Health Archives - Page 17 of 36

Ashland County Reports First COVID-19 Death, Gov. Evers Provides Statewide Update

More than 960 Wisconsinites have died of COVID-19, 56,000 have tested positive since pandemic began

August 4, 2020

Andrew Kirov,

ASHLAND COUNTY, Wis. – Ashland County reported its first COVID-19 related death Tuesday. As of August 4th, the virus has killed more than 960 people across Wisconsin, and more than 56,000 have tested positive since the pandemic started. “We were in a pretty good place a few months ago, but we’ve hit some serious setbacks, folks, and we will continue…

Nurses Picket for New Contract at Essentia Health-Virginia

Nurses say they've been without a contract for more than a year, they're asking for safety language in contracts and 'safe staffing levels.'

August 3, 2020

Andrew Kirov,

VIRGINIA, Minn. – Nurses who work for Essentia Health’s hospital in Virginia aren’t on strike, but they picketed outside the healthcare facility Monday. Nurses say they want to get a deal done now after working there without a contract for more than a year. 103 Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA) nurses work at Essentia Health-Virginia. The union is asking the healthcare…

Wisconsin Mask Mandate Now in Effect

Wisconsinites are mandated to wear the masks indoors or face a potential $200 penalty.

August 1, 2020

Katharine Huntley,

ASHLAND, Wis. – Wisconsin Governor Tony Ever’s statewide mandatory mask order began on Saturday. The order requires people over five years old to wear masks in indoor spaces. Wisconsinites are mandated to wear the masks indoors or face a potential $200 penalty. Ashland’s city council voted not to rule on a mask mandate this week, but per Gov. Evers’ order,…

Fond du Luth Casino Employee Tests Positive for COVID-19

July 31, 2020

Andrew Kirov,

DULUTH, Minn. – A Fond du Luth Casino employee has tested positive for COVID-19. The casino sent the following statement about the positive test: “A Fond du Luth employee has tested positive for COVID-19. Immediate action was taken by the Fond du Luth’s management including an internal process to determine who was in contact with the employee. Fond du Luth is…

Gary New Duluth Rec Center Distributes Food Bags from YMCA Summer Food Service

Volunteers say the meals help in the food desert of Gary New Duluth.

July 29, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Some people in Gary New Duluth Wednesday spent the warm sunny weather handing out bags of food to those in need. The Duluth Area YMCA Summer Food Service Program has been giving out grab-and-go meal bags at the Gary New Duluth Recreation Center since March. The bags included juice, healthy snacks, and produce from the community garden. A…

Free Drive-Thru COVID-19 Testing in Superior After Weekend of Two Large Public Events

Douglas County officials say despite safety precautions at Bowfest and Head of the Lakes Fair, testing should be done in the virus incubation period.

July 29, 2020

Arman Rahman,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- After a weekend of two large public events in Superior, Douglas County Health Officials and the Wisconsin National Guard teamed up to administer free drive-thru COVID-19 tests Wednesday at Superior Middle School. 500 coronavirus tests were available in the parking lot of the Middle School. Douglas County Health Officials say before the site even began testing, 75 cars…

Drive-thru Testing Site Comes To Superior

Another testing event is scheduled in Solon Springs on Thursday.

July 28, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Nearly 100 people in Douglas County have already tested positive for the Coronavirus since the start of the pandemic. In response to the increasing number of cases, the county is partnering with the national guard to offer free drive-thru testing in Superior. The event will be able to test up to five hundred people. Anyone with any…

Ashland City Council Votes to Urge County to Issue Mask Mandate

City attorney says it's unclear if the city has the authority to require masks directly

July 28, 2020

Andrew Kirov,

ASHLAND, Wis. – The Ashland City Council is choosing not to create its own mask mandate, but is instead urging the Ashland County Health Department to require masks in places open to the public and to restrict large gatherings. At the council meeting on Tuesday, the city attorney said it’s unclear if the city has the legal authority to require…

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…

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…

Cloquet Mayor Reacts To Passing Of Mask Ordinance

July 22, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

CLOQUET, Minn. – Less than 24 hours before Governor Tim Walz made his announcement the Cloquet City Council approved an ordinance requiring residents to wear masks while at indoor businesses. Cloquet Mayor Roger Maki initially had some concerns the vote would fail. He says although the vote was not unanimous he is grateful for the councilors who changed their minds….

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 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….

