The Delta variant and the recent increase in COVID cases, both around the country and statewide, is prompting renewed calls for vigilance from state health officials. The Minnesota Medical Association (MMA) President Marilyn Peitso says: "It's great that vaccination levels are creeping up, that's good news... our way out of this pandemic really is for everybody to get vaccinated unless there is a legitimate medical reason not to do so." Peitso says with the Delta variant, even five minutes in an indoor setting is enough for the virus to transmit. As parents and students prep for the upcoming school year, [...]

Two Minnesota elected officials who were hurt in a rollover traffic accident earlier this week are out of the hospital.  State Auditor Julie Blaha suffered a minor concussion and state Senator Melisa Franzen of Edina had bruises and scratches.  The crash happened Wednesday when the two Democrats were driving back to the Twin Cities from the Farmfest agricultural expo in Redwood County.

Female doctor giving covid-19 vaccine to a boy As the school year approaches and COVID cases continue to spike statewide, parents, students and teachers are wondering what kind of year it's going to be. Department of Education Commissioner Heather Mueller says the safety of students and staff is priority number one: "We are going to really look at ways we are going to be able to continue to partner with our colleagues at the Department of Health to make sure that we are aware of everything that is transpiring as it pertains to the Delta variant and its possible [...]

Two Minnesota political leaders were hurt in a car crash in southwest Minnesota. Reports say Minnesota state Auditor Julie Blaha and state Senator Melisa Franzen got into a crash while leaving Farmfest in Redwood County Wednesday evening.  Franzen suffered non-life-threatening injuries while Blaha’s injuries are unknown. Donald McFarland, the communications and legislative affairs director for Blaha’s office, says the two Democrats were traveling together after leaving the annual agricultural tradeshow in Redwood County. According to the Minnesota State Patrol, the crash occurred shortly after 5 p.m. at the intersection of Highway 67 and County Road 13. Blaha was driving a Jeep [...]

As COVID cases again increase in Minnesota, a group of House Republicans say they're ready to resume legal action if Governor Tim Walz reinstates his emergency powers. The Minnesota Supreme Court late last month refused to hear a case brought by a group of small business owners, but Republican Representative Jeremy Munson from Lake Crystal says: "If there is another emergency declaration issued and the governor starts writing law unilaterally again, we are prepared to file another lawsuit against the governor, but instead of it taking 16 or 18 months to reach the (Minnesota) Supreme Court, we will again ask the [...]

Minnesota begins with the work week with an air quality alert still in place as smoke lingers from Canadian wildfires.  The State Health Department's Jessie Shmool advises "In these levels -- very high, unprecedented levels -- the health recommendation for everyone is really to reduce your time outside, take breaks, certainly limit heavy exertion." Air quality is expected to remain "unhealthy" in many areas of Minnesota through Tuesday afternoon. Shmool says people with asthma should follow their action plan and keep relief medications nearby: "These levels of particulates can be very irritating to the respiratory system, and they can also have [...]

Female doctor giving covid-19 vaccine to a boy Minnesota is looking to vaccinate as many students as possible before school starts in September. Yesterday, Governor Walz announced the "Vax to School" campaign. He says the campaign will highlight the voices of experts and professionals on the need to get young people, over the age of 12, vaccinated against COVID-19. This comes after the state Department of Health and Education has advised that everyone in K-12 schools should wear masks indoors regardless of vaccination status.

Minnesotans who get vaccinated between now and August 15th will receive a 100-dollar Visa gift card. The governor's office recently announced the incentive, saying federal funding would be made available for at least 25,000 recipients.  It follows earlier incentives which included free fishing licenses and tickets to the State Fair.  Those who wish to take part can verify their vaccination and claim their reward at mn.gov/covid19.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has issued an air quality alert for most of Minnesota due to wildfire smoke. The alert, which leaves out the North Shore of Lake Superior, is in effect until Friday afternoon.  Unhealthy particle levels from wildfire smoke is expected to remain through Friday, July 30th. Sensitive groups, like the elderly and those with respiratory diseases, are advised to take precautions. Some precautions include avoiding local sources of air pollution and limiting physical activity. More information can be found online on the MPCA's Air Quality Index webpage.

State officials say at this point they will not re-impose mask mandates in any area of Minnesota, despite new CDC guidelines that recommend children and vaccinated people wear masks indoors. Specifically where COVID is surging due to the delta variant. Fourteen Minnesota counties fall in this category, but state Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm indicates it's up to them: "At this point in time, that would be a local governmental decision." However, if Governor Tim Walz were to re-declare a COVID emergency, the state could again have that authority. Such action does not appear imminent as health officials continue tracking the situation. [...]