Health

Duluth International Increases Santization for Passengers Coming Through

Officials say depending on numbers, a processing/screening center could be a possibility.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth International Airport is also taking measures to keep its facilities safe, as Coronavirus spreads nationwide. Airport officials said that traffic through the airport has dropped a bit recently, though a steady flow of passengers are still coming through. While there are no plans to quarantine or screen passengers or even airline staff as they come from…

Duluth Restaurant Owners Brace Themselves as Gov. Walz Announces Statewide Closure

Closure affects only dine-in customers, takeout and delivery services continue.

DULUTH, Minn.- Governor Tim Walz has ordered bars and restaurants across Minnesota to temporarily close to customers who dine in, as the number of Coronavirus cases in the state reaches 54–a dramatic jump in just a few days. This follows an increasing number of states across the country closing their bars and restaurants. The San Francisco Bay Area has gone…

Duluth Restaurants Take Precautions Against COVID-19

As restaurants close across the country, restaurants here try their best to stay open.

DULUTH, Minn.- The President of the Duluth Local Restaurant Association is commenting on how some restaurants in the city are coping with the impacts of people taking precautions and staying home because of the Coronavirus. Currently, all bars and restaurants in Illinois, Ohio, California and Massachusetts have been ordered by their Governors to close to slow the community spread of…

Gov. Walz Closes Minnesota Schools for Two Weeks to Plan for Coronavirus

The two-week period is for school officials and teachers to plan for long-term closures, distance learning.

DULUTH, Minn.- In the most intense step the State of Minnesota has taken in response to the Coronavirus, Governor Tim Walz signed an executive order closing all schools in the state starting Wednesday, until March 27th. This comes just two days after Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers announced all schools statewide would close through April 6th. While parents prepare to cope…

Larson Addresses Coronavirus Concerns Sunday Ahead of Press Event

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Mayor Emily Larson will be holding a press conference Monday at 10 a.m. with an update on the city’s plans regarding the coronavirus. The event will be closed to the public to honor the Minnesota Department of Health’s social distancing guidelines, according to Larson. The press conference will be streamed on the city and FOX 21’s…

Duluth Bethel Alchoholics Anonymous Meetings Suspended

AA websites and other recovery websites have phone numbers of people those struggling can call.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Bethel is temporarily suspending public meetings for Alcoholics Anonymous and other recovery group meetings at its facility downtown. Fox 21 is told that the Duluth Bethel will reopen the meetings when coronavirus concerns pass. The executive director, Dennis Cummings, says people can still call for help. There is also a list of sponsors and helplines…

Essentia Health and St. Mary’s Hospital Limiting Visitors Amid Coronavirus Concerns

DULUTH, Minn. — Essentia Health is changing its policy for visitors amid the coronavirus outbreak reaching Minnesota. Essentia will be restricting visitors to its facilities, including St. Mary’s Hospital, to keep patients and staff safe. There are limited exceptions, and those who want to visit need to call Essentia and confirm if they are allowed in. The healthcare provider is…

St. Luke’s Hospital Says Coronavirus Testing is Limited

DULUTH, Minn.  — St. Luke’s Hospital is warning the community that testing for the coronavirus is limited right now. The healthcare provider said it will not test for coronavirus in people who aren’t showing any symptoms. It will give coronavirus tests to those who think they’ve been exposed to the virus and have the symptoms, such as a fever, cough,…

5 New COVID-19 Cases in Fond du Lac County Raise Wisconsin Total to 33

MILWAUKEE (AP) – The number of confirmed cases of the coronavirus in Wisconsin has reached 33, after five new cases were reported in Fond du Lac County. Wisconsin health officials on Sunday reported a total of six new cases of COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus. Fond du Lac County now has the most confirmed cases of any county…

Wisconsin Reports 27 Confirmed Coronavirus Cases

MILWAUKEE (AP) – The number of confirmed cases of coronavirus in Wisconsin has jumped to 27. Wisconsin health officials on Saturday reported eight new cases of COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports that includes four new cases in Milwaukee County. Winnebago County also reported its first case. Two more cases were reported in Waukesha County…

UWS Extends Spring Break, Moves Classes Online for Coronavirus; WITC Weighing Options

UWS moves to online classes until April.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- College campuses in Superior are making adjustments and preparations for the Coronavirus. University of Wisconsin Superior is extending its Spring Break and moving all classes online until April, and WITC is considering alternate delivery modes for classes. “I like staying busy. So part of me, I don’t mind it,” UWS Student Body President Zack Abt said. “It’ll be…

