MDH: Coronavirus Vaccine Already Having 'Positive Effect' In MN

MINNESOTA — There are early indications that the COVID-19 vaccines are starting to play a role in the reduction of coronavirus cases in Minnesota. Last week, the state reported an average of 64 daily cases in long-term care facilities.

That's the lowest number since September, before the early-winter surge in cases that lead to another state lockdown.

"Vaccine seems to be having a positive effect," Kris Ehresmann, Minnesota's infectious disease director, told the Star Tribune. "In the weeks ahead, we think we will be able to say that with greater confidence."

As of Sunday, 458,651 Minnesotans had received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Of those, 122,597 — or 2.2. percent of the state's total population — completed their vaccine series.

On Wednesday, 669 COVID-19 cases were reported in the state, along with 24 deaths.

The number of people with at least one vaccine dose will soon surpass the total number of COVID-19 cases — 463,766 as of Wednesday — ever reported in Minnesota.

Walz: 35K MN Seniors Can Get Coronavirus Vaccine This Week

More than 35,000 Minnesotans who are 65 and older will have access to COVID-19 vaccines this week, Gov. Tim Walz announced Monday. The governor called the two-week pilot to test the state's community vaccination clinics a success, and will now move forward with an "all-of-the-above" approach to distribute the vaccine.

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