duluth Assisted Living Facilities Have COVID-19 Cases

June 20, 2020

Andrew Kirov,

DULUTH, Minn. – Two more assisted living centers in Duluth now have confirmed COVID-19 cases. The Benedictine Living Center on Kenwood Avenue confirmed on its Facebook page that two of its residents have tested positive for COVID-19. The center says those individuals have been isolated and staff has been dedicated to care for them. Meanwhile, Ecumen Lakeshore on London Road…

Experts Talk COVID-19 and Itasca County

Experts came together today virtually in Itasca County to talk about how they are handling COVID-19.

June 19, 2020

Jane Kim,

ITASCA COUNTY – Experts came together today virtually in Itasca County to talk about how they are handling COVID-19. When it comes to contact tracing, testing, and longterm care facilities, they said today, it’s tough to know what the future holds with all the uncertainty surrounding the virus. “The great wildcard is what does this fall and winter look like,…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Friday, June 19

June 19, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 32,031 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Friday morning and 17 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,361 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 475,152 tests have been completed to date. There are 27,709 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 3,748 patients have required hospitalization…

St. Luke’s Infectious Disease Doctor on Public Preparedness: “I Think There’s Room For Improvement”

St. Luke's Infectious Disease Physician Dr. Andrew Thompson Speaks on COVID-19 Preparedness in the Northland

June 19, 2020

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – “I think there’s room for improvement, at least here in our local community,” said Dr. Andrew Thompson, Infectious Disease Specialist with St. Luke’s Hospital in Duluth. Dr. Thompson made this statement when asked about his personal view on how safe and cautious residents in the Northland have been during the COVID-19 pandemic. As Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan…

Local Church Hosts Rummage Sale

Despite the pandemic, rummage sales are still popping up in the Northland.

June 18, 2020

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – Despite the pandemic, rummage sales are still popping up in the Northland. Norton Park United Methodist Church hosted the five-day event from Wednesday to Saturday of last week and today. The church implemented social distancing guidelines and the wearing of masks to keep people safe. The money raised would help the church. It had a tough past…

Delivery Orders Keep Restaurants Busy

In recent months, Northland restaurants have been incredibly busy as delivery orders have stayed pretty consistent during the pandemic.

June 18, 2020

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – In recent months, Northland restaurants have been incredibly busy as delivery orders have stayed pretty consistent during the pandemic. At Domino’s Pizza in West Duluth, there has been a 30% to 35% increase in deliveries. The lobby to the store is closed so guests have to either call ahead of time or order online to get their…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Thursday, June 18

June 18, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 31,675 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Thursday morning and 19 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,344 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 460,879 tests have been completed to date. There are 27,566 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 3,718 patients have required hospitalization…

Itasca County Tourism Industry Impacted by COVID-19

Businesses and organizations ready to serve tourists despite the unprecedented circumstances

June 17, 2020

Andrew Kirov,

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – Downtown Grand Rapids is bustling with summer in full swing. “Outdoor recreation is not closed and, in Grand Rapids, we are a mecca for outdoor recreation,” said Megan Christianson, Executive Director of Visit Grand Rapids. With a million acres of public forest and more than a thousand area lakes, tourism is the heart of the local…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Wednesday, June 17

June 17, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 31,296 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Wednesday morning and 12 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,325 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 448,587 tests have been completed to date. There are 27,404 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 3,689 patients have required hospitalization…

7 West Taphouse Re-Opens Amid Superior Street Reconstruction Downtown

Longtime customers say they're still excited to get back to their favorite restaurant.

June 16, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- 7 West Taphouse is one of the bars and restaurants which has opened their locations this week, including in downtown Duluth — on top of the reconstruction of a portion of Superior Street happening right outside their door. On their first day open Monday, about 20-30 people came in for lunch. Customers are asked to wait at the…

Visit Duluth Furloughs Six Employees, As Summer Tourism Remains Uncertain

Six out of the 11 employees were temporarily furloughed.

June 16, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Six employees have been temporarily furloughed at Visit Duluth, the tourism bureau tasked with marketing the city to outsiders. “We are at a point now where it was the harsh reality of what we’re facing in our industry,” said President Anna Tanski. “We have the resources and took these steps to stretch our operation at least through the…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Tuesday, June 16

June 16, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 30,882 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Tuesday morning and 9 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,313 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 429,145 tests have been completed to date. There are 27,006 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 3,658 patients have required hospitalization…

First Drug Proves Able to Improve Survival From COVID-19

June 16, 2020

The Associated Press,

(AP) – Researchers in England say they have the first evidence that a drug can improve COVID-19 survival: A cheap, widely available steroid called dexamethasone reduced deaths by up to one third in severely ill hospitalized patients. Results were announced Tuesday and researchers said they would publish them soon. The study is a large, strict test that randomly assigned 2,104…

Omar Announces Father’s Death From COVID-19 Complications

June 16, 2020

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota Democratic Congresswoman Ilhan Omar on Monday announced the death of her father due to complications from COVID-19. In a statement, Omar said Nur Omar Mohamed died Monday. She gave no additional information. “No words can describe what he meant to me and all who knew him,” Omar said in her statement. “My family and I ask…

Fond-du-Luth, Black Bear Casinos Open After Three Months Closed

The casino has increased the space between people at machines, and is not allowing smoking on the gaming floor.

