December 30, 2020
Minnesota advisory group working on phased approach for COVID-19 vaccines
MDH now seeking statewide public input on how to sequence target groups identified by federal guidelines for upcoming vaccination phases
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) today announced it is seeking Minnesotans’ feedback on how to continue progress toward the goal of distributing the initial supply of COVID-19 vaccine in a way that saves the most lives and puts us on a path to ending the crisis brought on by the pandemic as quickly as possible. The limited initial supply of COVID-19 vaccine means there is not enough for everyone who needs it. The state must therefore determine a process that ensures fair, equitable, and effective distribution of the vaccine.
As Minnesota health officials work with a wide range of partners to distribute the first small shipments of COVID-19 vaccines to health care workers and long-term care residents and staff (in “Phase 1a” of vaccine distribution), they continue planning for the larger shipments of vaccine expected in the coming weeks and months.
Minnesota is following federal recommendations to start vaccine distribution with the people who are most likely to get COVID-19 and those most at risk of serious complications.
Minnesotans can provide feedback about part of this process to the state’s COVID-19 Vaccine Allocation Advisory Group. The advisory group includes health care experts from across the state who review guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) about who should get the vaccine first, and make detailed recommendations for how to apply the guidelines in Minnesota to the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH).
Minnesotans may provide feedback about how to implement ACIP’s guidelines in Minnesota through the MDH website: Minnesota COVID-19 Vaccine Allocation Advisory Group.
Ultimately, Governor Walz makes the final decisions about COVID-19 vaccine distribution. But those decisions are based on advice from public health experts at MDH and the Vaccine Allocation Advisory Group, whose advice will be informed by public feedback.
The group is scheduled to meet later today, and again on Jan. 11 to discuss distribution of vaccine for frontline essential workers and Minnesotans age 75 and older (in “Phase 1b” of vaccine distribution). The group will deliver its final recommendations to Gov. Walz. Public feedback submitted via the website by 5 p.m. on Jan. 7, 2021, will be provided to the advisory group ahead of their Jan. 11 meeting.
About COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution in Minnesota:
The process for distributing the vaccine is complex and is led by the federal government. To get the vaccine to Minnesotans, there are specific roles for various partners:
The federal government is responsible for regulating vaccine development and approving those that are safe and effective. It also works with vaccine manufacturers like Pfizer and Moderna to procure vaccines, and it tells states how much vaccine they get and when. The federal government then ships the vaccine to states.
The State of Minnesota works with hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, tribal health, local public health, and other vaccination partners to get the vaccine out to Minnesotans.
Earlier this month, Governor Walz described for Minnesotans the three principles guiding distribution of the vaccine in Minnesota. These include:
Immunize for impact: Maximize immediate health benefit, reduce death, and minimize the harm created by COVID-19 by starting with those most susceptible to serious complications and those who care for them.
Equitable distribution and access: Make sure no procedural or structural issues impact access to the vaccine among any particular group or population. And help ensure Minnesotans in every corner and every community know they can trust the process, the safety, and the effectiveness of the vaccine.
Transparency: Share information as quickly as possible with Minnesotans.
About the COVID-19 Vaccine Allocation Advisory Group:
MDH convenes the COVID-19 Vaccine Allocation Advisory Group after new federal recommendations have been made that need to be adapted for Minnesota, as well as any time they need to provide information to the group.
MDH identifies advisory group members in consultation with the Governor’s office and other advisory group members. Initial members were convened in September, and more members were added in December as the group moved to consider recommendations for the next phase of vaccine allocation (Phase 1b). New members brought expertise in ethics, health equity, economics, and labor and industry.
The advisory group’s goal is to have equitable distribution of the limited COVID-19 vaccine supply in a way that has the most significant positive impact on health.
Agendas and minutes from advisory group meetings will be posted to the website by early next week. Going forward, meeting minutes and agendas will be posted within a few days of each meeting of the group.
The advisory group is made up of statewide representatives of leading care providers; bioethicists; state, local, and tribal public health representatives; health care associations; and health care experts serving diverse community groups.
December 29, 2020
MDH takes regulatory action against restaurants in East Grand Forks, Milaca & Adrian
Three establishments received cease-and-desist orders and license suspension notices after violating executive orders designed to protect Minnesotans
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) today announced it has issued cease-and-desist orders and notices of license suspension to Joe’s Diner, in East Grand Forks; King Sparrow, in Milaca; and Big Orv’s, in Adrian, after determining that the facilities had violated executive orders designed to protect their employees, customers, and communities from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Governor Tim Walz issued Executive Order 20-99 on Nov. 18. The executive order prohibits bars and restaurants from offering on-premises dining. The executive order was issued at a time of rapid acceleration in the spread of COVID-19 across Minnesota and sought to protect Minnesotans while also preventing hospitals and health care systems from becoming overwhelmed by the surge in cases. As of Dec. 18, at 11:59 p.m., restaurants and bars could resume outdoor dining at 50% capacity, with a maximum of 100 people, with some additional restrictions. While up to five customers at a time may step inside briefly to pick up takeout, indoor dining remains closed to the public.
