Canada announced Monday it will begin letting fully vaccinated U.S. citizens into Canada on Aug. 9, and those from the rest of the world on Sept. 7.
AP: Canada to let vaccinated US citizens enter country on Aug. 9
AP: Pfizer to seek OK for 3rd vaccine dose; shots still protect
Pfizer is about to seek U.S. authorization for a third dose of its COVID-19 vaccine, saying Thursday that another shot within 12 months could dramatically boost immunity and maybe help ward off the latest worrisome coronavirus mutant.
St. Thomas announces incentive program to encourage COVID-19 vaccinations
St. Thomas’ University Action and Response Team followed up to its June 16 announcement Wednesday with details on the university’s COVID-19 vaccine incentive program.
St. Thomas won’t require COVID-19 vaccines, for now
St. Thomas will not require community members working or learning on campus to get the COVID-19 vaccine “at this time,” a Wednesday email from the University Action and Response Team to St. Thomas community members said. However, all students and employees will be required to report their vaccination status to St. Thomas before the fall semester.
Masks still required on campus following CDC announcement
St. Thomas will continue to require face coverings and social distancing protocols despite the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s updated guidance and Gov. Tim Walz lifting Minnesota’s statewide mask mandate, according to an email from the University Action and Response Team Friday morning.
AP: Following CDC guidelines, Walz to end Minnesota mask mandate
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said Thursday that state will allow people to ditch their masks meant to slow the spread of the coronavirus, an announcement that followed new federal recommendations on face coverings.
AP: CDC: Fully vaccinated people can largely ditch masks indoors
In a move to send the country back toward pre-pandemic life, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Thursday eased indoor mask-wearing guidance for fully vaccinated people, allowing them to safely stop wearing masks inside in most places.
St. Thomas student creates website to help others find COVID-19 vaccine sites
Senior Austin Murr created COVIDvaccinate.me, an online website that allows St. Thomas community members and others to locate pharmacies with available COVID-19 vaccines. Natalie Hoepner and Lauren Dettmer have the story.
COVID-19 UPDATE: Cases rise, vaccine clinic this week
Twenty three positive COVID-19 cases were reported last week by St. Thomas’ Center for Well-Being, an increase of eight from the previous week. Angeline Terry and Lauren Dettmer have the story.
AP: Minnesota mask mandates to end by July 1 as Walz eases rules
Minnesota will lift nearly all its COVID-19 restrictions just before Memorial Day weekend and drop its statewide mask requirement once 70% of residents age 16 and older get their first dose of vaccine, but no later than July 1, Gov. Tim Walz announced Thursday.
AP: Walz to issue timeline for lifting all COVID-19 restrictions
Gov. Tim Walz plans to announce a timeline on Thursday for lifting all COVID-19 restrictions in Minnesota while doubling down on the state’s vaccination push.
COVID-19 UPDATE: Positive cases rise at St. Paul campus
Fifteen positive COVID-19 cases were reported last week by the St. Thomas’ Center for Well-Being, an increase of six from the previous week. Angeline Terry and Lauren Dettmer have the story.
Baseball doubleheader against Augsburg postponed
St. Thomas baseball’s doubleheader against Augsburg University on Saturday was postponed due to COVID-19 protocols. Reporter Sam Larson has the story.
COVID-19 protocols forces softball postponement
St. Thomas softball’s Wednesday doubleheader against St. Olaf College at South Field was postponed due to COVID-19 protocols. Sports Editor Olivia Paradise has the story.
AP: CDC says many Americans can now go outside without a mask
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention eased its guidelines Tuesday on the wearing of masks outdoors, saying fully vaccinated Americans don’t need to cover their faces anymore unless they are in a big crowd of strangers.