MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – The state of Minnesota released a new, more comprehensive COVID-19 vaccination board on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Minnesota health officials reported 1,335 more virus cases and 13 more deaths.
The board was produced by Minnesota IT Services (MNIT) and MDH. The control panel is designed to be easy to use with four tabs at the top that keep a close track.
“Today, Minnesota has launched its new COVID board on the state’s response website,” said MNIT Commissioner Tarek Tomes. “This board illuminates an important date to shape and promote the best possible results.”
From the summary that states that more than 144,000 people have received at least one dose of vaccine, to who gets vaccinated: 2.6% of Minnesota’s population right now. There is a county map showing Mahnomen and Olmstead County with the highest percentage of their populations receiving a shot.
The board provides more specific information on the administration and distribution of vaccination, how many doses have been sent to state health care providers (329,450) and how many total doses have been promised by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (541,100) .
“We are committed to making sure Minnesota people know what vaccine reaches our state and how many of our neighbors get their shots when it hits them,” Minnesota Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm said. “Transparency is a fundamental principle of our vaccine implementation. We are thrilled to provide Minnesotaers with this vital information as the light at the end of the tunnel becomes brighter. “
According to the board, more than 152,000 doses of vaccine have been administered in the state as of Jan. 9, and nearly 7,400 people have completed the two-shot vaccine series. The state has used about a third of its total doses.
“This board provides transparency in Minnesota and promotes confidence that doses of COVID-19 vaccine are constantly arriving in Minnesota, and the shots go into the arms of our health care workers and family and most vulnerable friends,” said MNIT Commissioner Tarek Tomes. “It will help the Minnesota people visualize our progress toward the end of this pandemic for good.”
The data show that the doses of vaccines administered have increased every week since mid-December. From the 4,677 doses administered during the week of December 13 to the 63,727 doses administered during the week of January 3. The data also show daily vaccine administrations.
(credit: State of Minnesota)
However, less than 0.1% of Minnesota people have completed the vaccine series and less than 3% have had at least one shot.
“COVID-19 vaccination data can be used to monitor vaccination coverage at the state and county levels and move toward national, state, and local coverage goals. The data can also help identify populations at risk and encourage action and public health policies aimed at increasing vaccination.Data cannot tell us why people are not vaccinated.Some people may not have access to the vaccine, and some may choose not to be vaccinated. it is possible that some people have received vaccines that are not registered in MIIC, such as those that were vaccinated in another state ”, can be read in a note on the board.
The site also shows that 13% of vaccinated people have been 65 or older, a lower percentage than in other states. It’s all part of the Phase 1A plan that Minnesota health officials are now expected to complete by the end of the month.
“In this first stage we gave priority to health workers and individuals in skilled nursing centers and in assisted living,” explained Kris Ehresmann, MDH’s director of epidemiology. “It simply came to our notice then. If we get 100 doses, we distribute 100.
The federal government is now directing states to vaccinate anyone 65 or older, but the directive is getting a lot of questions from the Minnesota Department of Health. There are still no additional doses to follow this plan.
As the number of coronavirus deaths approaches 400,000 nationwide, the Trump administration unexpectedly announced Tuesday that it will stop withholding the second dose of vaccine. This virtually doubles the supply. It’s the same approach that President-elect Joe Biden announced Monday.
The CDC says nearly nine million Americans have received the first doses of vaccine. This accounts for only a third of the more than 25 million doses distributed.
Click here to visit the board.
MDH publishes a daily update of COVID-19
Minnesota health officials reported 1,335 more virus cases and 13 more deaths on Tuesday.
With the daily update from the Minnesota Heatlth Department, the state is approaching close to the 440,000 COVID-19 cases reported in total since the pandemic began; 34,132 cases have been discovered among health workers. Some 418,610 people who contracted the virus have recovered enough not to have to isolate themselves from others.
The number of deaths in the state is now 5,724, and 3,660 of those deaths occur in long-term or assisted living facilities.
More than 29,000 COVID-19 tests were completed in 24 hours. So far more than 3 million people in the state have been tested.