UPDATE: New Public Health Guidance & Vaccine Update

Dear Neighbors,

More than 1.8 million Minnesotans are now eligible to receive their COVID-19 vaccine, per news released by Governor Walz early this week. Our state has hit our goal of vaccinating 70% of Minnesotans 65 and older, which has allowed an expansion of eligibility to the following groups:

• Minnesotans with specific underlying health conditions: Sickle cell disease, Down syndrome, those in cancer treatment or immunocompromised from organ transplant, oxygen-dependent chronic lung and heart conditions (COPD & CHF)
• Targeted essential workers: Food processing plant workers
• Minnesotans with rare conditions or disabilities that put them at higher risk of severe illness

Also eligible are those from the next tier including:

• Minnesotans age 45 years and older with one or more underlying medical conditions identified by the CDC
• Minnesotans age 16 years and older with two or more underlying medical conditions*
• Minnesotans age 50 years and older in multi-generational housing
• Essential frontline workers: Agricultural, airport staff, additional child care workers not previously eligible, correctional settings, first responders, food production, food retail, food service, judicial system workers, manufacturing, public health workers, public transit, and U.S. Postal Service workers

If you haven’t yet, I encourage you to sign up for the COVID-19 Vaccine Connector to get regular updates on vaccine availability and eligibility. In some cases, your employer will have more information on vaccine availability, and it’s a good idea to be in touch with your health care provider, too. Vaccine supplies from the federal government are increasing, and today represents one more step toward the end of this pandemic.

Dakota County Public Health

Last Friday, Dakota County Public Health announced they are now accepting appointments to vaccinate eligible Dakota County residents. You can view the vaccine sites within the county and schedule yours online here.

To schedule an appointment by phone or to receive more information on who Dakota County Public Health is vaccinating, call 952-891-7834. This phone number is staffed Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Testing

Testing, coupled with vaccinations, remains an important component to combatting the virus. If you’re not feeling well, or even if you think you may have been somewhere you could have been exposed, getting a test is free and easy. Dakota County’s COVID-19 testing website has saliva, nasal or at-home options listed, in addition to links for signing up for appointments. Every effort we make now will help us close this public health crisis chapter faster.

New Public Health Guidance

With vaccine administration numbers exceeding goals, and case numbers gradually declining, new public health guidance for indoor gatherings was been announced today. The dials are turning and here’s what’s new:

Survey Reminder

This is a friendly reminder to take a few minutes to fill out my 2021 legislative survey. We’re approaching the halfway point in the legislative session, and I am grateful for your perspectives on the issues facing our community and state. Thanks in advance!

Keep in Touch

Please continue to reach out anytime with questions or feedback at rep.john.huot@house.mn or 651-296-4306. Your input is important. I appreciate the opportunity to represent our Apple Valley, Rosemount, and Coates neighbors at the State Capitol.

Have a great weekend,

John