On Dec. 17, MDH inspected Joe’s Diner in East Grand Forks. During the inspection, MDH staff found the establishment was open for on-site consumption of food and/or beverage, in violation of Executive Order 20-99. A waitress was not wearing a mask and there were no signs reminding customers to wear masks, in violation of Executive Order 20-81. On Dec. 22, MDH conducted a follow-up inspection and found the business was again open for on-site food and/or beverage consumption. A cease-and-desist order and license suspension notice were served on Dec. 26.
On Dec. 18, MDH inspected King Sparrow in Milaca. During the inspection, MDH staff found the establishment was open for on-site food and beverage service, and allowing more than five customers indoors to pick up takeout at one time, in violation of Executive Order 20-99. Employees were observed working without masks, in violation of Executive Order 20-81. A cease-and-desist order and license suspension notice were served on Dec. 28.
On Dec. 21, MDH inspected Big Orv’s in Adrian. During the inspection, MDH staff found the establishment was open for on-site consumption of beverages, in violation of Executive Order 20-99, and a customer was observed not wearing a mask, in violation of Executive Order 20-81. A cease-and-desist order and license suspension notice were served on Dec. 28.
According to MDH Assistant Commissioner Dan Huff, enforcement actions are a last resort when it is clear that education and outreach are not sufficient to help a regulated establishment come into compliance with requirements.
“COVID-19 protocols are designed to slow the spread of this virus and reduce the impacts of this pandemic,” Huff said. “Our preference is always to work with businesses to bring them into compliance, and we consider regulatory actions as a last resort. The vast majority of businesses are doing their best to help slow down the spread of COVID-19, and we owe it to them to have a consistent and fair enforcement approach.”
December 29, 2020
State announces January 2021 COVID-19 community testing opportunities
Sites offer no-cost tests to everyone across Minnesota
Today, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) began accepting January 2021 appointments at its community testing sites across the state. Each site offers safe, no-barrier COVID-19 testing at no cost to participants. Appointments are strongly encouraged, but not required.
“Testing is a key component of our strategy to protect Minnesotans from COVID-19,” said Minnesota Commissioner of Health Jan Malcolm. “Through a robust, collaborative statewide testing program, we have made great progress in removing obstacles to testing. When combined with social distancing, masking, avoiding crowds and staying home when sick, testing can help us slow the spread of COVID-19 and bridge to the better days we know are coming.”
In order to help prevent further spread of the virus, the Minnesota Department of Health has set up over 20 semi-permanent community testing sites statewide. These sites allow Minnesotans to get tested near where they live so they can make informed decisions to protect their families and communities.
“Our COVID-19 testing strategy has been data-driven since day one with the goal of offering low-barrier testing for every Minnesotan who needs it. The sooner we identify positive cases, the sooner infected individuals can take steps to isolate and stop the spread of the virus,” said Dan Huff, MDH assistant commissioner for health protection. “Our community testing strategy continues to expand access all across Minnesota and has already allowed the state to conduct more than half a million COVID-19 tests at community testing sites alone. This disease is spread by people who don’t even know they have it. We want people to get tested, even if they're asymptomatic. If you have been working outside the home during this dial back period, are a case contact or a young adult, you should get tested. By providing more options, we make it more likely that people will get tested and help us stop the spread of the virus.”
Community testing is offered in the following locations across the state in January: Albert Lea, Anoka, Bloomington, Brooklyn Park, Burnsville, Crookston, Duluth, Hibbing, Hutchinson, Inver Grove Heights, MSP Airport, Mankato, Minneapolis, Moorhead, Morris, St. Cloud, St. Paul, Stillwater, Wadena, Winona, and Worthington.
Each site offers saliva testing at no cost to participants. If a participant is unable to carry out a saliva test, every effort will be made to accommodate a suitable testing option. Participants will be asked for their health insurance information so the state can bill their insurance company on their behalf. If a person is uninsured or if insurance does not cover some or all of the cost, the state will cover the difference so testing remains open to all at no cost.
Testing is open to anyone who believes they need a COVID-19 test, with or without insurance. State guidance on who should get tested was recently updated and can be found on the Minnesota COVID-19 Response webpage, Who Should Get Tested?.
Those who arrive for a test should avoid eating, drinking, chewing, or smoking anything for at least 30 minutes before providing a sample. Once they arrive at the site, they will self-administer the test by salivating into a funnel attached to a small tube. Clinic staff will be available on-site to monitor the collection process.
Individuals seeking testing can register at COVID-19 Community Testing Sites. Days and hours of testing may vary between sites. Tests will be processed in Minnesota, at the saliva lab in Oakdale run by Vault Health and Infinity Biologix (IBX). Results will be provided via email in approximately 48-72 hours.
December 28, 2020
Health department takes regulatory action against restaurants in Pine River and Oslo
Long Pine Store and Jamieson’s on Main received cease-and-desist orders after violating executive orders designed to protect Minnesotans from COVID-19
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) today announced it has issued cease-and-desist orders and notices of license suspension to Long Pine Store in Pine River, Minn. and Jamieson’s on Main in Oslo, Minn., after determining that the facilities had violated executive orders designed to protect their employees, customers, and communities from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Governor Tim Walz issued Executive Order 20-99 on Nov. 18. The executive order prohibits bars and restaurants from offering on-premises dining. The executive order was issued at a time of rapid acceleration in the spread of COVID-19 across Minnesota and sought to protect Minnesotans while also preventing hospitals and health care systems from becoming overwhelmed by the surge in cases. As of Dec. 18, at 11:59 p.m., restaurants and bars could resume outdoor dining at 50% capacity, with a maximum of 100 people, with some additional restrictions. While up to five customers at a time may step inside briefly to pick up takeout, indoor dining remains closed to the public.
