Health Archives - Page 15 of 37

St. Louis County Public Health Debuts Mobile Covid-19 Testing Trailers

"We are trying to come to people and come to the community to make it as accessible as possible," said Susan Vitulli, a public health educator for St. Louis County.

February 3, 2021

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Louis County Public Health is making it easier for many Northlanders to have access to COVID-19 testing. The county purchased two mobile COVID-19 test trailers for more than $200,000 The money used to buy these units came as part of CARES act funding awarded to the county. “We’re excited to offer more community testing opportunities throughout…

City of Superior Extends Mask Mandate

February 2, 2021

KQDS Staff,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Superior city council has voted to renew the city’s mask mandate through the end of April. Previously, when Gov. Tony Evers ordered his mask mandate, the city of Superior let its own mandate expire. However, the Assembly could repeal Evers’ mandate as soon as this week, and because of this Mayor Jim Paine says it’s best…

Many People Are Still Hesitant To Take Vaccine

February 2, 2021

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – More COVID-19 vaccines are going into the arms of people across the country, but there are still some folks feeling hesitant about getting the shot. Experts say many people may be skeptical about its effectiveness due to how quickly it was created. The hesitation may also be because the vaccine is highly politicized and the continuous sharing…

Health Expert Say Take Pain Relievers After Getting Your Vaccine Instead Of Before To Help With Side Effects

February 2, 2021

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – There has been a lot of debate about taking painkillers to treat side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine. Health experts say it is safe to take a pain reliever to help relieve the side effects of the vaccine, but when it should be taken is an issue many vaccine recipients are still unclear about. Many people have…

Free Mobile COVID-19 Testing Sites Aim to Increase Accessibility Throughout Duluth

A mobile testing trailer will be in different Duluth neighborhoods twice a week throughout February.

February 1, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- More opportunities to get tested for COVID-19 for free will be popping up around Duluth, part of St. Louis County Public Health’s plan to make testing more accessible for people who may have trouble getting to the DECC. Public Health Mobile Sites/Trailers will be at the following locations throughout the month: Wednesday, February 3, 10 a.m. to 2…

Minnesotans Received Emails Canceling COVID Vaccine In Error

January 31, 2021

Dan Hanger,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Some Minnesotans enrolled in the state’s pilot COVID-19 vaccination program got multiple emails and texts that wrongly told them their appointments were canceled. State health officials say nearly everyone who got the erroneous message has been notified that their appointments are indeed confirmed. The messages came Saturday from the state’s vendor, Primary Bio, and were intended for…

Wisconsin Tops 1,000 Daily Virus Cases, Lists 3 New Deaths

January 31, 2021

Dan Hanger,

MILWAUKEE (AP) – Wisconsin has recorded more than 1,000 new COVID-19 cases and three new deaths due to complications from the coronavirus. The update released Sunday by state health officials increases the total number of positive tests to 542,415 and cumulative deaths to 5,896 since the start of the pandemic. The COVID Tracking Project ranks Wisconsin 39th in the country…

Minnesota Shows Nearly 1,000 New Virus Cases, 13 New Deaths

January 31, 2021

Dan Hanger,

Minnesota health officials are confirming 996 new COVID-19 cases and 13 new deaths to due complications from the coronavirus. The update released Sunday increased the total number of positive tests to 461,807 and cumulative deaths to 6,200 since the start of the pandemic. The COVID Tracking Project reports that Minnesota 48th in the country for new cases per capita in…

“Mask Out Minnesota” Encourages People To Get Outdoors

"We want to encourage you to forget the four walls of your home this winter," said Renee Mattson, the executive director for the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission.

January 28, 2021

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission has started a new initiative to encourage people to get outdoors. Commission members visited the Hartley Nature Center in Duluth to promote a new campaign called “Mask Out Minnesota.” The campaign wants to motivate people to try out state parks and trails, which have gotten more popular during the…

Wisconsin Senate Votes to Repeal Wisconsin Mask Mandate

January 26, 2021

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Republican-controlled Wisconsin Senate voted Tuesday to repeal Gov. Tony Evers’ statewide mask mandate, despite warnings from virtually every sector of the health care community that doing so would impair efforts to combat the coronavirus pandemic. Both legislative chambers have to pass the resolution in order to undo the mask requirement. The Assembly, controlled 58-30 by…

A Tiger At The Wildcat Sanctuary Tests Positive For COVID-19

Veterinarians conducted a Coronavirus test after sedating her, revealing she had the virus.