St. Luke’s Oncologist Emphasizes Importance of Routine Screenings Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

Coffee Conversation: Continuing Routine Medical Exams, Cancer Screenings Amid Coronavirus Pandemic

July 20, 2020

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – Routine medical exams and cancer screenings are taking a back burner for many people amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. It’s a worry for many in the medical community, as this could have negative impacts in the years to come. Dr. Roberto Fernandez, a St. Luke’s Oncologist, says it’s vital for patients to come in for routine cancer…

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…

Johns Hopkins Center for American Indian Health Sending COVID Care Packages to Northland Tribal Communities

Researchers at the Great Lakes Hub in Duluth say the care packages are short term solutions, while they work to address lack of public health care in tribal communities.

July 15, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- As the pandemic continues to rip through communities throughout the Northland, the Johns Hopkins Center for American Indian Health Great Lakes Hub in Duluth is providing aid to the indigenous communities effected by the virus. The Center has sent out about 100 care packages with food supplies, and about 100 what they call Holistic Wellness Boxes with items…

With Superior Mask Mandate on Horizon, Business Owners Prepare for its Passage

Some retail businesses like Annie's Attic already recommend masks, so making it a city-wide requirement will take some stress of enforcement, owner says.

July 14, 2020

Arman Rahman,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Across the bridge in Superior, businesses are preparing for a city wide mask mandate that could take effect July 27th, if the City Council approves a proposed ordinance at next week’s council meeting. All signs show it will be passed for indoor public places, as only Councilor Keith Kern, a bar owner himself, voted against moving forward with…

Duluth Mask Ordinance Creates Difference Of Opinions

July 14, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – The city of Duluth is now being added to a growing list of cities in Minnesota mandating everyone to wear masks to help slow the spread of the coronavirus. The Duluth City Council passed an ordinance on Monday requiring face coverings in indoor public places. This new change is stirring up a difference of opinions from members…

Duluth Becomes First City in Northland to Approve Mask Mandate for Indoor Public Places

Duluth City Council voted unanimously to require masks indoors in public, with penalties for businesses and individuals that don't comply.

July 13, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth is now the first city in the Northland to require masks in all public indoor spaces to stop the spread of the Coronavirus, after City Council voted unanimously to pass the historic ordinance Monday night, effective immediately. Face coverings will now be required in such places as retail spaces, DTA buses, the Skywalk, and in apartment building…

A New CBD Store Opens In Canal Park

The Superior Cannabis Company also has store in southern Minnesota.

July 13, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – A new CBD is store is now open in Canal Park. Superior Cannabis Company, which also has a flagship store in southern Minnesota sells a wide range of products used mainly for health and wellness. This includes CBD infused creams for body ailments and pet health products. The co-owner says opening in the middle of a pandemic…

Face Coverings Now Required For Customers At ‘Super One Foods’

July 13, 2020

Dan Hanger,

Super One Foods and its liquor store locations in the Northland will now require face coverings for all customers starting Tuesday, July 14, including children “old enough to walk.” The announcement was made Monday evening before the city council’s mask mandate ordinance was unanimously passed. The Hermantown-based company says face coverings must cover the nose and mouth while in-store. Single-use…

Seven More People Test Positive For COVID-19 In Douglas County

This brings the county's total to 55.

July 11, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Wis., – In the last 72 hours, seven more people, in Douglas County, have tested positive for the coronavirus. This brings the county’s total to 55. Out of those cases, 41% are in the City of Superior. County officials tell us the spike is following a continuous trend of people spending more time in public indoor spaces. Officials…

City of Superior Employees Must Wear Masks Inside City Buildings Starting Monday

Mayor Paine mandates face coverings for city employees working in public settings

July 10, 2020

Dan Hanger,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Come Monday, all City of Superior employees will be mandated to wear a mask or face covering while in city buildings. That’s the order from Superior Mayor Jim Paine as he also works to create an ordinance for a city-wide face mask mandate inside public buildings. According to a memo sent by the mayor, city employees must…

Minnesota Nurses Association Shoots Down St. Luke’s Proposed Delay to Wage Increase

Nurses wanted St. Luke's to honor MNA contract should the hospital be sold

July 9, 2020

Andrew Kirov,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA) tells us they recently shot down a proposal from St. Luke’s that would have postponed scheduled pay increases for nurses. This comes less than a year after nurses voted to strike during the last round of negotiations with the hospital before the current contract was agreed upon. Healthcare providers across the country…

Itasca County Healthcare Providers Encourage Wearing Face Masks in Public

Itasca County has 68 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 12 deaths