On Dec. 18, MDH inspected Long Pine Store in Pine River. During the inspection, MDH staff found the establishment was open for on-premises consumption of beverages in violation of Executive Order 20-99. A cease-and-desist order and license suspension notice were served on Dec. 24.
On Dec. 21, MDH inspected Jamieson’s on Main in Oslo. During the inspection, MDH staff found the establishment was open for on-premises consumption of food in violation of Executive Order 20-99. A cease-and-desist order and license suspension notice were served on Dec. 26.
According to MDH Assistant Commissioner Dan Huff, enforcement actions are a last resort when it is clear that education and outreach are not sufficient to help a regulated establishment come into compliance with requirements.
“COVID-19 protocols are designed to slow the spread of this virus and reduce the impacts of this pandemic,” Huff said. “Our preference is always to work with businesses to bring them into compliance, and we consider regulatory actions as a last resort. The vast majority of businesses are doing their best to help slow down the spread of COVID-19, and we owe it to them to have a consistent and fair enforcement approach.”
December 23, 2020
Health department takes regulatory action against restaurants in Monticello, Virginia, Clark’s Grove and Albert Lea
Cornerstone Café & Catering, M.B.’s Little Gourmet Deli and The Pour House received cease-and-desist orders after violating executive orders designed to protect Minnesotans from COVID-19
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) today announced it has issued cease-and-desist orders and notices of license suspension to Cornerstone Café & Catering in Monticello, M.B.’s Little Gourmet Deli in Virginia and The Pour House in Clark’s Grove after determining that the facilities had violated executive orders designed to protect their employees, customers and communities from the COVID-19 pandemic. The department also issued a notice of license suspension to The Interchange in Albert Lea, which had previously received a cease-and-desist order.
Governor Tim Walz issued Executive Order 20-99 on November 18, 2020 (extended by 20-103, issued on December 16). The executive order prohibits bars and restaurants from offering on-premises dining. The executive order was issued at a time of rapid acceleration in the spread of COVID-19 across Minnesota and sought to protect Minnesotans while also preventing hospitals and health care systems from becoming overwhelmed by the surge in cases.
On Dec. 18, MDH inspected Cornerstone Café & Catering in Monticello. During the inspection, MDH staff found the establishment was open for on-premises consumption in violation of Executive Order 20-99, and employees were working without masks in violation of Executive Order 20-81.
On Dec. 18, MDH inspected M.B.’s Little Gourmet Deli in Virginia. During the inspection, MDH staff found the establishment was open for on-premises consumption of food and beverage, in violation of Executive Order 20-99, and an employee was working without a mask, in violation of Executive Order 20-81.
On Dec. 19, MDH inspected The Pour House in Clark’s Grove. During the inspection, MDH staff found the establishment was open for on-premises consumption in violation of Executive Order 20-99.
On Dec. 18, MDH issued a cease-and-desist order to The Interchange in Albert Lea after finding the establishment was open for on-site consumption of food and beverages in violation of Executive Order 20-99. Dec 23, a license suspension notice was issued to the establishment.
Notices of license suspension are issued along with the cease and desist orders when an establishment has been found to be operating in violation of the executive orders.
According to MDH Assistant Commissioner Dan Huff, enforcement actions are a last resort when it is clear that education and outreach are not sufficient to help a regulated establishment come into compliance with requirements.
“COVID-19 protocols are designed to slow the spread of this virus and reduce the impacts of this pandemic,” Huff said. “Our preference is always to work with business to bring them into compliance, and we consider regulatory actions as a last resort. The vast majority of businesses are doing their best to help slow down the spread of COVID-19, and we owe it to them to have a consistent and fair enforcement approach.”
December 23, 2020
State announces new COVID-19 testing site in Grand Rapids
Pop-up site will offer saliva testing to everyone
Today, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) announced a new temporary COVID-19 testing site at Grand Rapids High School. Testing at this site will occur Wednesday, Jan. 6 through Friday, Jan. 8. Appointments are strongly encouraged, but not required.
“Testing is a key component of our strategy to protect Minnesotans from COVID-19,” said Minnesota Commissioner of Health Jan Malcolm. “Through a robust, collaborative statewide testing program, we have made great progress in removing obstacles to testing. When combined with social distancing, masking, avoiding crowds and staying home when sick, testing can help us slow the spread of COVID-19 and bridge to the better days we know are coming.”
“Our COVID-19 testing strategy has been data-driven since day one with the goal of offering low-barrier testing for every Minnesotan who needs it. The sooner we identify positive cases, the sooner infected individuals can take steps to isolate and stop the spread of the virus,” said Dan Huff, MDH assistant commissioner for health protection. “Our community testing strategy continues to expand access all across Minnesota and has already allowed the state to conduct more than half a million COVID-19 tests at community testing sites alone. This disease is spread by people who don’t even know they have it. We want people to get tested, even if they're asymptomatic. If you have been working outside the home during this dial back period, are a case contact or a young adult, you should get tested. By providing more options, we make it more likely that people will get tested and help us stop the spread of the virus.”
