Dear Neighbor,
St. Cloud’s Department of Vehicle Services site is one of 15 locations statewide that will be open on Saturdays through March 27 in order to help thousands of people who were granted driver’s license renewal extensions due to the COVID-19 pandemic complete the task.
About 200,000 Minnesotans have regular Class D driver’s licenses that expired during the pandemic and need to get them renewed before the end of March. The commercial driver’s license deadline to renew is Feb. 28. It will take time to process these licenses, so people are urged to take care of this soon. Click here for more.
In other news, the governor announced a plan this week that would help get more middle and high school students back in the classroom. While we agree there is a need to safely reopen our schools as quickly as possible, schools in our area already are in the process of re-opening. They are doing a good job and the governor’s announcement didn’t really seem to move the needle.
In general, it is good to see the trend toward more classrooms opening. The impacts school closures have had on students’ mental health, social wellbeing, and academic achievement have been well-documented. The long-term consequences are reason for concern and highlight the importance of getting back to school.
Finally, the Minnesota Department of Health has announced a new tool is available for all Minnesotans to sign up to receive an alert when there is a vaccine available to them – regardless if they are currently eligible to receive one.
The “Vaccine Connector” is a tool for all Minnesotans who have not yet been vaccinated – the Vaccine Connector will notify you when it’s your turn for a shot.
You don’t need to sign up if:
- You have already received your COVID-19 vaccine.
- You previously registered for our COVID-19 Vaccine Pilot Program or the COVID-19 Community Vaccination Program.
- You completed the Minnesota COVID-19 Vaccine Education and Child Care survey.
The Minnesota COVID-19 Vaccine Connector will get you information about when, where, and how you can get the vaccine. It’s important to note that if you are eligible to get vaccinated right now, you do not have to wait for information from the Minnesota COVID-19 Vaccine Connector before you get your shot. If your health care provider or employer contacts you about making an appointment, or if you have another opportunity to get vaccinated, you can and should do that. Click here for more on this new tool.
Have a good weekend and enjoy the balmy weather that’s in the forecast.
Sincerely,
Paul