This week on the Minnesota Native News Health Report, health leaders are sounding the alarm as COVID-19 case numbers are among the highest seen in 2021. Also, reminders on vaccine booster shots. Here’s reporter Cole Premo.
As the holiday season nears, Minnesota health officials are calling a spike in COVID-19 cases and deaths “scary” and “truly alarming.”
In recent days, the Minnesota Department of Health has been reporting dozens of new deaths every day, along with daily case numbers in the several thousands.
In fact, the health department recently reported a backlog of cases due to the intake of new cases exceeding the processing capacity of staff. If the high case rate continues, MDH may add more staff.
Meanwhile, the state’s positivity rate is on an upward trend, with the latest figure being 9.3% — nearing the state’s “high risk” threshold of 10%.
Minnesota Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm says this spike in the pandemic is preventable.
“Every day now, we’re seeing dozens of people dying from an illness they didn’t have to get. The tragedy of this current spike in cases is more than ever, we have the tools and knowledge to minimize the pandemic. But a sizable number of people are not using those tools. Because some think it’s no big deal… and some because they have fallen victim to misinformation,” said Malcolm.
The health commissioner says those tools to minimize the pandemic include vaccination, masking in public, and staying home when sick.
“This spike is bad, it’s scary. But it could be much more worse, especially with many more hospitalizations and deaths, if it weren’t for the fact that most Minnesotans have the protection of the vaccine,” said Malcolm.
Jan Malcolm says the state is now working to “decompress” the health system strain from the pandemic by opening up alternative care sites.
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In other news, Pfizer is asking for federal approval of it’s COVID-19 vaccine booster shot for all adults.
While federal agencies work to determine that, here’s what you need to know about booster shot eligibility.
Right now, booster shots are authorized for seniors and adults at high risk who received the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine at least six months ago.
Also eligible for the booster shots are adults ages 18 years old and older who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine at least 2 months ago.
Officials have authorized “mixing and matching” COVID-19 vaccine boosters, meaning your booster dose does not have to be the same type of vaccine as your primary series.
Cole Premo reporting for Minnesota Native News
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