Coronavirus Archives - Page 9 of 89

FDA approves Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine

February 27, 2021

Site Staff,

WASHINGTON (AP) – The U.S. now has a third vaccine to prevent COVID-19. The Food and Drug Administration on Saturday cleared a Johnson & Johnson shot that works with just one dose instead of two. Health experts have anxiously awaited a one-and-done option to help speed vaccinations. The FDA said J&J’s vaccine offers strong protection against what matters most: serious…

Gov. Tim Walz announces next steps in Minnesota’s COVID-19 vaccine plan

People with specific high-risk health conditions and targeted essential workers will be eligible in April

February 25, 2021

Site Staff,

MINNESOTA (KVRR) – Minnesota’s vaccine plan moving forward focuses on those who’ve been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic: the elderly, those with underlying health conditions, BIPOC communities, and essential workers. Gov. Tim Walz says he wants 70% of Minnesotans 65 years and older vaccinated by the end of March. Vaccine eligibility will be expanded once that goal is reached. “This…

Moorhead Schools encourages students to get Covid-19 tests every two weeks

February 25, 2021

Site Staff,

MOORHEAD, Minn. – Health officials with Moorhead Area Public Schools approve of the Minnesota Department of Health’s recommendation for students to get tested for Covid-19 every two weeks until the end of the school year. State health officials say 17 percent of the state’s Covid-19 cases have come from those under the age of 20. Moorhead district officials say they…

Fargo City Commission extends mask mandate

February 17, 2021

Site Staff,

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – In a 3-1 vote, the Fargo City Commission decides to extend its face mask mandate until March 22nd. Fargo City Commissioner Tony Gehrig was the sole vote against the face mask mandate extension. Commissioner Dave Piepkorn was not present, but has voted against extending the mandate in the past. The extension comes following a recommendation from…

Sanford Health is prepared for COVID-19 variant in North Dakota

February 17, 2021

Site Staff,

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – Sanford Health Vice President Dr. Doug Griffin says it’s no surprise that the U.K. COVID-19 variant has made its way to North Dakota. Even so, he says it does concern him, as there is evidence that the variant is more contagious and may cause more severe illness. Griffin says Sanford Health in Fargo is prepared for…

Ash Wednesday traditions to look different amid the pandemic

February 16, 2021

Site Staff,

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – For some Christians, the season of Lent begins Wednesday and will look different amid the pandemic. Ash Wednesday traditions normally involve swiping ashes on foreheads in the sign of the cross. Following recommendations from the Vatican, the Diocese of Fargo will instead sprinkle ashes on the heads of parishioners. The priest will say his blessing only…

Fargo VA expands vaccine eligibility, about 2,000 doses available

February 12, 2021

Jim Monk,

FARGO (KVRR) – The Fargo VA Health Care System is temporarily expanding COVID-19 vaccine eligibility to all veterans enrolled in VA healthcare, regardless of age. The vaccine will be distributed Friday, Feb. 12, Saturday, Feb.13 and Monday, Feb. 15. Fargo VA Spokesman Ross Tweten says the facility has the capacity to provide about 2,000 vaccinations. Veterans must be enrolled in…

CDC changes quarantine guidelines for close contacts to Covid-19

February 10, 2021

Site Staff,

BISMARCK, N.D. – North Dakota’s Covid-19 numbers have improved a lot since the state’s surge in November. According to Governor Doug Burgum, North Dakota has 89 percent fewer coronavirus hospitalizations since then with 34 now. White House information shows the state is the lowest in the country in seven day positivity rate and 48th in deaths per capita. The Centers…

Republicans want coronavirus business restrictions lifted by May 1

February 8, 2021

Jim Monk,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota House Republicans have a plan for lifting coronavirus restrictions on businesses with a goal of letting them resume full operations by May 1. Rep. Dave Baker of Willmar, says restaurants, hotels, event centers and gyms need to be able to make reopening plans with some certainty. Baker says the downward trends in COVID-19 cases and…

NDDoH Public Health Lab malfunction affects 600+ COVID-19 tests

February 6, 2021

Site Staff,

BISMARCK, N.D. – On January 8, the North Dakota Department of Health (NDDoH) Public Health Laboratory identified a software malfunction on a piece of laboratory equipment. The software malfunction was limited to one platform and affected a total of 641 positive COVID-19 results of 102,562 resulted on the machine between Nov. 7, 2020 and Jan. 8, 2021. The issue has been…