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As you know, access to timely emergency medical services has been a key focus of mine, even before the onset of COVID-19. With EMS shortages apparent in some areas of the United States, I am committed to making sure we have these services Minnesotans need and rely on, especially in rural parts of our state. I’m pleased to share my legislation that aims to do this by first establishing a statewide EMS taskforce, has a public hearing scheduled in the Health Finance and Policy Committee for next Monday. This task force will help us identify what the needs are in EMS and how we as the legislature can help.
Minnesota Department of Health launches new tool to track vaccine progress
As you may have heard last week, after a significant shift in the federal guidance on vaccine distribution earlier this week, MDH informed hospitals and other vaccination partners that they can provide vaccines to broader categories of Minnesotans, including those 65 years of age and older. However, this directive is still limited in scope because it only applies to the leftover doses that providers may have available after vaccinating front-line health care workers. In addition, it is hampered by the fact that it now appears that the federal government does not have the additional allocation that was promised to the states.
I continue to monitor the situation and will keep you posted on the state’s progress.
Additionally, our state launched a public vaccine data dashboard to detail the progress of COVID-19 vaccine allocation, distribution, and administration across Minnesota. It provides a visual and user-friendly way to view key vaccination data for our state. The dashboard includes information on the number of doses promised (allocated) to the state by the federal government; shipped to Minnesota providers; and administered to Minnesotans. The dashboard will be updated daily at 11:00 a.m.
ZOO UPDATE
The Zoo is open! The Zoo has reopened both their indoor and outdoor trails in alignment with current public health and safety precautions in place.
Whether you're looking to warm up in the Tropics or marvel at the wonder of winter along the Northern Trail, our Minnesota Zoo is a wonderful place to reconnect with the beauty of animals and nature.
The Zoo is open daily, from 10 am - 4 pm. Additionally, members have access to a special members-only hour each day at 9 am to "Wake Up with the Zoo." Online reservations are required in advance.
Family Safari Update: Our members-only Family Safari program will remain virtual every Monday through the month of January. Spots to our virtual Family Safari are limited to 40 member families per session. Click here to learn more and RSVP for the next Family Safari.
Keep in Touch
Please contact me anytime to share input, ideas or any questions you may have. I can be reached at rep.john.huot@house.mn or 651-296-4306. Don’t hesitate to let me know how I can be of assistance.
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Stay safe and have a great rest of the week.
Sincerely,
John
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