UMD, CSS Cancel Class Due to Coronavirus Concerns

DULUTH, Minn.– The growing concern of the virus has talk shows, game shows, and even sporting venues going audience free. Here in the Twin Ports, UMD, CSS and UWS are now doing a version of that. All three are extending spring break and moving classes online when students return. Colleges and universities in Duluth are taking some unprecedented measures to…

NBA Suspends Season ‘Until Further Notice’ Due to Utah Jazz Player with Coronavirus

Rudy Gobert tested positive for COVID-19

The Spalding NBA official game ball is seen before an NBA basketball game between an NBA game against the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday, Dec. 13, 2019, in Memphis, Tenn. (Matt Patterson via AP) MIAMI (AP) – The NBA has suspended its season “until further notice” after a Utah Jazz player tested positive Wednesday for the coronavirus, a move that came…

CSS Joins UMD, UWS By Extending Spring Break, Moving Classes Online Amid Coronavirus Concerns

DULUTH, Minn. – The College of St. Scholastica announced Wednesday it would be joining the University of Minnesota Duluth and the University of Wisconsin-Superior by extending spring break for students and moving classes online when those students return amid concerns about the COVID-19 strain of the coronavirus.   Below is the statement from the president CSS: Dear St. Scholastica Family, As…

UMD, UWS Extend Spring Break; Classes Moving Online When Students Return

DULUTH, Minn. — The University of Minnesota Duluth and the University of Wisconsin-Superior have announced they are extending spring break and moving classes online when students return because of the growing concerns involving the COVID-19 strain of the coronavirus.  Below are the two official releases from each university. UMD: Dear students, faculty, and staff, As the challenges presented by COVID-19…

Fourth Case of Coronavirus Confirmed in Minnesota

The Fourth Confirmed Case in Minnesota is in Olmsted County

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Minnesota health officials have confirmed the state’s fourth case of the coronavirus in a person in Olmsted County. That county’s public health department planned a news conference later Wednesday and no additional details were immediately available. The state’s earlier cases involve residents of Anoka, Ramsey and Carver counties. The state earlier this week set aside $21 million…

St. Luke’s Completes Orthopedic Ward Renovations

DULUTH, Minn. – The 1.4 million dollar project includes larger rooms for patients, showers that are easier to get out of and a new nurses station. Leadership from St. Luke’s says, the more modern work environment for staff will help lead patients to a quicker recovery time. “We work towards speeding that where people can really get back to their…

Duluth Fire Chief Details City’s Response if Coronavirus Hits Northland

Fire Chief said not to panic, but expect the virus in the County at some point.

DULUTH, Minn.- As the second case of Coronavirus was discovered in Minnesota on Sunday, the City of Duluth says it has what it is calling a pandemic plan that could be utilized should the need arise. According to Duluth Fire Chief Shawn Krizaj, the city is closely monitoring the virus on the local, state, and national level. They are also…

Coronavirus Information Phone Line and Webpage Offered by St. Louis County

Public Health Nurses will be on hand to answer questions.

DULUTH, Minn.- Amid Coronavirus concerns spreading across the country, St. Louis County opened up an information phone line and a website for people to call or visit to get their Coronavirus concerns addressed. Public Health nurses will be at the ready Monday through Friday, 8am-4:30pm, to answer questions people may have about COVID-19, the disease caused by the new Coronavirus….

SilverSneakers: Active Older Adults Slide into Exercise at the Superior YMCA

ACTIVE ADVENTURES: Superior Family YMCA Hosts 65+ Workout Classes

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — In this weeks Active Adventures Fox 21’s Brittney Merlot heads to a YMCA class with the SilverSneakers! This a group of 65+ year olds working out together to keep their bodies healthy. They focus on stretching, warm ups, exercises, a yoga cool down and more! Increasing flexibility and helping with balance to prevent falls, the class builds…

National School Breakfast Week Begins Today

National School Breakfast Week Promotes Healthy Eating in Schools March 2 - 6, 2020

WRENSHALL, Minn. – Classroom success stems from a good healthy start to the day. March 2 – 6, thousands of schools around the nation will recognize National School Breakfast Week. Locally, Valerie Dahl, Food Service Director for Wrenshall Public Schools, is taking this time to share with the community what she and various staff members are doing to promote healthy…

Four Babies Leap Out into World on Leap Day

Two babies out of St. Luke's and Two out of Essentia on this special day.

DULUTH, Minn.- Saturday was Leap Day which of course only happens every four years, and quite a few babies were born on this extra day of February in Duluth. Four babies were born on Leap Day in Duluth, two at Essentia Health and two at St.Luke’s. Now begins the process of deciding when to celebrate the baby’s birthday on non-Leap…

First Person Dies from Coronavirus in U.S.

