Friday

Jan152021

January 15 Ward 7 Updates from Council Member Lisa Goodman

Friday, January 15, 2021 at 10:23AM |

COVID-19 Vaccinations

Our office has received a number of inquiries about where things stand with COVID Vaccinations. This topic continues to evolve but here is current information we want to share with you.

Vaccines are being distributed in a phased approach (what follows is a potential timeline for distribution).

Phase 1A: Distribution will focus on healthcare workers and long-term care residents. (December 2020)
Phase 1B: Distribution will focus on other critical workers. (1^st Quarter 2021)
Phase 1C: Distribution will focus on adults with high-risk medical conditions and people 65 and older. (End of 1^st Quarter)
Phase 2: Vaccine distribution will have a continued focus on critical populations and the general population. (2^nd/3^rd Quarter 2021)
Phase 3: Distribution will focus on the general population. (3^rd Quarter 2021 and after)

Things to note:

The first vaccines will be given by injection. They will require two doses given several weeks apart.
The vaccine will be free with or without health insurance
The first vaccines were approved under an emergency use authorization. The authorization requires each vaccine is proven safe and effective
The first vaccines are not expected to be approved for use in children and those who are pregnant or nursing. More data is needed about how the vaccine affects these groups.

Additional Information is available on the City’s Web Page

http://www2.minneapolismn.gov/coronavirus/vaccines. This page will be updated regularly as new information on the vaccine and timing are known.

Video of Hennepin Healthcare Heroes rolling up their sleeves and getting the vaccine.

https://www.facebook.com/hennepinhc/videos/320028242419228

Vaccinations Begin for Minneapolis First Responders

Emergency medical services providers from the Minneapolis Fire Department, Police Department and Metro Transit have started getting their first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. All health care employees are in the first groups to receive the vaccine. This group includes those holding emergency medical service or paramedic certifications.

The vaccine is safe and effective. The COVID-19 vaccines have been developed faster than any other in history because of the commitment and funds made available. Every COVID-19 vaccine has undergone the same clinical trials and approvals that other vaccines have. Fortunately, researchers have been working on vaccines for the coronavirus family for years, so they didn’t have to start from scratch. As researchers worked intensely to develop and test the vaccine, they were transparent in sharing data, holding live hearings and pausing trials if it was important to slow down.

How the vaccine works

Different types of COVID-19 vaccines work in different ways to offer protection, but with all types, the body is left with a supply of “memory” cells that will remember how to fight off the virus in the future without us having to get the illness. The first shot starts building protection. A second shot a few weeks later is needed to get the most protection the vaccine has to offer. Find more about how the vaccines work on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

Sometimes after vaccinations, the process of building immunity can cause symptoms, such as fever. These symptoms are normal and are a sign that the body is building immunity.

It takes about two weeks after the second dose to build up protection, so full protection occurs about six weeks after the first vaccine dose.

Who’s next for vaccinations?

Vaccines will be available to other high-risk groups, such as essential workers and older adults, as well as the general public in phases over the next few months. While COVID-19 vaccination is not required, these health care workers trust the science behind the vaccine and understand that getting vaccinated is one more way to help protect themselves, their families and our communities.

More information will be provided about when and how you can get vaccinated.

Even though it will take some time for everyone to get vaccinated, you can help stop the spread of the virus right now by continuing hand-washing, distancing, wearing a mask and avoiding high-risk situations.

Find Free COVID-19 Tests; Help Stop the Spread

The City of Minneapolis is offering free COVID-19 saliva tests. Testing is encouraged and available to everyone, whether or not you have symptoms. Testing is one of the best ways to stop the spread of COVID-19 and help prevent exposing your loved ones to the virus. Do not eat, drink or use tobacco products for 30 minutes before taking a COVID-19 saliva test.

Columbia Manor Golf Course, 3300 Central Ave. NE 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays Jan. 11, Jan. 25

Sabathani Community Center, 310 E. 38th St. Noon-4 p.m. Saturdays Jan. 9 and Jan. 23

Minneapolis Public Schools Davis Center, 1250 West Broadway 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays Jan. 16 and Jan. 30

Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church, 511 Groveland Ave. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursdays Jan. 21 and Jan. 28

You can expect to get your test results in about two business days.

More free COVID-19 saliva tests

Minneapolis Convention Center, 1301 Second Ave. S., Exhibit Room E 9 a.m.-7 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. weekends Make an appointment here. Find instructions here.