The Grand Rapids site is a coordinated effort between the State of Minnesota, the Minnesota National Guard, Itasca County Public Health, Grand Rapids High School, and Vault Health.
“COVID-19 vaccines are coming to Minnesota. However, it will require much patience as we still need to continue to test, in order to mitigate the spread,” said Kelly Chandler, Itasca County Public Health Division manager. “Vaccines will not be widely available to everyone for a few months. We want to have testing available so that no one who is not yet exhibiting symptoms, but may have been exposed, not spread it to others. Please get tested at our community event from Jan. 6-8. We appreciate your support in slowing the spread in Itasca.”
“Protecting frontline workers from COVID-19 is a top priority,” said Bud Stone, Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce president. “Getting tested at this site will allow our community to make informed decisions that keep themselves and their neighbors safe.”
“Testing is key to fighting this virus and protecting our families,” said Minnesota House Representative Sandy Layman, District 5B. “We welcome this site to our community and encourage folks to get tested.”
As with all of the state’s community testing sites, testing at the site is offered at no cost. Participants will be asked for their health insurance information so the state can bill their insurance company on their behalf. If a person is uninsured or if insurance doesn’t cover some or all of the cost, the state will cover the difference so testing remains open to all at no cost.
Testing is open to anyone who believes they need a COVID-19 test, with or without insurance. State guidance on who should get tested was recently updated and can be found on the Minnesota COVID-19 Response webpage, Who Should Get Tested?.
Those who arrive for a test should avoid eating, drinking, chewing, or smoking anything for at least 30 minutes before providing a sample. Once they arrive at the site, they will self-administer the test by salivating into a funnel attached to a small tube. Clinic staff will be available on-site to monitor the collection process.
Individuals seeking testing can register at Vault Health. Tests will be processed in Minnesota at the saliva lab in Oakdale run by Vault Health and Infinity Biologix (IBX). Results will be provided via email in approximately 48-72 hours.
Testing Site Location:
Grand Rapids High School
800 NW Conifer Drive
Grand Rapids, MN 55744
Hours of Operation:
Wednesday, Jan. 6 – Friday, Jan. 8
12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
December 21, 2020
Community Coordinators initiative strives to overcome disparities in COVID-19 impacts
Initiative brings resources to help communities hit hardest by pandemic
A new Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) program is under way to help fight disparities tied to COVID-19. Begun in early November, the COVID-19 Community Coordinators program taps into the knowledge, expertise and networks of community-based organizations to help share information on COVID-19 safety precautions, available resources like food, medicine, and transportation, and where to be tested for the virus.
“The data clearly shows that communities of color and American Indians are disproportionately affected by COVID-19,” said Minnesota Commissioner of Health Jan Malcolm. “This disparity stems from a number of systemic factors, such as structural racism. We have less information on the impacts of COVID-19 on LGBTQ communities and people with disabilities, but plenty of other data tells us that our LGBTQ and disability communities experience health disparities and barriers to care. The COVID-19 Community Coordinators program is one step forward in addressing these disparities.”
The program helps guide resources and response activities to better meet the needs of people and communities. It will provide capacity to community-based organizations to serve populations disproportionately affected by or at-risk for COVID-19, such as communities of color (African American, African immigrant, Asian American, Pacific Islander and Latinx communities), American Indians, disability communities, LGBTQ communities, and people with limited English proficiency. Community coordinators will help people access testing and available support services for those who test positive, in partnership with local public health departments.
“Not everyone has the resources or the living situation to be able to isolate or quarantine themselves, and many face barriers to getting tested. The community coordinators will bridge gaps within systems that are not working for many of our communities,” said Kou Thao, director of the Center for Health Equity at MDH.
“Working closely with community partners ensures that information is disseminated in the ways that people are used to receiving it and from the messengers they trust. Taking a culturally-focused and trauma-informed approach means more people will be able to effectively protect themselves and their loved ones and slow the spread of the virus,” Thao said.
COVID-19 Community Coordinators are located across the state and are staffing helplines that the public can call to ask questions related to testing or resource needs to stay safe and healthy during the pandemic. Helpline staff speak 20 different languages. In addition, engaging community partners will help provide public health information earlier on in the process, so that when and where people are tested, they will receive culturally appropriate information and resources for themselves and their families, regardless of what language they speak.
“We created this program after conversations with multiple community partners and stakeholders from across Minnesota. It was clear that while the pandemic has caused many community-based organizations to struggle to keep their doors open, the demand for supportive services was only increasing. The COVID-19 Community Coordinators initiative is equipping agencies with the resources to help communities navigate this pandemic,” said Thao.
One example of such a partnership is the Minnesota Department of Human Services’ Resettlement Network COVID-19 care hotline for refugees and immigrants, which launched Friday. Available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, the new hotline, 651-318-0989, will ensure refugees and immigrants can get accurate, timely information about the COVID-19 pandemic and other services offered through the Resettlement Network.
Hotline staff speak Amharic, Anuak, Arabic, French, Hindi, Karen, Lingala, Luganda, Mashi, Oromo, Somali, Spanish and Swahili. Language line help is available for callers needing any other language.
“This hotline will provide a wealth of information in multiple languages so refugees and other immigrants can quickly get the help they need on COVID-19 as well as other important services,” said Human Services Commissioner Jodi Harpstead.