(FOX NEWS) Health officials in Washington confirmed Saturday that one person has died from coronavirus, marking the first disease-related death in the U.S. Seattle and King County Public Health officials issued a vague media advisory announcing the first COVID-19 death in the U.S., adding that there was an undisclosed number of new cases as well. News of the death comes…

Local Hospitals Stay Prepared For Coronavirus Threat

DULUTH, Minn.– More than 83,000 cases of coronavirus have been reported worldwide. Now growing concern in the United States as the World Health Organization raises the virus’ threat level to “very high”. Here in the Northland, hospitals are doing what they can to prepare for the disease if it reaches this area. As of right now, there are no confirmed…

Physical Therapy to Help Injury or Illness Restricting Daily Tasks

ACTIVE ADVENTURES: Physical Therapy at Viverant

  DULUTH, Minn. — In this weeks Active Adventures we head up the hill to Viverant with Fox 21’s Brittney Merlot. After Merlot’s recent back break in August left her unable to walk, she has been in physical therapy for months getting back on her feet. Physical therapists teach patients how to prevent or manage their condition so that they…

Talking with Doctor, Airport Authority About Coronavirus Preparations in the Northland

DULUTH, Minn. — There are no confirmed cases of coronavirus in Duluth right now, but if one were to hit tomorrow, accurate test kits that detect the virus haven’t been distributed to most hospitals in the United States yet. During a strong influenza season, it’s critical to have the kits to determine if a patient has coronavirus, or just the…

Essentia Purchases Old Sears Space in Miller Hill Mall

It is now the second old storefront Essentia will own in the Mall.

DULUTH, Minn.- Northlanders will soon see another Essentia Health marquee replacing a storefront at Miller Hill Mall. Essentia has announced the official purchase of the old Sears Space. According to Essentia officials, plans on what to do with the former Sears space are still being discussed. This comes one year after Essentia purchased the old Younkers space in the mall,…

Move Over Downward Facing Dog; Laughter Yoga Lifts the Spirit

Relatively young practice uses laughter to bring positivity.

DULUTH, Minn.- They say laughter is the best medicine, well at the Lake Superior Interfaith Community Church in East Hillside, one group is putting that to the test and getting some pretty hilarious results. “When we start laughing we can’t stop,” said Laughter Yoga Leader Sue Brewer. If you stop in and wonder what’s so funny, don’t worry, you didn’t…

Minnesota Senate Panel Passes GOP Insulin Affordability Bill

The Passing Comes As Patients and Parents Urged Senators to Keep Working on a Compromise Between Parties

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – The long-running debate at the Capitol over insulin affordability has shifted to the Minnesota Senate. Patients and parents urged senators Thursday to keep working toward a compromise between competing Senate Republican and House Democratic proposals. Helping diabetics afford insulin is one of the main pieces of unfinished business left over from the 2019 session, when…

New Cloquet Clinic Construction Delayed

Essentia Clinic expected to open in 4th Quarter of 2020

CLOQUET, Minn. – A new Essentia Health clinic planned for Cloquet has been delayed. The $4.5 million facility was expected to open this summer. Officials tell us that’s now been pushed back to the fourth quarter of this year. The new clinic will be a little smaller than originally planned, but it’s still expected to provide the same services to…

Duluth Council Approves Grant to Continue Mental Health Officer Position

Officer helps build relationships and get people help from Mental Health Services.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth City Council approved a $206,793 grant that’ll allow the Duluth Police Department to continue dedicating an officer specifically for mental health calls. The officer is part of the Department’s Mental Health Unit based out of the DTA substation downtown. He works with people based on referrals from other officers and community members. Since the grant was…

Why Do We Wear Red on Friday, February 7, 2020?

The Date Serves as Go Red For Women Day, Raising Awareness For Heart Disease in Women

DULUTH, Minn. – Heart disease is the number one cause of death for women, killing more women than all forms of cancer combined. Health experts say nearly 80 percent of cardiac events can be prevented yet cardiovascular diseases continue to be a woman’s greatest health threat. The American Heart Association’s signature women’s initiative, Go Red for Women, is a comprehensive…

Mix Cosmetiques Opens New Location in Duluth

Store specializes in handmade, custom cosmetics.