January 26, 2021

Nachai Taylor,

SANDSTONE, Minn.- A rescue tiger living at the Wildcat Sanctuary in Sandstone tested positive for COVID-19, but has since recovered. A tiger named Sabrina is a rescue from Texas and upon her arrival showed signs of having possible respiratory issues. Veterinarians conducted a Coronavirus test after sedating her, revealing she had the virus. It is believed Sabrina contracted the virus…

Some Proctor Students Return To Hybrid Model

Teachers now wear a mask and a shield to help slow the spread of COVID-19.

January 26, 2021

Nachai Taylor,

PROCTOR, Minn. – Proctor schools welcomed some students back to the classroom after months of doing distance learning to help prevent the spreading of the coronavirus. Bay View Elementary kindergarten through fifth-grade students returned back to class and will resume a hybrid model for a few weeks before transitioning to full in-person learning. Some new rules have been put in…

Misinformation About Covid-19 And Vaccine Can Lead To Bad Decision Making

"If you don't have good information, you can't make good choices for what you choose to do," said Dr. Kristina Krohn, an assistant professor of medicine at the University of Minnesota Medical School.

January 25, 2021

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. -The spreading of misinformation about the Coronavirus and its preventative vaccine is a common concern among medical experts. They’re worried misreporting of facts about the health crisis can make it harder to protect the public. There are plenty of rumors medical experts would like to clear up. “Anything that tells you it’s not something that we spread just…

Blood Donations Are Critically Low; Health Experts Encouraging People to Donate

If you have had the vaccine, healthcare professionals say it is safe to give blood.

January 22, 2021

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – Blood donations continue to be critically low during the pandemic. Donations are typically low in the winter, but as fewer people are choosing not to give blood during the pandemic the supply is becoming exhausted. Health officials say the U.S. blood supply is in stage yellow meaning there are only one to two days worth of blood…

St. Luke’s Now Offering Monoclonal Antibody Treatment for Eligible Patients with COVID-19

The Treatment is Found to Have Reduced COVID-19 Hospitilizations

January 20, 2021

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Luke’s in Duluth is now offering an emergency use COVID-19 antibody treatment that medical experts say has been proven to reduce the length of hospitalizations. The monoclonal antibody treatment is produced in a lab. The antibodies work to attack the COVID-19 virus in the patient’s system. St. Luke’s Infectious Disease Specialist, Dr. Andrew Thompson, says the…

Duluth, Proctor Superintendents Disappointed in Slow Federal Vaccine Rollout

Duluth School District is only getting 32 vaccines to start, and Proctor is only getting 10.

January 18, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH/PROCTOR, Minn.- While Gov. Tim Walz announced Monday the state will open up vaccines to the elderly, education and child care workers in the coming weeks, Northland school leaders said they feel disheartened that the vaccines they’re getting to start barely scratch the surface. “Quite honestly I was really hopeful that it would be broader,” said Duluth Schools Superintendent John…

Mobile Vaccine Units Coming Soon To Counties In Wisconsin

The mobile units will assist local health departments in the next phase of the state's rollout, which includes police officers and firefighters.

January 18, 2021

Nachai Taylor,

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Wis. – The National Guard and Wisconsin health officials are teaming up… to test a program that offers mobile vaccination clinics across the state. National Guard members and pharmacy volunteers will be deployed, starting on Tuesday, to counties in Wisconsin that have requested to be a part of this pilot program. The mobile units will assist local health…

Superior School Board Gives School Nurses A Pay Raise

The pay will increase by about $2 an hour for LPN's and $5 an hour for RN's.

January 18, 2021

Nachai Taylor,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Superior School board recently approved a pay increase for school nurses in an effort to attract more to work in Superior schools. School nurses have been in high demand for the School District of Superior. The Coronavirus pandemic has only caused the need for school nurses to grow. The district administrator says the pay increase allows…

Facebook Group “Duluth Does Veganuary!” Challenges Locals To Try Plant-Based Diets

January 17, 2021

Alexandra Burnley,

DULUTH, Minn. — A Facebook group called “Duluth Does Veganuary!” is challenging Northlanders to try giving up meat and dairy for the month of January. The group, now in its second year, has more than 650 members and encourages everyone to try going vegan for the full month, but also helps motivate those who are curious about the diet, and…

Minnesota Lists 1,364 New Virus Cases, 40 Additional Deaths

January 17, 2021

Dan Hanger,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Minnesota health officials are confirming 1,364 new cases of COVID-19 and 40 additional deaths due to complications from the virus. The COVID Tracking Project reports that the state’s death count is the 22nd highest in the country overall and the 28th highest per capita at about 107 deaths per 100,000 people. State officials said 24 of the…

U Of M Medical School Survey Looks To Address Healthcare Disparities For The Deaf Community

Its believed these gaps are brought on by the communication barrier between the patient and the healthcare provider.

