This week on the Minnesota Native News Health Report… tribal leaders are calling on their community to continue safe health practices as the COVID-19 positivity rate among Native people in the state remains higher than all other groups. Also, life-saving treatments for COVID19 are expanding in the state. That, and more.
Recent data from the Minnesota Department of Health shows that the Native American population in Minnesota faces a higher risk of contracting COVID-19.
According to a 7-day moving average positivity case rate per 100,000 population by race, the native population has about double the positivity rate when compared to Asian, Black, Hispanic and White populations.
The native population began outpacing the other groups in the positivity rate starting in late summer and has increased rapidly since.
For clarity, the white population in Minnesota has far more total cases of COVID-19, with more than 500,000 cases confirmed amongst that group. However, for the native people, the percentage of the population contracting COVID-19 is far higher. Over 8,200 cases have been discovered among the population that identifies as Native American or Alaskan Native.
The health department also says that Native Americans in Minnesota have the highest proportion of positive cases that have been required hospitalization or intensive care units.
Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Chief Executive Melanie Benjamin addressed this data recently in a update and offered some reminders.
“Here in Minnesota, in the American Indian community. We have the highest positivity rate in Minnesota. The best defense is masks, stay home if you’re ill, and keep a 6-feet distance. It’s kinda scary that as we move forward these cases are increasing at a rapid rate,” said Benjamin.
Health officials are recommending a COVID-19 vaccine booster shot for those who are eligible. Pfizer’s booster shot is the only one given emergency approval, but Moderna and Johnson & Johnson are seeking the green light to give boosters for their vaccines, too.
Expansion of Monoclonal Antibody Treatment
In other news, A new clinic has opened in St. Paul to expand access to monoclonal antibody COVID-19 treatment in the metro area.
The Minnesota Department of Health announced the expansion Tuesday. The outpatient treatment is for COVID-19 patients with mild to moderate symptoms that started within the past 10 days, and who are at high risk of their illness leading to hospitalization or death.
State Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm says the clinic will strengthen the existing capacity of providers in the metro area to give the life-saving treatment.
The new clinic, located near Interstate 35E and Arlington Avenue West, is not for walk-in appointments.
Malcolm says patients and their providers seeking monoclonal antibody treatments can make an appointment at this clinic and other locations by using the state’s online tool, the Minnesota Resource Allocation Platform. People who test positive for COVID-19 can request an appointment, among some other requirements.
The health care provider who gives the drug will decide if it is safe to give to those who qualify to get it. Their decision is final.
Visit the Minnesota Department of Health’s website for more information.
Eviction Moratorium
Lastly, an update about the eviction moratorium that was set in place to prevent evictions during the pandemic. It has now ended in Minnesota and landlords are now able to file evictions for any renters who are behind on rent.
However, according to a release from the Minnesota House of Representatives, renters who are behind on their rent will remain protected from eviction if they have an open rental assistance application at RentHelpMN.org.
While there is no deadline to apply, renters should apply as soon as possible if they are behind on rent.
Renters who have an open application for rental assistance will have protection from evictions until June 1 of 2022.
Again, rental assistance applications can be submitted at RentHelpMN.org.
Cole Premo reporting for Minnesota Native News Health Report
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