Native American Community Clinic, 1213 E. Franklin Ave. 2 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays Appointments required: Call 612-872-8086 to schedule an appointment.

Southside Community Health Services, 324 E. 35th St. 2-3 p.m. Mondays through Fridays Appointments required: Call 612-821-3548 to schedule an appointment. You can expect to get your test results in about two-three business days. Same day testing can be done for health care workers, first responders and essential workers.

Find a current list of free COVID-19 tests on the City website.

Resources

The COVID-19 test is free, and you do not need insurance for the test. If you need medical care but don’t have health insurance, the Minnesota Department of Health offers resources to find low-cost health care or health insurance.

If you can’t attend one of these testing events, you can use this directory to find a testing location near you. The State is also offering free at-home saliva tests. Any person in Minnesota can order a saliva test kit from the COVID-19 Test at Home program.

Get the Snow Emergency App, and Sign Up for Snow Emergency Alerts

Residents, workers and visitors have several ways to learn when Snow Emergencies are declared and what to do. The City advises drivers to put many of these tools to use, not just one or two. The more ways you use to learn about a Snow Emergency, the more prepared you will be, and the less likely you will be towed.

When a Snow Emergency is declared, parking rules take effect so plows can clear the streets and emergency vehicles and other cars can get around and park. Plowing the streets completely requires vehicles parked on streets to move. It’s in everyone’s best interest to follow the parking rules so plows can do the best job possible, and folks can avoid a ticket and tow.

Get the app, sign up for alerts

The Minneapolis Snow Emergency app tells you if a Snow Emergency has been declared and puts all the parking rules right in the palm of your hand. It has a street lookup so you can see the parking rules in detail by entering an address or using the device’s location services.

The app tells you where you can and can't park on Day 1, Day 2 and Day 3 of a Snow Emergency. It also features a quick call button that connects you with the Minneapolis Snow Emergency hotline and buttons to sign up for emails and text alerts or to find Snow Emergency information on the City's website at www.minneapolismn.gov/snow.

Watch this video about the Snow Emergency app, and find more information about Snow Emergencies on the City's website.

When it Snows, Remember to Shovel Your Sidewalk

Sidewalks are a critical part of Minneapolis’ transportation system, and they should be open for everyone. Here’s a refresher on the City’s rules: Minneapolis ordinance requires property owners of houses and duplexes to clear sidewalks within 24 hours after a snowfall. All other property owners must clear their sidewalks within four daytime hours.

Clearing snow and ice from sidewalks helps people of all ages and abilities safely walk or roll to where they need to go. This is a primary mode of transportation for many people in the city, so it’s important to be a good neighbor and help them out.

In addition to relying on complaints reported to 311, City inspectors will also actively look for sidewalks that aren’t shoveled. Failure to shovel and maintain your sidewalk could result in a warning letter and, if left uncleared, a bill for the City to remove snow from your sidewalk. An average bill is about $239.

Call 311 to learn more about resources available to people who may need help clearing their sidewalks.

Find more information about snow clearing on the City’s website.

City Leaders Highlight Extensive Recovery Efforts and Outline Priorities for Addressing Challenges in 2021

City leaders provided an overview of the City’s response to the pandemic and civil unrest in 2020 and outlined priorities for moving forward as Minneapolis continues to face the impacts of these unprecedented challenges.

Staff presented the “Minneapolis Forward: The Path to Recovery and Transformation” report to the City Council’s Policy & Government Oversight Committee. The states of emergency orders resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and unrest following the killing of George Floyd disrupted many lives and put an enormous strain on the City’s resources. Orders related to the emergencies closed more than 1,700 businesses and caused more than 144,000 Minneapolis residents to request unemployment benefits. The civil unrest following Floyd’s death caused more than $350 million in damage across the city.

The City enterprise responded to the crises by working creatively with policy makers, community partners and other levels of government to respond to the needs of residents and businesses. Moving into 2021, City leaders are committed to prioritizing work that both flattens the pandemic curve and addresses the disparities in Minneapolis that have been widened by the pandemic.

The City will receive a direct allocation of the federal emergency rent assistance approved as part of the recent stimulus package. Ensuring all these funds are made available to Minneapolis residents will be a top priority this year.