June 15, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- After being closed for three months, Fond-du-Luth Casino in downtown Duluth and Black Bear Casino in Cloquet are now back open for businesses, with some noticeable changes. Fond-du-Luth was busy on its first day re-opened. The slot machines were ringing, and their colorful screens flashing once again. But before getting to the excitement, guests must be checked. “When…

‘Tribute Fest’ Concert Fundraiser for Homeless Veterans Canceled

Tickets can either be deferred for next year, donated to MACV, or refunded.

June 15, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- COVID-19 has claimed another summer event at Bayfront Festival Park: the Tribute Fest fundraiser. Organizer Lou Campbell says the current outdoor gathering cap of 250 people just isn’t possible. The three-day festival usually attracts between 2,000-4,000 people, raising about $20,000 every year for the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans, or MACV. Campbell hopes to raise money for homeless…

Summer Camps Begin at Duluth Playhouse

Summer camps kicked off at the Duluth Playhouse this week.

June 15, 2020

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – Summer camps kicked off at the Duluth Playhouse this week. Kids ages 5 to 18 are taking acting and musical classes. Organizers prepared for these classes for about three weeks, specifically with health and safety in mind, including marking the floors so kids can be six feet apart. “So fun to see everybody,” said Amber Burns, the…

St. Louis County Courthouses Reopen

St. Louis County Courthouses have reopened for business today.

June 15, 2020

Jane Kim,

ST. LOUIS COUNTY – St. Louis County Courthouses have reopened for business today for customer service only. Court hearings will take place on a remote basis and will not take place inside of the courthouses themselves. Courthouse leadership says that although they are open, they still encourage people to try and do their business remotely if possible. “Making sure that…

Academy Delays 2021 Oscars Ceremony Because of Coronavirus

June 15, 2020

The Associated Press,

(AP) – For the fourth time in its history, the Oscars are being postponed. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and the ABC Television Network said Monday that the 93rd Academy Awards will now be held April 25, 2021, eight weeks later than originally planned because of the pandemic’s effects on the movie industry. It’s true! Next year’s…

US Revokes Emergency use of Malaria Drugs vs. Coronavirus

June 15, 2020

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. regulators on Monday revoked emergency authorization for malaria drugs for treating COVID-19 amid growing evidence they don’t work and could cause serious side effects. The Food and Drug Administration said the drugs hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine are unlikely to be effective in treating the coronavirus. Citing reports of heart complications, the FDA said the drugs’ unproven benefits…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Monday, June 15

June 15, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 30,693 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Monday morning and 6 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,304 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 422,922 tests have been completed to date. There are 26,609 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 3,630 patients have required hospitalization…

Amazing Grace to Become Canal Park’s First Grocery Store and Cafe

The longstanding bakery and cafe is doing a total overhaul, changing what it offers to the area.

June 14, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The bakery and cafe that has sat in the basement of the DeWitt-Seitz Marketplace for 25 years is not only getting a makeover, but a do-over — from a bakery to a grocery store. “Changing with the times you have to just, you can’t dig in your heels cause then those are the places that don’t survive,” said…

Local Experts Talk About Kids and COVID-19

Local experts from Itasca County came together virtually today to talk about the importance of quality care and wellbeing for children during the pandemic.

June 12, 2020

Jane Kim,

ITASCA COUNTY – Local experts from Itasca County came together virtually today to talk about the importance of quality care and wellbeing for children during the pandemic. They say that socialization and having a routine structure are crucial to helping with youth development. They say some of the top programs, like 4-H and the Boy and Girls Club, are helpful…

Local Makeup Shop Sets Up Workshops

One local makeup shop is putting together workshops to help Northlanders in a variety of ways.

June 12, 2020

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – One local makeup shop is putting together workshops to help Northlanders in a variety of ways. This week, Mix Cosmetiques on Woodland Avenue is teaching people how to make green cleaning products with items like baking soda, vegetable soap, and vodka. Store staff says it’s about keeping people clean and sanitized especially during the pandemic. “I think…

Lake Superior Zoo Open to the Public

From lions and bears to lemurs and peacocks, the Lake Superior Zoo in Duluth has finally reopened to animal lovers everywhere.