A number of community organizations offer similar services. "Briva Health is working to ensure communities facing COVID-19 disparities navigate to critical resources needed during this pandemic; our collective efforts are having a significant impact on people's lives and we are grateful to be part of this important response effort,” said Hodan Guled of Briva Health.
“The African American Leadership Forum (AALF) and Phyllis Wheatley Community Center are working together to support Minnesota’s African American community by developing a Minnesota Black Community COVID-19 Hotline where callers are connected to health, financial, childcare, and housing resources, as well as other supportive services, to assist them throughout the pandemic. The hotline is a valuable resource for the Black community, as it addresses the impacts of both the pandemic and systemic racism,” said Marcus Owens, Executive Director of the African American Leadership Forum.
The health department plans to continue supporting the COVID-19 Community Coordinators program as needs arise, designating personnel and resources to make sure the coordinators have the support they need to effectively serve their communities.
For more information on resources available to Minnesotans and to find helpline numbers, visit COVID-19 Community Coordinators on the MDH website.
December 18, 2020
Health department takes regulatory action against restaurants in Becker and Lake Park
The Pizza Depot and Hooligans Lakeside received cease-and-desist orders after violating executive order designed to protect Minnesotans from COVID-19
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) today announced it has issued cease-and-desist orders to The Pizza Depot, in Becker, and Hooligans Lakeside, in Lake Park, after determining that the facilities had violated executive orders designed to protect its employees, customers and community from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Governor Tim Walz issued Executive Order 20-99 on Nov. 18. The executive order prohibits bars and restaurants from offering on-premises dining. The executive order was issued at a time of rapid acceleration in the spread of COVID-19 across Minnesota and sought to protect Minnesotans while also preventing hospitals and health care systems from becoming overwhelmed by the surge in cases.
On Dec. 16, MDH inspected The Pizza Depot in Becker. During the inspection, MDH staff found the establishment was open for on-premises consumption of food and beverage in violation of Executive Order 20-99.
On Dec. 17, MDH inspected Hooligans Lakeside in Lake Park. During the inspection, MDH staff found the establishment was open for on-premises consumption in violation of Executive Order 20-99.
According to MDH Assistant Commissioner Dan Huff, enforcement actions are a last resort when it is clear that education and outreach are not sufficient to help a regulated establishment come into compliance with requirements.
“COVID-19 protocols are designed to slow the spread of this virus and reduce the impacts of this pandemic,” said MDH Assistant Commissioner Dan Huff. “Our preference is always to work with business to bring them into compliance, and we consider regulatory actions as a last resort. The vast majority of businesses are doing their best to help slow down the spread of COVID-19, and we owe it to them to have a consistent and fair enforcement approach.”
December 18, 2020
Health department takes regulatory action against restaurants in Lakeville and Albert Lea
Alibi Drinkery and The Interchange received cease-and-desist orders after violating executive orders designed to protect Minnesotans from COVID-19
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) today announced it has issued cease-and-desist orders to Alibi Drinkery, in Lakeville, and The Interchange, in Albert Lea, after determining that the facilities had violated executive orders designed to protect its employees, customers and community from the COVID-19 pandemic.
On Dec. 15, Alibi announced in a social media post that it would be open Wednesday, Dec. 16, in violation of Executive Order 20-99. News media organizations posted photographs taken on Dec. 16 showing patrons in the establishment consuming food and beverages on site in violation of Executive Order 20-99. The photographs also showed food workers not wearing masks, which is a violation of Executive Order 20-81. On Dec. 17, the establishment announced in a social media post that it was open and welcoming customers to come in for food and drinks. MDH issued the cease-and-desist order after local law enforcement verified that the establishment was open that day.
On Dec. 16, MDH inspected The Interchange and found the establishment was open for on-site consumption of food and beverages in violation of Executive Order 20-99. The operator indicated that the business would continue to allow on-site consumption. MDH issued a cease-and-desist order to the establishment on Dec. 18.
Governor Tim Walz issued Executive Order 20-99 on Nov. 18. The executive order prohibited bars and restaurants from offering on-premises dining. The executive order was issued at a time of rapid acceleration in the spread of COVID-19 across Minnesota and sought to protect Minnesotans while also preventing hospitals and health care systems from becoming overwhelmed by the surge in cases. Executive Order 20-81 was issued on July 22, requiring Minnesotans to wear a face covering in indoor businesses and indoor public settings.
“COVID-19 protocols are designed to slow the spread of this virus and reduce the impacts of this pandemic,” said MDH Assistant Commissioner Dan Huff. “Our preference is always to work with business to bring them into compliance, and we consider regulatory actions as a last resort. The vast majority of businesses are doing their best to help slow down the spread of COVID-19, and we owe it to them to have a consistent and fair enforcement approach.”
December 16, 2020
Health department takes regulatory action against Crow Wing County restaurant
Mission Tavern facing $10,000 administrative penalty and license suspension due to repeated non-compliance with Executive Order 20-99
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) today announced it has taken a series of enforcement actions against Mission Tavern, a restaurant in Merrifield, Minn., for repeated violations of requirements designed to protect the restaurant’s employees, customers and community from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Governor Tim Walz issued Executive Order 20-99 on November 18, 2020. The executive order prohibited bars and restaurants from offering on-premises dining. The executive order was issued at a time of rapid acceleration in the spread of COVID-19 across Minnesota and sought to protect Minnesotans while also preventing hospitals and health care systems from becoming overwhelmed by the surge in cases.