DULUTH, Minn.- A local cosmetic store specializing in natural makeup that’s handmade has just opened up in a new storefront. Mix Cosmetiques had it’s grand opening today with a ribbon cutting at its new spot. It was formerly located downtown and in a kiosk at Miller Hill Mall. The store specializes in cosmetics made from natural ingredients, that customers can…

Mental Health Facility for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Kids Opens in Duluth

Therapeutic Services Agency is located on the 1000 block of East Ninth Street

DULUTH, Minn. – A mental health office for kids who are deaf or hard of hearing has opened in Duluth. Therapeutic Services Agency is now open on the 1000 block of East Ninth Street. The agency has been helping kids for the last several years in schools, but the new, centralized location is expected to give kids and families a…

Saint Scholastica Offers Free Flu Kits

DULUTH, Minn. – The College of Saint Scholastica is doing all it can to combat the recent increase of flu spreading around the campus. The student health service at the college has seen an increase in the influenza virus recently. So, members of student health service handed out flue kits Wednesday afternoon which included disinfectant wipes and one-time use thermometers….

American Red Cross Holds Blood Drive at Miller Hill Mall

There is a critical need for blood donations across the country

DULUTH, Minn. – There is a critical need for blood donations across the country, with less than a three-day supply of O-positive and O-negative blood on hand. The American Red Cross held a blood drive at the Miller Hill Mall in Duluth to collect much-needed donations. Organization officials tell us it takes less than ten minutes to donate blood, and…

Lake Superior Zoo First in State to Be Sensory Inclusive

Zoo received certification, and sensory bags to help special needs children.

DULUTH, Minn.- Those with sensory needs can now enjoy all the sights and sounds of Lake Superior Zoo, without being overwhelmed by the senses. The Zoo is now the first zoo in Minnesota to be certified sensory inclusive. KultureCity certifies more than 350 locations across the nation as sensory inclusive, to help children with special needs who may be sensitive…

Beargrease Vets on Alert with Warm Temperatures

Dogs more prone to overheating, dehydration in the heat.

DULUTH, Minn.- All the dogs taking mushers along the Beargrease trail, which is softer than usual due to warmer weather, calls for a big team of trained veterinarians. 11 vets and 7 veterinary technicians are stationed at each checkpoint, along with one EMT to check on the human mushers. Vets say while they’re there for medical attention, mushers are usually…

Whooping Cough Found in Superior Schools

Health officials say to watch children for symptoms.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Three confirmed cases of whooping cough have been found between Superior Middle and High Schools, and other cases are pending. The Pertussis virus leads to a harsh cough which could stop breathing in some younger children, causing health officials to urge parents to keep watch. Whooping cough first shows as common cold symptoms before manifesting in a violent…

Looking to Stress Less? Follow These Tips!

Local Health & Wellness Speaker & Trainer Berta Lippert Offers Tips to Help You Stress Less in 2020

DULUTH, Minn. – Are you looking to get healthy and feel better about yourself? Maybe lose weight, get organized, or reduce stress? Thankfully, local health and wellness speaker, Berta Lippert, is here to help Twin Ports residents. Lippert says when it comes to creating lasting change, you may or may not know what it is you need to do. Or,…

Minnesota Dentists Offering Free Dental Care for over 2,000 Children

Participants for "Give Kids a Smile" Must be 18 Years of Age or Younger

DULUTH, Minn. – Northland children in need of dental care are now able to apply for free services to be completed on February 7 & 8. The Minnesota Dental Association (MDA) is proud to provide free dental care to thousands of Minnesota children from low-income families through the annual volunteer program, Give Kids a Smile. This is the eighteenth year,…

St. Luke’s and Duluth YMCA Announce New Physical Therapy Partnership

Physical therapy location now open inside Downtown Duluth YMCA

DULUTH, Minn. – A new partnership has been announced between St. Luke’s Hospital and the Duluth Area Family YMCA. A physical therapy location is now open inside the downtown YMCA branch. St. Luke’s tells us the new partnership will bring nearby physical therapy care to patients in Downtown Duluth. “The convenience of being downtown and then being able to walk…

Curlers as Old as 92 Play in Curl Mesabi Senior Curling League

Senior Curlers play for an hour and a half to two hours.

EVELETH, Minn.- On Mondays and Wednesdays at the Curl Mesabi Curling Club, the curlers taking over the ice are more experienced in the game, and in life. Curl Mesabi’s Senior Curling League is made up of 65 curlers. The youngest are 50-55, and the oldest curler sweeping those rocks is 92-years-old. According to organizers, the hour-and-a-half to two-hour sessions are…

Essentia Health Opens Partial Hospitalization Mental Health Program in Superior

Eight patients can go through the three-week program at once

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Essentia Health has opened a new Partial Hospitalization Program at its Superior hospital for adults with mental health concerns. Eight patients can go through three-week program at once. They are at the facility for six hours a day working through struggles like anxiety, depression, and coping with life changes. Essentia has offered this program in Duluth for…