June 12, 2020

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – From lions and bears to lemurs and peacocks, the Lake Superior Zoo in Duluth has finally reopened to animal lovers everywhere. With social distancing and masks for employees, Lake Superior Zoo is doing its best to keep the experience both fun and safe for visitors. “Being able to provide a park-like space and open air, safe space…

Minnesota Senate Votes to end Walz Peacetime Emergency

June 12, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – The Minnesota Senate has voted 38-29 to end Gov. Tim Walz’s peacetime emergency over the coronavirus, though the governor’s broad powers are likely to stay in place. Three Democratic senators — Paul Eken, Melissa Franzen, and John Hoffman — joined with all 35 Republicans voting yes. The House is currently debating a similar resolution, which majority…

City on the Hill Music Festival Postponed

June 12, 2020

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – DULUTH, Minn. – The City on the Hill Music Festival has been postponed until 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Event organizers announced Friday that the music festival will now take place on August 6-7, 2021. City on the Hill President and Co-Founder Walt Aplin says the decision was made due to health and safety concerns, “It…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Friday, June 12

June 12, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 29,795 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Friday morning and 25 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,274 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 395,202 tests have been completed to date. There are 25,028 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 3,557 patients have required hospitalization…

Community Garden Stays Busy

Gardening continues to be a popular activity in the Northland as people look for new ways to spend their time.

June 11, 2020

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – Gardening continues to be a popular activity in the Northland as people look for new ways to spend their time. The Cook Home Community Garden on West Arrowhead Road has been going on for the past forty years. There are 92 plots at the garden and it is the largest garden community in the Duluth Community Garden…

Fond-du-Luth, Black Bear Casinos To Reopen With Restrictions June 15

June 11, 2020

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – Excitement is building at Fond-du-Luth and Black Bear casinos as the official reopening date is set for Monday, June 15 at 10 a.m. Casino officials tell us there will be some noticeable changes, however, to balance entertainment with safety. Specifically at the Fond-du-Luth, all guests will get a non-contact temperature check at the door and everybody will…

Volunteers Assemble Face Shields for Frontline Workers

June 11, 2020

Andrew Kirov,

DULUTH, Minn. – Volunteer groups are assembling face shields for frontline workers during the COVID-19 pandmeic. The Heritage Center in Duluth’s Lincoln Park neighborhood has been filled with people making more than 30,000 face shields for Essentia Health. The volunteer drive is being organized by Ecolibrium3 and materials have been provided by Frost River Trading. The Duluth Woman’s Club is…

Zeitgeist Arts Building Making Plans to Reopen After Shutdown

The community organization has a restaurant, bar, performance theater, and movie theater in their Downtown Duluth building

June 11, 2020

Andrew Kirov,

DULUTH, Minn. – Restaurants, bars, and theaters are reopening across Minnesota, and there’s one well-known local organization that has all that and more. The Zeitgeist Arts Building in Downtown Duluth is entering the recovery process after being hit hard by the shutdown. The non-profit is getting ready for a limited opening soon. Friday and Saturday night, Zeitgeist will open a…

Duluth Art Institute Hosts Summer Camps

Summer camps are still happening at the Duluth Art Institute but in a virtual manner.

June 11, 2020

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – Summer camps are still happening at the Duluth Art Institute but in a virtual manner. The institute is having several camps for both youth and teens that will be hosted on Zoom with a focus being on multimedia art projects, which include photography, painting and sculpture. Each camp will culminate with an online art exhibition of the…

Northland Colleges Prepare for Fall Semester

Colleges across the Northland are getting ready to start a new school year next fall but planning is much tougher than usual because of the pandemic.

June 11, 2020

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – Colleges across the Northland are getting ready to start a new school year next fall but planning is much tougher than usual because of the pandemic. Coming this fall, area colleges are ready to offer more hybrid options for their students. Over at Lake Superior College in Duluth, both online and in-person classes are planned when the…

Final Tests of Some COVID-19 Vaccines to Start Next Month

June 11, 2020

The Associated Press,

(AP) – The first experimental COVID-19 vaccine in the U.S. is on track to begin a huge study next month to prove if it really can fend off the coronavirus, while hard-hit Brazil is testing a different shot from China. Shots made by Moderna Inc. and the National Institutes of Health and by China’s Sinovac work in different ways. Moderna…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Thursday, June 11

June 11, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 29,316 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Thursday morning and 13 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,249 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 381,841 tests have been completed to date. There are 24,870 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 3,522 patients have required hospitalization…