January 15, 2021

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – A national survey conducted by a student at the University of Minnesota Medical School in Duluth is being used to help further pinpoint areas of healthcare that may be lacking for deaf and hearing-impaired patients. Research over the last few decades shows deaf individuals battle disparities including lower rates of prenatal care and higher rates of mental…

U Of M Medical School Participating In Novavax Phase 3 Trials

The study for Phase 3 is to determine if the vaccine actually prevents a COVID-19 infection.

January 15, 2021

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – Clinical trials for Phase 3 of the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine are starting soon. The University of Minnesota Medical School is one of a hundred institutions participating in the study. Medical researchers say after undergoing the first two stages of clinical trials, Novavax vaccine shows promise. Infectious disease professionals across the nation and internationally, including the U of…

Fear Of Needles Could Impact People’s Choice To Get The COVID-19 Vaccine

The phobia typically starts during childhood.

January 14, 2021

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – Needle phobia can be very common among many people, but this fear is bringing up concerns as those individuals may choose not to take the COVID-19 vaccine. Health experts say identifying individuals with a fear of needles and finding ways to help them overcome the challenge can help increase the chances of them wanting to get the…

Minnesota Dept. of Health Launches COVID-19 Vaccine Dashboard

The website shows more than 144,000 people have received at least one dose of the vaccine as of Saturday, and more than 7,000 who already got the second dose.

January 12, 2021

Arman Rahman,

MINNESOTA- The Minnesota Department of Health has launched an online dashboard, to stay up to date on the state’s vaccination rollout. The website shows more than 144,000 people have received at least one dose of the vaccine as of Saturday, and more than 7,000 who already got the second dose. It will be updated daily. “It provides Minnesotans with confidence…

Carlton County Public Health Works To Keep Up With Challenges During Vaccination Process

Public health officials are being spread thin while trying to get the vaccines distributed to the priority groups.

January 12, 2021

Nachai Taylor,

CARLTON COUNTY, Minn. – The COVID-19 vaccine has been going into arms around the Northland for a few weeks now. Over in Carlton County, public health officials are being spread thin while trying to get the vaccines distributed to the priority groups. Vaccine administration continues to be a top priority across the state and in the region, but getting the…

More Contagious Virus Variant Discovered In Twin Cities Area

January 10, 2021

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota health officials have confirmed five cases of a more contagious variant of the coronavirus in the Twin Cities area. The variant, which was first detected late last year in the United Kingdom, was identified in specimens from residents in four Minnesota counties. Although officials aren’t surprised by the discovery and don’t believe it will lead to…

Rapid COVID Testing Available At St. Luke’s Hospital

According to the CDC, the most reliable COVID-19 tests are still PCR nasal tests as antigen tests are less trustworthy to catch asymptomatic cases.

January 7, 2021

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – Patients of St. Luke’s Hospital can now get a rapid COVID-19 antigen test that can return same-day results. The testing is available for patients of the respiratory clinic in Hermantown or those utilizing the drive-thru testing garage located on the 900 block of East First Street. People of all ages can have access to the testing, but…

Free COVID-19 Testing Event Happening at Grand Rapids High School

The Event Takes Place as Cases of COVID-19 Have Decreased in Itasca County Throughout December

January 7, 2021

Brett Scott,

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – The first COVID-19 briefing of 2021 comes with uplifting news from Itasca County. The county’s public health officials are reporting a steady decrease in cases throughout December. Over the past seven days, 53 new cases have been identified in the county. Since the start of the pandemic, a total of 2,751 residents have tested positive, and…

Essentia Health President Optimistic, Yet Cautious as Pandemic Continues in 2021

Dr. Jon Pryor, President of Essentia Health, Says Northlanders Must Remain Cautious as COVID Vaccinations Continue

January 6, 2021

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – While cases of COVID-19 continue to slightly decrease across Minnesota, hospitals in the Northland are still feeling the strain. Dr. Jon Pryor, President of Essentia Health, chatted with FOX 21’s Brett Scott Wednesday morning about vaccine distribution, the current situation inside Northland hospitals, and the outlook for 2021. “I want to thank everyone in the Northland for…

Gov. Evers, Health Officials Ask for Patience During Wisconsin Vaccine Distribution

Health officials said the demand is going to exceed the supply for a while.