MDH determined that Mission Tavern had allowed on-site consumption on November 25 in violation of Executive Order 20-99. In response, the department issued a cease-and-desist order on November 30 and the restaurant came into compliance with the order. Despite other restaurants in Crow Wing County doing their part to keep the community safe, Mission Tavern again put its employees and customers at risk and re-opened for on-site dining on December 11. MDH issued another cease-and-desist order. Due to the repeated and willful nature of the establishment’s non-compliance, MDH also issued a $10,000 administrative penalty and a license suspension notice.
“We’ve said many times that we look at regulatory actions as a last resort,” said MDH Assistant Commissioner Dan Huff. “COVID-19 has impacted all of us, including small business owners. Despite those challenges, the vast majority are doing their best to help slow down the spread of the virus. They recognize that operating out of compliance with COVID-related requirements can put at risk the health of employees and customers, as demonstrated again today when Minnesota reported another 92 deaths. We owe it to those businesses to have a consistent and fair enforcement approach for those requirements.”
December 13, 2020
State announces new COVID-19 testing site in Brainerd
Pop-up site will offer swab testing to everyone, as part of a collaboration with federal government
Today, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) announced a new COVID-19 testing site at Central Lakes College in Brainerd, part of a collaboration with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Testing at this site will occur Thursday, Dec. 17 through Saturday, Dec. 19. The site will be set up as a walk-thru, with participants self-administering a nasal swab test. The site has capacity for approximately 480 tests per day. Appointments are strongly encouraged, but not required.
“Testing is a key component of our strategy to protect Minnesotans from COVID-19,” said Minnesota Commissioner of Health Jan Malcolm. “Through a robust, collaborative statewide testing program, we have made great progress in removing obstacles to testing. When combined with social distancing, masking, avoiding crowds and staying home when sick, testing can help us slow the spread of COVID-19 and bridge to the better days we know are coming.”
“Our COVID-19 testing strategy has been data-driven since day one with the goal of offering low-barrier testing for every Minnesotan who needs it. The sooner we identify positive cases, the sooner infected individuals can take steps to isolate and stop the spread of the virus,” said Dan Huff, MDH assistant commissioner for health protection. “Our partnerships from the federal to the local levels are an important element of a community testing strategy that has allowed the state to conduct more than half a million COVID-19 tests in all corners of the state. We want people to get tested, even if they're asymptomatic. By providing more options, we make it more likely that people will get tested and help us stop the spread of the virus.”
This testing event is part of a federal effort to provide temporary federal support in areas that have seen a recent spike in COVID-19 cases. The site is made up of three components: federal government support, federal contractor support, and state and local support. It is the second site of its kind in Minnesota; the first was held in Blaine from Dec. 7 through Dec. 12.
The Brainerd site is a coordinated effort between the State of Minnesota, HHS, the Minnesota National Guard, Crow Wing County Public Health, Central Lakes College, and eTrueNorth (eTN). The State of Minnesota and National Guard are providing support, including non-medical personnel, site management, and traffic control. HHS is providing resources such as personal protective equipment, cloth face coverings and community mitigation guidance. The federal contractor, eTrueNorth, is providing support including online registration, test kits, and notification of lab results. The lab processing the test samples is Health Quest Esoterics in Irvine, California. eTrueNorth will notify participants of their test results via email within approximately three to five days.
“This is a very convenient way to get tested close to home with fast results,” said Brainerd Lakes Chamber President Matt Kilian. “Our chamber strongly encourages local businesses and their teams to take advantage of this opportunity, especially those in quarantine or questioning whether they were exposed to the virus. It’s another step to get our economy back on track.”
“With much of the focus today being around the release of an effective and safe vaccine, it is important to have our community continue to be vigilant for symptoms and continue to test for COVID-19,” said Crow Wing County Public Health Supervisor Michelle Moritz. “Individuals should also test five to seven days after they have been in close contact with other individuals that have tested positive. This clinic will give many the opportunity to test regardless of symptoms or close contact. It will be important to know your COVID-19 status before making plans for the holidays.”
“Testing saves lives when people know their COVID-19 status and are then able to isolate away from others to prevent further spread,” continued Moritz. “While we are excited to soon have a vaccine and end this pandemic, we need our community to help get our kids back to school and business back open by slowing the spread until we have the majority of our community vaccinated. Testing can be quick, easy, and now without a doctor’s order.”
Testing is open to anyone who believes they need a COVID-19 test, with or without insurance. State guidance on who should get tested was recently updated and can be found on the Minnesota COVID-19 Response webpage, Who Should Get Tested?.
"The Trump Administration is standing up surge testing sites to support areas hard hit by COVID-19. Surge testing is one of many tools the federal government can deploy to assist local leadership to reduce community spread of the virus," said HHS Assistant Secretary for Health ADM Brett Giroir, M.D. "The intent of surge testing efforts is to help state, local and federal public health experts identify new cases, including those that may be asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic."
Individuals seeking testing can register at Do I Need a COVID-19 Test?. Test results can be accessed by logging into this same portal after receiving an email notification that results are ready.