“The economic downturn caused by the pandemic and civil unrest have disproportionately impacted communities of color in Minneapolis. These events of 2020 have both magnified and deepened existing disparities making the need for immediate community resources exceedingly clear,” said Mayor Jacob Frey. “The work our Minneapolis Forward: Community Now Coalition has done over the last year will be substantially bolstered by this federal emergency rent assistance, allowing us to build back and recover with equity and inclusivity at the forefront.”

“2020 was one of the most challenging years in Minneapolis’ history,” said City Council Vice President Andrea Jenkins. “The amazing staff from multiple departments throughout the City have responded with urgency, compassion and a commitment to equity. This report highlights the incredible partnerships developed with community members through the Community Now Coalition and others from the philanthropic and business communities that all continue to come together to help Minneapolis move forward.”

By the numbers: The City’s response to the crises

Over $26 million invested in immediate response and relief, millions more in reduced taxes and fees.
$4 million for COVID-19 testing and personal protective equipment.
$4.8 million to community organizations supporting housing stability, food access and business assistance.
$5 million in direct relief payments to small businesses and renters.
$13 million invested in response to the increase in homelessness.
$42 million in reduced property values, which resulted in refunds for taxpayers.
$1.6 million in abated taxes.
$1.8 million in waived fees, such as business licenses, demolition permits and utility charges.

Impacts to Minneapolis residents, businesses in 2020

29,352 COVID-19 cases; 350 deaths.
Over 100 homeless encampments.
Over 144,000 unemployed.
Over 1,700 businesses ordered closed.

Over $350 million damages to private property and businesses during civil unrest.

Emergency Regulation Caps Third-Party Food Service Delivery Fees

Mayor Jacob Frey has signed into law Emergency Regulation 2020-20, capping third-party food service delivery fees at 15% in Minneapolis. The move makes Minneapolis the first Minnesota locality to implement such a regulation. As current market conditions drive restaurants to rely on third-party food service delivery platforms to compete, some restaurants incur delivery fees as high as 40% of the price of the customer order.

Under the new law, a third-party food delivery platform will not perform any service for or disclose any information about a licensed food establishment without the consent of the licensed food establishment and will not be allowed to charge any additional fee to a licensed food establishment that the licensed food establishment has not voluntarily agreed to pay.

Violations of the new law could be subject to misdemeanor prosecution. Continued violation will be a separate violation for each day that the third-party food service delivery platform is found to be in violation.

Under the regulation, restaurants may choose to pay a higher commission or supplemental fee for additional products and services offered by any third-party food delivery platform.

Full Third Avenue Bridge Closure Has Begun

The Third Avenue Bridge is fully closed to traffic through November 2022. Motorists, transit riders and people walking and bicycling will need to use alternate routes across the river during this time.

Detours

The detour for motorists and walkers is the Hennepin Avenue Bridge and for bicyclists is the Stone Arch Bridge. Visit the Metro Transit website for bus detour and schedule information.

The historic Third Avenue Bridge over the Mississippi River near St. Anthony Falls opened in 1918. It is in need of significant repairs. The bridge carries Third and Central avenues, which are part of Highway 65.

Construction began in May 2020 and is anticipated to be complete in August 2023.

Visit MnDOT's project webpage to learn more about the schedule, impacts to your commute, rehabilitation and preservation efforts, and what the bridge will look like when the work is done.

Governor Announces New Dial Back for COVID-19 Protocols

As the COVID-19 situation improves by nearly every metric across Minnesota, Gov. Tim Walz announced measures that loosen restrictions on important parts of daily life. The governor also urged Minnesotans to protect the progress made over the past month.

The announcement came as tens of thousands of Minnesotans have received their first dose of the vaccine, COVID-19 cases are down, hospital bed use is declining, and kids are heading back to the classroom.

COVID-19 is spreading more slowly across Minnesota than two months ago. Recognizing our progress but understanding we need to remain cautious, the governor is adjusting the dials and opening more activities and sectors of the economy. Starting Monday, Jan. 11:

