COVID-19

Ash Wednesday traditions to look different amid the pandemic

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…

Mayor Tim Mahoney will not extend mask mandate after February 18th

Fargo Cass Public Health officials seek to change his mind.

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – After four months, Fargo Mayor Tim Mahoney says an executive order requiring masks to be worn in public will expire on Thursday Feb. 18. Officials with Fargo Cass Public Health are hoping to change the Mayors mind and want the mask mandate extended. “If that mandate does go away it still has to be really strong…

Mayor: Fargo mask mandate will expire Feb.18

FARGO (KVRR) – Fargo Mayor Tim Mahoney says a citywide executive order requiring masks to be worn in indoor public places will expire next Thursday, Feb. 18. Mahoney says the city will continue to strongly encourage mask use until the vaccination rate nears 100%, which he says, could be in June. The city mask mandate went into effect in October. …

Walz relaxes more coronavirus restrictions

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Gov. Tim Walz said he would relax several restrictions in place due to the coronavirus as cases continue to drop, including raising the maximum occupancy in bars, restaurants private events and celebrations. Starting Saturday, top capacity at bars and restaurants and indoor entertainment venues will rise to 250 people, with up to 50 people allowed at…

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

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

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…

Proposed bill ensures job security for laid off Minnesota workers

"The bill will help maintain established employer-employee relationships which are critical to the speed of the overall economic recovery."

MINNESOTA (KVRR) – As the pandemic uproots many people out of their jobs, fellow Minnesotans are speaking out for new legislation that will help hospitality and service sector workers impacted after losing their jobs. As state restrictions ease up and more businesses open, laid off workers are worried they’ll be out of jobs to competing applicants. Minnesota House Democrats are…

Republicans want coronavirus business restrictions lifted by May 1

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…