Dear Neighbors,
COVID-19 cases are rising at an alarming rate across the state with the positivity rate now over 10%, the highest in the nation and the highest we’ve seen since last fall. Hospitals are reaching their capacity and we are seeing increased breakthrough cases.
What We Can Do
I got my booster two weeks ago! I encourage you to get yours too.
Booster shots are now available and in order to have better protection you should get one when you are eligible. If you have initially received the Johnson & Johnson you should get a booster shot 2 months after your first shot; if you received the Pfizer or Moderna shots, you should get your booster 6 months after your second vaccine. Find a booster here. Remember, if you feel sick, stay home, and if you are concerned that it may be COVID-19, get tested. You can find testing locations here, and you can find your vaccination here.
Vaccination Incentives
Governor Walz announced a list of Minnesota experiences that will be awarded to weekly drawing winners of the ‘Kids Deserve a Shot’ vaccine incentives campaign. These are designed to encourage 12-17 year olds to roll up their sleeves and get fully vaccinated. Some of the incentives include:
- $200 Visa gift card
- Tickets to several events and activities across the state
- Five drawings for $100,000 Minnesota college scholarships
Parents or guardians must enter their 12-17 year old after they have received their second vaccine by November 30. Minnesota experiences will be divided up and drawn across all five drawing weeks from November 19 — December 17. You can refer to the official drawing rules online to see which experiences will be drawn each week.
Get Tested Regularly
It is recommended that students who are in school get tested on a regular basis, as well as people with jobs or other risk factors that expose them to more possibilities of getting COVID-19. Free community testing is available throughout the state, with both rapid and PCR options. You can find a location here.
COVID-19 vaccine is now recommended for children aged 5 to 11!
This is good news for Minnesota families. Vaccination is the best way to protect your child and the people around them. It has been shown to be safe and effective. The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for 5- to 11-year-olds will be arriving at vaccination locations across the state in the coming days. Learn more about the vaccine and find a vaccination location near you. My kids fall into this age group and they have already been vaccinated, I’m happy to know they have this extra layer of protection!
Mask Up!
Masks remain an important tool to keep ourselves and our neighbors safe, especially when interacting with people who are unvaccinated or who are at higher risk of contracting covid or becoming seriously ill. Together we can slow the spread if we use the tools we have to fight this virus.
Stay in Touch
As always, please don’t hesitate to contact me if I can be of assistance or if you have questions or feedback that you’d like to share. You can follow me on Facebook and you can reach me by email at rep.jamie.becker-finn@house.mn or by phone at 651-296-7153.
Sincerely,
Jamie Becker-Finn
State Representative