January 6, 2021

Arman Rahman,

MADISON, Wis.- The Wisconsin Governor and health leaders addressed obstacles and delays in the state’s vaccine distribution Tuesday. So far 85,609 vaccines have been administered and as of Monday 266,675 doses had been shipped to Wisconsin. According to health officials, the demand is going to exceed the supply for a while. Gov. Tony Evers emphasized that focus should not divert…

Northland Public Health Officials Worry For Another COVID-19 Spike

"We probably will be seeing effects or see trends in our case count in the next couple of weeks. It's still really too early to tell if there was an impact from holiday gatherings yet," said Westbrook."We probably will be seeing effects or see trends in our case count in the next couple of weeks. It's still really too early to tell if there was an impact from holiday gatherings yet," said Westbrook.

January 4, 2021

Nachai Taylor,

NORTHLAND – Now that the holidays are over, public health officials in the Northland are bracing for the potential for another spike in COVID-19 cases. The pandemic has already had a deep impact on the Northland. Health experts strongly advised people to avoid holiday gatherings to help keep new COVID-19 case numbers down. “Our numbers have been going in the…

COVID-19 Testing At DECC To Run Through January, But Future Is Uncertain

December 31, 2020

Alexandra Burnley,

DULUTH, Minn. — COVID-19 saliva tests at the DECC in Duluth will continue through the month of January, but it’s unclear if Minnesota will have enough funding to continue it after that. Testing sites in the state are set up by the Minnesota Department of Health. In the latest economic relief package that was just signed into law, the federal…

MN Veteran’s Home in Silver Bay Gives Out Covid-19 Vaccine

"I am happy I got it," said Frank Stella, an army veteran and resident of the home. "I feel good."

December 30, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

SILVER BAY, Minn. – More than 100 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine were given out to help protect employees and residents. Dozens of residents and staff at the Minnesota Veterans Home in Silver Bay rolled up their sleeves to be some of the first to receive COVID-19 vaccines. “I am happy I got it,” said Frank Stella, an army veteran…

Carlton County Public Health Hosts Drive-thru Vaccine Clinic

100 doses of the Moderna vaccine was received for Tuesday's clinic.

December 29, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

CARLTON, Minn. – Carlton County’s Public Health and Human Services Division held its first drive-thru COVID-19 vaccination clinic. The county distributed its first shipment of the Moderna vaccine. The clinic was not open to the public. The vaccinations were only for emergency medical services workers and others helping to do community COVID-19 testing. One first responder says getting the vaccine…

Wisconsin Reports More Than 600 New Cases On Saturday

Currently, the state is averaging more than 1,800 new confirmed cases and 41 deaths weekly.

December 26, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

WISCONSIN – 632 new confirmed COVID-19 cases were being reported on Saturday by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. There were also four more people who have died from the virus. This brings the state’s total confirmed cases to more than 460,000 and nearly 5,000 deaths. Currently, the state is averaging more than 1,800 new confirmed cases and 41 deaths…

More COVID-19 Deaths Reported in St. Louis County

Total deaths are now up to 189.

December 26, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Minn. – Three more people in St. Louis County have now died from COVID-19. On Saturday, 98 new cases have also been reported in the county, creating a total of more than twelve thousand for the northland. Total deaths are now up to 189. The Minnesota Department of Health is also reporting there are 2,170 new cases…

Those Traveling To US From UK Must Test Negative For Covid-19

Beginning Monday, passengers headed for the United States must test negative within 72 hours of their departure.

December 25, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

(AP) – A new virus strain in Great Britain creates new restrictions for passengers headed to the U.S. Anyone flying to the U.S. from the United Kingdom must test negative for the Coronavirus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued the new order late Thursday in response to a new strain of the virus in the UK, one with…

Mental Health Experts Concerned About Loneliness This Holiday Season

Health experts say it's common for many people not to recognize they are feeling lonely.

December 21, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – The pandemic is preventing many people from spending time with their loved ones during the holidays. Mental health experts are now concerned this holiday season may be rough for some people. A national survey found that out of the 20,000 people surveyed, more than half reported they sometimes or always feel alone. Adding the impacts of the…

Two Essentia Health Employees Had Allergic Reactions To COVID-19 Vaccine

Some of the symptoms that brought concern for health experts included hives, swelling of the lips or mouth, and shortness of breath.

