New FDA seasonal COVID-19 shot guidance seeks ‘evidence based’ approach

The FDA says the new approach will aim to balance a timely approval process for vaccines, while also weighing “the need for evidence" of their effectiveness for the masses.

St. Paul drops its COVID-19 vaccine requirement for city workers

In an email sent last Friday, Mayor Melvin Carter announced the City of St. Paul is dropping its COVID-19 vaccine requirement for city workers, saying the city is in a position where the requirement is no longer necessary.

New COVID-19 community testing site announced, two will close

Two metro area COVID-19 testing sites will consolidate into one new location as the demand for testing continues to decrease more than two years into the start of the pandemic.

Free at-home COVID test kits now available in Minnesota

As COVID-19 infection rates continue to drop and related restrictions begin to ease, a new program that began today will increase Minnesotan’s access to free at-home tests.

Minnesotans line up in frigid cold for COVID-19 test in Brooklyn Park

On Sunday, some people getting a COVID-19 test at the free, state-run site in Brooklyn Park said it took more than an hour to get through the line.

MDH uses variant surveillance program to monitor how COVID mutates in population

Through the variant surveillance program, the Minnesota Department of Health was able to identify one of the first cases of omicron in the United States. The program is an extension of what they were already doing to monitor the flu but on a much bigger scale.

'We're overwhelmed': Minnesota hospitals run full page ad in newspapers

In a letter running in newspapers across Minnesota, hospital leaders say they are sounding the alarm about the stresses the COVID-19 pandemic continues to place on the hospital system in the state.

Vaccine mandates aren't causing staff shortage, Mayo and Allina say

Two of Minnesota's biggest health care systems, Mayo Clinic and Allina Health, refute claims that their COVID-19 vaccine mandates are causing a staff shortage that has the state scrambling for answers.

COVID-19 hospitalizations surpass 1,500 in Minnesota

More than 1,500 people are now hospitalized from COVID-19 in Minnesota, according to data released by the Minnesota Department of Health.

Shakopee school leaders extend Thanksgiving break due to COVID-19 spike

As school districts in Minnesota see a rise in COVID-19 cases, Shakopee Public Schools announced on Thursday that it is extending its Thanksgiving break.

Minnesota COVID-19 tests flown to New Jersey due to 'disruption'

All COVID-19 samples from Minnesota Department of Health community testing sites are currently being flown to New Jersey for processing due to an “unexpected disruption” at the Oakdale, Minnesota processing facility.

COVID-19 surge in rural Minnesota leaving ICU beds in short supply

Minnesota health officials are sounding the alarm, saying a deadly mix of the delta variant and low vaccination rates in rural Minnesota is causing a surge in COVID-19 cases out-state.

Does delta variant make COVID-19 worse for children?

The delta variant has been identified in at least 180 countries, according to the World Health Organization.

COVID-19 surge leaves US hospitals with oxygen shortages

The COVID-19 surge is stretching oxygen supplies and sending hospitals scrambling for more ventilators.