Testing Site Location:
Central Lakes College – Gymnasium
501 W College Dr
Brainerd, MN 56401
Hours of Operation:
Thursday, Dec. 17 – Friday, Dec. 18
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 19
10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
December 11, 2020
State officials take enforcement actions to protect public from COVID-19
Lawsuits filed against two restaurants operating in violation of executive order, while third restaurant has license revoked and faces $9,500 penalty
On the same day Minnesota announced 3,773 new COVID-19 cases and 94 additional COVID-19 deaths, state officials announced enforcement actions against three restaurants operating in violation of an executive order designed to prevent more illnesses and deaths in the state.
Governor Tim Walz issued Executive Order 20-99 on November 18, 2020. The executive order included a provision that requires bars and restaurants to remain closed for on-premises dining until December 18, at 11:59 p.m. The executive order was issued at a time of rapid acceleration in the spread of COVID-19 across Minnesota and sought to protect Minnesotans while also preventing hospitals and health care systems from becoming overwhelmed by the surge in cases. While the vast majority of Minnesota businesses have complied with the executive order, a small number have not done so.
On December 10, after determining the Boardwalk Bar and Grill of East Grand Forks, Minn., had been open and operating in violation of Executive Order 20-99, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) served the restaurant with a cease and desist order, ordering it to close. Nevertheless, the restaurant publicly stated that it planned to remain open to the public for on-premises dining. Subsequently, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison filed a lawsuit and motion for a temporary restraining order to prohibit the restaurant from remaining open. The Polk County District Court granted the Attorney General’s motion for a temporary restraining order Friday afternoon.
Also today, MDH, with the assistance of the Attorney General's Office, filed a lawsuit against Havens Garden, a restaurant in Lynd, Minn., which has also stayed open for on-premises service. MDH had served Havens Garden with a cease and desist order on Wednesday morning. The court action filed today seeks a court-ordered injunction.
MDH also revoked the license of a third restaurant with a history of non-compliance. Iron Waffle, located outside Nisswa in Crow Wing County, had been the subject of multiple complaints forwarded to MDH alleging violations of employee masking requirements contained in Executive Order 20-81. MDH regulatory staff tried to work with the business operators to inform them of the requirements and bring them into compliance. When those efforts failed, MDH issued a cease and desist order on August 6. The establishment closed briefly and then reopened in non-compliance.
MDH issued an Administrative Penalty Order on September 24, to which the establishment did not respond. Following that, MDH sent a letter indicating that due to non-compliance and unresponsiveness, they were now assessed a penalty of $9,500 and their license would be revoked if they did not come in to compliance. MDH staff inspected the establishment on December 5 and found it was allowing on-site consumption in violation of Executive Order 20-99. The department revoked the facility’s license on December 9, with the $9,500 penalty still due.
“We work with regulated facilities to bring them into compliance and we consider regulatory or legal action only as a last resort,” said MDH Assistant Commissioner Dan Huff. “Most Minnesotans and Minnesota businesses are doing their best to follow best practices and do what’s in their power to help slow down the spread of the virus. Consistent enforcement is an important fairness issue for the vast majority of businesses that are following COVID-19-related protocols. It’s also important to minimize the spread of this virus, which has already sickened and killed far too many of our friends, neighbors and loved ones.”
December 7, 2020
State health officials issue updated guidance for COVID-19 quarantines
Minnesota adopting recent updates from CDC, which included options for shorter quarantine periods under certain conditions
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) today issued updated COVID-19 quarantine guidance that integrates new recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), including options for shorter quarantines under certain conditions.
Quarantine is one of several public health tools commonly used to reduce the risk of a person spreading an infectious disease to others. A person goes into quarantine after they have had a high-risk contact with someone who was infectious with that disease, but before they are sick or test positive for a disease. Quarantining is an important public health measure because diseases like COVID-19 can spread person-to-person before people know they are infected.
For months, CDC had recommended a quarantine period of 14 days for those exposed to someone with COVID-19. This guidance was based on evidence showing that a person can develop a COVID-19 infection as many as 14 days after being exposed. While a 14-day quarantine remains the recommendation for greatest protection, last week CDC announced an update to that long-standing guidance that includes options for 10-day or seven-day quarantines under certain conditions: Options to Reduce Quarantine for Contacts of Persons with SARS-CoV-2 Infection Using Symptom Monitoring and Diagnostic Testing.
“Evidence indicates the risk of a person becoming infected and passing along that infection is highest in the early days of the quarantine, and much lower in the last few days of the 14-day period,” said Minnesota Commissioner of Health Jan Malcolm. “CDC determined there is a public health benefit to offering shorter quarantine options that boost compliance and do not significantly increase risk. After reviewing the available information, we agreed with that conclusion and adopted their new guidance.”
Malcolm emphasized that while the risk goes down as one gets into the final days of the 14-day period after exposure, there is still a small risk. If a person leaves quarantine and then develops any symptoms of COVID-19 up through day 14, they still need to stay away from others and get tested as soon as possible.
“Monitoring for symptoms for all 14 days after an exposure is a really important part of this process,” Commissioner Malcolm said. “Even minor symptoms associated with COVID-19, like a headache, should not be ignored. If you are just getting out of a shortened quarantine and you develop even minor symptoms, you need to isolate and get tested.”
The new CDC guidance adopted by Minnesota includes several specific conditions. For example, shortening your quarantine period to 10 days after your most recent exposure to someone with COVID-19 may be considered if:
You have not tested positive for COVID-19, you don’t have symptoms, and you will continue to watch out for possible symptoms through day 14.