Indoor dining at bars and restaurants can open at 50% capacity with a maximum of 150 people. Parties of no more than six people must remain 6 feet from other parties, reservations are required, and establishments must close dine-in service by 10 p.m. The City’s local Emergency Regulation limiting service at the bar area will remain in effect, and customers will not be allowed to be seated at the bar area in Minneapolis establishments.
Gym capacity remains capped at 25% but maximum capacity increases to 150, and classes can increase to 25 people assuming distancing can be observed. Machines and people must maintain 9 feet of distance. Face coverings are required.
Outdoor events and entertainment continue at 25% capacity, but maximum capacity increases to 250 people. Social distancing is required.
Indoor events and entertainment such as bowling alleys, movie theaters and museums may open at 25%, with no more than 150 people in each area of the venue. Face coverings are required, and they may not offer food service after 10 p.m.
Youth and adult organized sports have resumed practice as of Jan. 4, and games resume Jan. 14 with spectators. They must follow the appropriate capacity limits for indoor or outdoor venues. Inter-region tournaments and out-of-state play are discouraged.
Pools opened on Jan. 4 for some activity and may now open, like gyms, at 25% capacity.
Wedding receptions and other private parties may resume with limits. If food and drink are served at the event, then they are limited to two households or 10 people indoors and three households or 15 people outdoors. If there is no food or drink, they are covered by event venue guidelines. Any related ceremony – like a wedding or funeral ceremony – is guided by rules for ceremonies and places of worship.
Places of worship remain open at 50% capacity but without an overall maximum capacity.

Learn more about the State's response to COVID-19.

COVID-19 Situational Update as of January 13, 2021

Situational updates: Minneapolis

There are 30,181 cases in Minneapolis and 350 deaths. The total number of cases increased by 3.2% over the previous week. Hospitalizations increased by 1.1% and ICU admissions increased by less than 1%.
Over the past two weeks, there have been about 125 new cases per day on average. This is an increase from the previous week where we saw less than 100 cases per day on average. Minneapolis-specific daily case counts and demographics are available at www.minneapolismn.gov/coronavirus/dashboard.
After dipping below 25 per 100,000, the seven-day rolling average rate for Minneapolis is again over 25 per 100,000 and increasing. This is likely driven by holiday gatherings and travel.
Mayor Frey’s Emergency Regulation No. 12 regarding masks remains in effect. The regulation requires people to wear face masks in all indoor public places.

Situational updates: Minnesota

There are 440,354 cases in Minnesota out of over 6 million tests completed. There have been 5,774 deaths from COVID-19 in Minnesota. There are 91,596 cases and 1,449 deaths in Hennepin County.
The State uses a color-coded map to track a seven-day rolling average of new cases. As of Jan. 6, Minnesota is reporting 31 cases per 100,000 and Minneapolis is at 26 cases per 100,000.
In the past week, the State health department identified five cases of the new B.1.1.7 SARS CoV-2 variant in Minnesota (first detected in the UK). This variant is thought to be 50 to 70 percent more transmissible than the variant currently circulating in the US. The State will continue to work with the CDC to conduct surveillance to determine how prevalent the new strain might be in Minnesota.
MHD encourages everyone to sign up for the State’s COVIDaware MN exposure app. The app notifies you if you may have been exposed to COVID-19 by anyone else using the app. The app complements, but does not replace, case investigation and contact tracing.
The statewide mask mandate remains in effect. People are required to wear masks in all indoor public places where people gather and some outdoor venues where physical distancing is difficult.
Governor Walz’s Emergency Order 21-01 went into effect on January 11. Details are available on the City’s Guidance for Restaurants, Bars and Breweries and Distilleries web page and summarized below
Bars and restaurants can offer indoor dining at 50% capacity, with a maximum of 150 people. The same requirements are in place for outdoor dining. Seating at bar counters in Minneapolis is not allowed per Mayor Frey’s Minneapolis Emergency Regulation 2020-17.
Gyms and fitness centers can operate at 25% capacity, up to 150 people.
Indoor events and entertainment are allowed at 25% capacity, up to 150 people.
Outdoor events and entertainment are allowed at 25% capacity, up to 250 people.
Public pools are allowed to operate at 25% capacity.

Health Department Incident Command updates

Case investigation/Contact tracing

MHD continues to conduct follow-up on individuals diagnosed with COVID-19, as well as contact tracing at workplaces and with exposed individuals. Of the cases in Minneapolis, 62% have been interviewed and 2.2% have refused. Thirty-four percent of cases have been lost to follow-up and 1.8% of new Minneapolis cases still need to be interviewed.
Twenty-one percent of interviews of Minneapolis residents have been conducted in a language other than English, representing over 15 different languages.
We have 56 active case investigators, including three non-MHD enterprise staff and 17 AmeriCorps staff. Case investigators are interviewing an average of 90 cases per shift and making an average of 148 calls per shift, plus conducting workplace and other contact follow-up.
Contact tracers give isolation and quarantine guidance to those who test positive for the virus and those who have been exposed. A 14-day quarantine still offers the greatest amount of protection against virus transmission. In certain situations, you may end your quarantine after 10 days, or after seven days with a negative COVID-19 test result. Detailed guidance is available on the State’s COVID-19 website.