December 21, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – About 2,500 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have already been given to frontline workers at Essentia Health. So far, only two employees had allergic reactions to the vaccine. Essentia Health officials say the reactions weren’t severe, but out of caution each worker was treated and evaluated. It is believed the reactions to the COVID-19 vaccine may be…

FDA Authorizes Second COVID-19 Vaccine from Moderna

The Food and Drug Administration authorized emergency use Friday of the vaccine developed by Moderna and the National Institutes of Health.

December 18, 2020

Arman Rahman,

WASHINGTON (AP) – The U.S. is adding a second COVID-19 vaccine to its arsenal. The Food and Drug Administration authorized emergency use Friday of the vaccine developed by Moderna and the National Institutes of Health. The decision comes days after health workers and nursing home residents began getting a similar coronavirus shot from Pfizer and BioNTech. Extra doses from a…

Duluth Man Needing Living Kidney Donor Brings Back Epic Christmas Displays

December 16, 2020

Alexandra Burnley,

DULUTH, Minn. — A Duluth man known in his neighborhood for his bright Christmas lights and decorations is bringing back the tradition again after stopping for a few years, while also searching for a living kidney donor. Pat Stojevich has more than 20,000 Christmas lights strung around his property and counting. “I figure by the time we’re done we’ll be…

Duluth Police Department Receives Funding To Help Support Opioid Recovery Efforts

There have been 200 overdoses in the area this year as reported by the Duluth Police.

December 16, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department has received some major funding to help fight opioid addictions and start the recovery process for some people in the Northland. The department received a grant for almost $900,000. which will fund the Lake Superior Diversion and Substance Abuse Response team over the next three years. The funding will be used to expand…

Wisconsin Health Leaders Explain Vaccine Distribution as State Gets First Shipment

Meanwhile, the spread of the virus isn't slowing down in the state.

December 15, 2020

Arman Rahman,

MADISON, Wis.- Wisconsin received 10,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine Monday, with about 35,000 more doses expected by the end of the week. The first rounds are going to frontline healthcare workers and to nursing home residents in a couple weeks. The general public will not have access to the vaccine for months as the state deploys this historic rollout…

Essentia Health Hiring Healthcare Workers

"It's been an unbelievable amount of stress on our staff. We're used to taking care of people who are very sick and used to seeing people die, but not in these numbers," said Jon Pryor, president of Essentia Health.

December 11, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – Demand for healthcare workers is becoming critical in the Northland. Essentia Health is now hiring, hoping to find skilled healthcare employees to fill the gaps brought on by the coronavirus pandemic. A shortage of frontline workers such as nurses is already creating a strain for hospitals in the region. Many hospital officials are getting concerned for the…

US allows emergency COVID-19 vaccine in bid to end pandemic

The U.S. has given the final go-ahead to the nation’s first COVID-19 vaccine, launching emergency vaccinations in a bid to end the pandemic. Shots will begin in a few days after Friday's decision by the Food and Drug Administration.

December 11, 2020

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) – The U.S. has given the final go-ahead to the nation’s first COVID-19 vaccine, launching emergency vaccinations in a bid to end the pandemic. Shots will begin in a few days after Friday’s decision by the Food and Drug Administration. The FDA called the vaccine from Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech safe and strongly protective. But initial…

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…

U.S. Panel Endorses Widespread Use of Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine

December 10, 2020

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) — A U.S. government advisory panel endorsed widespread use of Pfizer’s coronavirus vaccine Thursday, putting the country just one step away from launching an epic vaccination campaign against the outbreak that has killed close to 300,000 Americans. Shots could begin within days, depending on how quickly the Food and Drug Administration signs off, as expected, on the expert…

First Responders Are Feeling Strained From Impacts Of COVID-19

December 9, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

NORTHLAND, Minn. – First responders have been strained by this pandemic, especially ambulance crews that may respond to someone having symptoms. Communities rely on first responders when emergencies happen, but as coronavirus case numbers surge in the region, the job is becoming more challenging. “We need some help in being able to respond to the emergencies,” said Virginia Mayor Larry…

Wis. Health Officials Promoting Higher Rates of Flu Vaccinations in Communities of Color

December 9, 2020

CJ Baumgartner,

MADISON, Wis.– As cases of COVID-19 continue to rise in the country and in Wisconsin, cases of the flu have been another story. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services is rolling out a new campaign to help encourage all Wisconsinites to get the flu vaccine. With the COVID-19 vaccinations now starting around the world and on the way here soon…

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…