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: Pfizer COVID-19 shot expanded to US children as young as 12
COVID-19 vaccines finally are headed for more kids as U.S. regulators on Monday expanded use of Pfizer’s shot to those as young as 12, sparking a race to protect middle and high school students before they head back to class in the fall.
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.
Tommie-Johnnie football rivalry ends without final game
Although MIAC presidents allowed football programs to schedule up to four games or scrimmages this spring semester, a final Tommie-Johnnie game before St. Thomas moves to Division I will not take place this spring, as St. John’s decided to concentrate its efforts on preparing athletes to compete next fall. Reporter Luana Karl 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.
COVID-19 UPDATE: Nine COVID-19 cases reported after community vaccination event
Nine positive COVID-19 tests were reported to St. Thomas’ Center for Well-Being last week, a decrease of four from the previous week, and St. Thomas community members lined up beginning Friday to receive the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at McCarthy Gym. Justin Amaker, Casey Eakins and Lauren Dettmer have the story.
News in :90 – April 26, 2021
India set another record on Monday for new coronavirus infections at more than 350,000, and Chloé Zhao became the first woman of color to win best director with “Nomadland” Sunday at the 93rd Academy Awards. Studio and Podcast Producer Kayla Mayer has today’s News in :90.
News in :90 – April 23, 2021
Rising COVID-19 cases across Minnesota are especially affecting middle and high school students, and some places across the U.S., including counties in Iowa, are having to turn down COVID-19 shipments due to low interest. Senior Reporter Emily Haugen has today’s News in :90.