July 9, 2020

Andrew Kirov,

ITASCA COUNTY, Minn. – Healthcare providers are encouraging everybody to wear face masks in public to help limit the spread of the coronavirus. According to Dr. Dan Soular, a primary care physician at Grand Itasca Clinic and Hospital in Grand Rapids, masks allow air to flow through them and stop viruses from passing out of a person’s mouth and nose…

As COVID-19 Cases Rise in Douglas County, Superior Mayor Moves Toward Mask Mandate

July 8, 2020

Dan Hanger,

SUPERIOR, Wis. — There is growing concern over the rise in COVID-19 cases in Douglas County, and Superior Mayor Jim Paine is speaking out about it and making plans on how to help stop the spread of the virus. “We are in a crisis in Douglas County. This is very much an emergency and this virus is spreading through our…

Covid-19 Cases Spike in St. Louis County

More than half of the 15 people that tested positive are under the age of 30.

July 7, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – 15 more people have tested positive for Covid-19 in St. Louis County. Officials are reporting this is the largest single-day increase, so far, in the county. St. Louis County officials say it is not surprising to see a jump in Covid-19 cases, but it is also not good news for a potential end to the pandemic. The…

Minnesota Department of Health Reports Multiple Days of Single-Digit Deaths From COVID-19

July 6, 2020

CJ Baumgartner,

ST. PAUL, Minn.– Minnesota health experts gave an update Monday on COVID-19 in the state. They also included information on the state seeing lower death numbers in recent weeks. Minnesota has seen single digit deaths in 13 of the last 15 days. Health officials attribute this to new treatment options, a higher number of young people getting COVID-19 who recover,…

Experts Share Tips on Keeping Family, Pets Safe in Intense Summer Heat

Duluth Fire Officials and experts from Animal Allies weigh in on keeping pets and people hydrated and protected.

July 5, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Summer heat doesn’t last long in the Northland. While you enjoy it for the short time it’s here, experts say it’s important to do so safely. The first few weeks of summer have been scorchers in the Northland, with temperatures this past week reaching 90 degrees for the first time since August 2018 and temps nearing 90 Fourth…

Essentia, St. Lukes Speak Out in Favor of Duluth’s Proposed Mask Ordinance

July 3, 2020

Andrew Kirov,

DULUTH, Minn. – Both Essentia Health and St. Luke’s are speaking out in favor of Duluth’s proposed ordinance that would require masks to be worn in many public indoor spaces. St. Luke’s sent a letter to the Duluth City Council. It reads in part: “Many people are weary of COVID-19 and all the changes that have come with it. It’s…

Emergency Ordinance Proposal Could Require Everyone To Wear Masks Indoors

As an effort to ensure mass compliance with this proposed ordinance Essentia Health has offered to donate 20,000 masks to the public.

July 1, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth City Council is proposing an emergency ordinance to require everyone to wear masks while indoors From a statistical standpoint, many health officials believe wearing masks is a no brainer. As the number of Covid-19 cases keeps fluctuating daily around the nation, it can be difficult to see an end to the pandemic. Health experts believe…

UMD To Require Masks On Campus While Indoors Starting July 1

June 29, 2020

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – The University of Minnesota announced Monday that starting July 1, it will require all students, staff and visitors to wear a mask while in any indoor or enclosed space on campus. In an email sent to staff and students, officials wrote that “We now know that wearing a face covering provides valuable, albeit imperfect, protection against the spread…

Fireworks Disturbances Creating Need To Warn About The Dangers

Duluth Police officers have answered nearly one hundred fireworks-related calls since June 1st.

June 29, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department is seeing an uptick in calls for fireworks disturbances. As those calls increase, the Duluth Fire Department is looking to remind fireworks users about the potential dangers and the importance of safety. As the Fourth of July inches closer, the use of illegal fireworks around Duluth has increased drastically compared to the same…

Free Mask Giveaway Provides Protective Wear For Rural Communities

"We want to make sure we are not spreading it when we can prevent it.," said North Shore Rotary Club President Carrie Coan.

June 26, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

LAKE COUNTY, Minn. – The North Shore Rotary Club handed out free face masks to residents in Lake County. This was the club’s second face mask giveaway. The organization was inspired by the Duluth NAACP’s effort to continue to provide free masks to members of the Duluth community. The Rotary Club thought it was the responsible thing to help smaller…

‘Face Covering’ Now Required For Shoppers, Staff At Whole Foods Co-Op

June 25, 2020

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth’s Whole Foods Co-op locations are increasing safety measures against the coronavirus pandemic by requiring all shoppers and staff to wear some type of face mask while in the stores. The rule goes into effect Friday, June 26. And if a customer doesn’t have a “face covering,” there will be a stock of single-use masks available at…

St. Luke’s Hospital Uses Technology To Identify Bacteria And Viruses Faster

"It allows us to deliver the right treatment and right therapy much soon than we have in the past," said Infectious Disease Physician Andrew Thompson.