COVID-19 vaccination

MHD has provided 524 vaccinations to date and is anticipating giving another 200-300 doses this week to EMS providers, residents of assisted living sites, urgent care staff, and those working at COVID testing and vaccination sites.
After being vaccinated, continuing to wear a mask, washing your hands and keeping your distance is important to help stop the pandemic.
3,846 responses were received via the COVID-19 Vaccination Perspectives Community survey. The responses will help us better understand thoughts, emotions and perceptions about the vaccine and the results will influence vaccine communications and delivery when the vaccine is rolled out to the community.
Recordings of the Health Department’s weekly vaccine briefings can be found on the COVIDVaccination Channel.
The State will receive $51 million in federal funding for vaccination efforts, $22 million of which is anticipated to come to Local Public Health (LPH) Departments. We believe that the State will urge LPH Departments to increase their vaccination efforts.

COVID-19 Testing

In the past week, 74 COVID-19 saliva tests were provided at two events at Columbia Manor in Northeast Minneapolis and at Sabathani Community Center in Powderhorn.
To date, MHD has hosted a total of 36 COVID-19community testing events and provided 3,698tests. 869flu shots have been distributed at nine events. These totals do not include events hosted by partners where we supplied staff or provided other support.

Upcoming free COVID-19 saliva testing events:

Columbia Manor,3300 Central Ave. N.E., 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on January 25.
Sabathani Community Center, 310 East 38th Street, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. on January23.
Hennepin United Methodist Church, 511 Groveland Ave, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on January 21 and 28.
Minneapolis Public Schools Davis Center, 1250 West Broadway, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on January 16and 30.
Free saliva testing is also offered at three local sites hosted by the State health department. Visit the State’s COVID-19 testing web page to register and find more information.

O Minneapolis Convention Center-9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends.

O Brooklyn Park Starlight Center -9 a.m. to7 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends.

O Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport -7 a.m. to 7p.m. seven days a week.

The State is also offering free at-home saliva tests. Any person in Minnesota can order a saliva test kit from the COVID-19 Test at Home program. The test will be delivered to your home with rush shipping.
The City's testing web page offers the latest information on testing sites and guidance about what to do while you wait for COVID-19 test results. Staying away from others while you wait for your results is extremely important, especially if you have any symptoms. The web page has short videos in multiple languages explaining how to quarantine and isolate effectively.

MHD distribution of saliva test kits

The Health Department is offering free saliva testing kits to community partners, organizations and businesses. After you request saliva testing kits, a staff member will contact you for more information. Virtual training on how to administer the tests is offered upon request.
Examples of organizations and businesses that have been provided tests include mosques, PICA/Head Start, community clinics, local restaurants, and Minneapolis Public Schools.

Responding to community needs

We continue to receive requests from community organizations and residents for personal protective equipment as well as at-home saliva test kits. This past week, we received 21 new requests and are currently coordinating delivery logistics. Saliva testing kits and other supplies may be requested through the COVID-19 Requests and Inquiries form on the City’s COVID webpage.
We are responding to many requests about COVID-19 vaccine distribution from community members emailing our COVID19@minneapolismn.gov account.
The Health Department is still recruiting volunteers from across the City enterprise to help at future MHD-sponsored COVID-19 testing and vaccination events. Anyone who is interested in serving in this way can fill out a brief survey. Staff who volunteer will receive training and personal protective equipment. Please help us promote this opportunity among City employees.

Businesses

During the last week, Health inspectors responded to seven new food safety/sanitation/COVID-19 complaints. A majority of these complaints were related to enclosed outdoor seating restrictions. Health inspectors provided education and technical assistance to help businesses properly configure their outdoor seating areas.
Routine inspections have been temporarily suspended, but inspectors continue to follow-up on complaints and outbreaks, and conduct plan review inspections for construction projects. Many inspectors have been reassigned to support COVID-19 contact tracing and case investigation efforts.

• We completed a final plan review inspection of the Cub Foods store located at 2850 26th Ave South. The facility is set to re-open in mid-February.

The City specific COVID email address is: COVID19@minneapolismn.gov.

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