You will continue to mask, maintain at least 6 feet of distance from others, and follow other prevention guidance.
You will isolate and get tested as soon as possible if you develop any symptoms of COVID-19.
The updated guidance allows for the quarantine period to be shortened to seven days if the person meets all the above conditions and has a negative COVID-19 test result – so long as that test was a PCR test (from saliva, or nose or throat) and was conducted at least five full days after the start of the quarantine period. In this scenario the person may return to regular activities if they do not have symptoms and continues to self-monitor for symptoms through day 14, continues to mask, maintains at least 6 feet of distance from others, and follows other prevention guidance.
Shortening quarantine from 14 days is not recommended in the following scenarios:
You have a household exposure. This is because it is difficult for household members to quarantine separately and household exposures have a particularly high risk of transmission.
You are in a congregate living situation, including a long-term care facility, correctional facility, homeless shelter or other setting. In these settings, it can be very difficult for people to quarantine individually and there is higher risk of exposing multiple people, including those at high-risk of severe disease.
You work in health care settings, correctional facilities or shelters. The updated state guidance has specific language for health care workers. Because health care workers provide care for the most vulnerable and those most at risk for severe complications from COVID-19, they should be excluded for 14 days from working in health care setting. If a facility is experiencing a staffing shortage, the facility may ask the health care worker to return prior to the end of their 14-day quarantine. In such a situation, health care workers returning to work should be proactively tested and monitored as outlined in the MDH COVID-19 Recommendations for Health Care Workers (PDF).
December 3, 2020
State announces new COVID-19 testing site in Blaine
Pop-up site will offer swab testing to everyone, as part of a collaboration with federal government
Today, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) announced a new COVID-19 testing site in the Victory Links Golf Course Parking Lot at the National Sports Center in Blaine, part of a collaboration with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Testing at this site will occur Monday, Dec. 7 through Saturday, Dec. 12. The site will be set up as a drive-thru, with participants self-administering a nasal swab test. The site has capacity for 10,000 tests over the course of the six days. Appointments are strongly encouraged, but not required.
“Testing is a key component of our strategy to protect Minnesotans from COVID-19,” said Minnesota Commissioner of Health Jan Malcolm. “Through a robust, collaborative statewide testing program, we have made great progress in removing obstacles to testing. When combined with social distancing, masking, avoiding crowds and staying home when sick, testing can help us slow the spread of COVID-19 and bridge to the better days we know are coming.”
“Our COVID-19 testing strategy has been data-driven since day one with the goal of offering no-barrier testing for every Minnesotan who needs it. The sooner we identify positive cases, the sooner infected individuals can take steps to isolate and stop the spread of the virus,” said Dan Huff, MDH assistant commissioner for health protection. “Our partnerships from the federal to the local levels are an important element of a community testing strategy that has allowed the state to conduct more than half a million COVID-19 tests in all corners of the state. We want people to get tested, even if they're asymptomatic. By providing more options, we make it more likely that people will get tested and help us stop the spread of the virus.”
This testing event is part of a federal effort to provide temporary federal support in areas that have seen a recent spike in COVID-19 cases. These sites are made up of three components: federal government support, federal contractor support, and state and local support.
The Blaine site is a coordinated effort between the State of Minnesota, HHS, the Minnesota National Guard, Anoka County Public Health, the National Sports Center, and eTrueNorth (eTN). The State of Minnesota and National Guard are providing support, including non-medical personnel, site management, and traffic control. HHS is providing resources such as personal protective equipment, cloth face coverings and community mitigation guidance. The federal contractor, eTrueNorth, is providing support including online registration, test kits, test processing, and notification of lab results. eTrueNorth will notify participants of their test results via email within approximately three to five days.
“Anoka County Public Health is pleased to be partnering with federal, state, and local partners to set up a COVID-19 surge testing site,” said Jonelle Hubbard, director of Anoka County Public Health and Environmental Services. “Having the testing event at the National Sports Center in Blaine will truly enhance our testing capacity. Our public health department will work diligently to ensure the testing will happen successfully to best serve our community.”
“We are pleased to work with MDH to provide a site for community testing in the North Metro,” said Todd M. Johnson, MPH, executive director of the National Sports Center Foundation. “We know that it will take a collaborative effort to fight this virus and we will do what we can to serve the community.”
Testing is open to anyone who believes they need a COVID-19 test, with or without insurance. State guidance on who should get tested was recently updated and can be found on the Minnesota COVID-19 Response webpage, Who Should Get Tested?.
"The Trump Administration is standing up surge testing sites to support areas hard hit by COVID-19. Surge testing is one of many tools the federal government can deploy to assist local leadership to reduce community spread of the virus," said HHS Assistant Secretary for Health ADM Brett Giroir, M.D. "The intent of surge testing efforts is to help state, local and federal public health experts identify new cases, including those that may be asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic."
Individuals seeking testing can register at Do I Need a COVID-19 Test?. Test results can be accessed by logging into this same portal after receiving an email notification that results are ready.
Testing Site Location:
National Sports Center
Victory Links Golf Course - parking lot
2010 105th Ave NE
Blaine, MN 55449
Hours of Operation:
Monday, Dec. 7 - Friday, Dec. 11
10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 12
8 a.m. to 2 p.m.