June 23, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Luke’s Hospital is the first healthcare facility in the region to utilize a spectrometer to help identify microorganisms much faster. Traditional methods to classify bacteria, viruses, and fungi typically take days to return results. The equipment uses a laser to break down the microorganisms for identification in a matter of minutes. “It allows us to deliver…

Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar Says Get Your Kids Up-To-Date With Vaccinations

Measles vaccinations administered to children in Minnesota dropped by 70%.

June 23, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – Recent studies show there has been a significant decrease in the number of vaccinations being given to children during the pandemic across the nation. Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar is pushing to address the troubling decline in the state. Doses of the measles vaccine administered in the state have dropped by 70% compared to last year. Health officials…

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…

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…

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…

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…

More Disease-Carrying Ticks Being Found in Minnesota

30-40 percent of adult deer or black-legged ticks have Lyme Disease

June 18, 2020

Andrew Kirov,

DULUTH, Minn. – According to the Minnesota Department of Health, more ticks that carry Lyme disease and other illnesses are being found across the state. 30-40 percent of adult deer or black-legged ticks have Lyme disease. Health experts are more concerned with that species than the larger and more common wood or dog tick. Ticks can only transmit disease if…

Superior, Sponsors Ready to Launch ‘Sweet Streets’ Bike Safety Program

The Launch Will Happen Saturday, June 20 from 1 - 3 p.m. at Superior Public Library

June 18, 2020

Brett Scott,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – After many months of hard work and dedication behind the scenes, Jenny Van Sickle, Superior city council member, and many fine sponsors are thrilled to be launching a new bike safety program called ‘Sweet Streets.’ The launch is happening Saturday, June 20 from 1 – 3 p.m. at the Superior Public Library. Families are welcome and encouraged…

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…

Second Harvest North Central Food Bank Ready to Help Residents in Need

Resources Are Available for All Residents in Itasca County Facing Food Insecurities

June 5, 2020

Brett Scott,

ITASCA COUNTY, Minn. -With school out and the coronavirus pandemic continuing to have a lasting impact on communities, health officials in Itasca County want to stress the importance of nutrition and food access services in the region. Second Harvest North Central Food Bank continues to provide food to 130 agencies in the region, from International Falls to Princeton. Research shows…

COVID-19 Update: 53 Cases, 9 Deaths Reported in Itasca County

Health Professionals Advise Residents to Maintain a Healthy Diet, Exercise Routine

May 29, 2020

Brett Scott,

ITASCA COUNTY, Minn. – As of Friday Itasca County Public Health Officials confirm 53 positive COVID-19 cases within the county. The youngest case is reported in an elementary aged individual. The county also reports a total of nine deaths related to coronavirus. Grand Itasca Clinic & Hospital has tested over 1,000 residents for COVID-19. This comes as health professionals continue…

Virtual Jazz Concert at Carlton’s Oldenburg House Raises Thousands for Area Hospitals

Donations from the livestream were distributed equally to four Northland Hospitals.

May 23, 2020

Arman Rahman,

CARLTON, Minn.- A popular music venue in Carlton decided to take their annual jazz concerts online, to help out healthcare workers in the Northland. While normally crooning through the estate of the Oldenburg house, songs like “Make Someone Happy” were livestreamed from one room Friday and Saturday night. The “Cookin’ at the O” Benefit Concert raised over $7,500 over the…

Remember Food Safety as Summer Barbeques Begin

St. Luke's Clinical Dietitian Dr. Brenda Schwerdt Reminds of Food Safety, Healthy Eating During Summer Months

May 21, 2020

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – As Memorial Day weekend approaches, dietitians at St. Luke’s want to remind everyone to practice food safety precautions. Experts recommend limiting your consumption of meats and mixing in a large number of fruits and vegetables during your backyard barbeques. St. Luke’s Clinical Dietitian Dr. Brenda Schwerdt suggests grilling peaches and pineapple as well as vegetables like peppers,…

Itasca County Health Officials Urge Active Living, Healthy Eating Amid COVID-19

May 15, 2020

Brett Scott,

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – As of Friday, health officials in Itasca County confirm three additional COVID-19 related deaths bringing the total to five. Three of the deceased were males in their 80s, one was a male in his 90s, and details surrounding the fifth death remain unknown at this time. Itasca County reported 42 cases of coronavirus as of Friday…