MN Government Updates 03.25.2021

Walz to Announce Vaccine Eligibility Expansion Tomorrow

This afternoon, Governor Tim Walz’s office released the following statement:

“Tomorrow, Governor Walz will announce that all Minnesotans 16 years of age and older will be eligible for COVID-19 vaccination beginning Tuesday, March 30. The final eligibility expansion comes as the federal government has promised an increased supply of vaccine by April, and as Minnesota has become a national leader in getting shots into arms quickly. This week Minnesota was ranked number one in the country for the percentage of vaccine doses administered to Minnesotans. The state has vaccinated 80% of our seniors, outperforming the nation, and has also vaccinated at least two-thirds of our school and child care personnel.”

“Continuing to honor a commitment to immunizing for impact, the Walz-Flanagan Administration will be directing providers to prioritize vaccine appointments for older Minnesotans, those with underlying health conditions, and those in frontline jobs. Providers will then have the flexibility to provide available appointments to other eligible Minnesotans.”

“We worked hard to vaccinate Minnesotans sooner than we originally projected, and we have made tremendous progress getting vaccines to Minnesotans who need them most. Now, it’s time to get as many Minnesotans vaccinated as quickly as possible to end this pandemic.”

“The Governor will address Minnesotans live on Friday at 11:30am.”

Minnesota Department of Health Briefing

This afternoon, officials from the Minnesota Department of Health conducted a media briefing with reporters to update the public on the spread of COVID-19 in the state and discuss COVID-19 vaccination.

Commissioner Jan Malcolm, Department of Health

Commissioner Malcolm reported 1,807 new cases of COVID-19. This is the highest total of new cases since January 9, when the state was coming down from the late fall/early winter peak. This brings the state’s total number of COVID-19 cases to 510,398. The commissioner reiterated that Minnesotans need to keep up their vigilance and not let down their guard even as the state is making encouraging progress on vaccination. “Today’s case count is an important reminder how very seriously we have to take this pandemic going forward,” she said.
Just under 41,000 COVID-19 lab tests were processed yesterday.
Another 16 Minnesotans died due to COVID-19. This brings the state’s total number of COVID-19 deaths to 6,814.
Currently, 345 patients are hospitalized for COVID-19 with 83 of those in the ICU.
A total of 2.3 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered to Minnesotans (both first and second doses). Over 1.47 million have had one dose and over 878,000 have had a complete vaccination series.
Commissioner Malcolm reported that 80% of residents in skilled nursing facilities and 85% of residents in assisted living now have receiving two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. However, the vaccination figure is lower for staff with 54% of skilled nursing staff vaccinated and 45% of assisted living staff vaccinated.

Director Kris Ehresmann, Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Prevention, and Control Division

Director Ehresmann stated that receiving the COVID-19 vaccine comes at no cost to the individual getting vaccinated.
While individuals may be asked for insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid information, no one should receive a bill after that.
Any violations of this should be reported to the Office of the U.S. Inspector General.
When asked about upcoming increased vaccine allocations from the federal government, Director Ehresmann responded that Johnson & Johnson is awaiting approval from the FDA for a large-scale manufacturing facility. When that approval occurs, supply will increase dramatically. The Minnesota Department of Health is expecting 304,000 first doses (with a total of 507,000 doses that includes second doses) coming to Minnesota through the federal retail pharmacy stream and through allocation to the state. The earliest that allocation could be shipped to Minnesota would be the first full week of April.

Director Lindsey Krueger, Office of Health Facility Complaints

Director Krueger reported that all nursing homes have had three vaccine clinics for residents and staff. All assisted living facilities have had two vaccine clinics, with 54% of them having a third clinic.
4.5% of Minnesota’s long-term care facilities have had a COVID-19 case in the last 14 days.
Health guidance has been updated to allow for visitation in a long-term care facilities even if there is a case in the facility (if certain criteria is met).

Walz to Deliver State of the State Address on March 28

Governor Tim Walz today announced he will deliver his third State of the State address on Sunday, March 28, 2021, beginning at 6:00 p.m. The address will be delivered from the governor’s former social studies classroom at Mankato West High School.

The governor’s State of the State address was originally scheduled for Sunday, March 21, 2021. Following a potential exposure to COVID-19 on Monday, March 17, 2021, the governor postponed the address to complete a ten-day quarantine per CDC guidance.

The address will be streamed on the governor’s YouTube page.

Amos A. Briggs | Government Relations
LOCKRIDGE GRINDAL NAUEN P.L.L.P.
100 Washington Avenue S | Suite 2200 | Minneapolis MN 55401