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Dear Neighbors, 

Happy Inauguration Day!

I am honored to continue to represent you in district 60B for the 2021 Legislative Session. While we overcome the COVID-19 crisis, welcome a new administration, hold those responsible for the attack on our capital and democratic process, and create a better Minnesota, I urge you all to stay in touch with me through e-mail, and stay engaged in the decisions that effect all of our daily lives.

I hope you were able to safely celebrate this Martin Luther King day in service, and reflection. It is important to remember the authentic and honest values that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. lived by, from his influential words, sense of justice, and strategic organization, leading the way for progress that benefits us all today. We must carry his strength, drive and passion in the work that has yet to be done about racial justice in our community. Let's carry his vision forward, together. 

"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of convenience and comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy."  Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Priorities for the 2021 Session 

This week, my colleagues and I in the House, announced our first priorities for the session. We will work to introduce and implement legislation that will provide assistance to Minnesotans impacted by COVID-19, strengthen worker protections, better support people experiencing houselessness, support our education system, and ensure affordable child care is available to those who need it. 

COVID-19 Vaccine Update: January 19, 2021

Minnesotans eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine will be able to sign up for appointments at one of the state’s nine community vaccination pilot clinics through a new website and call center launched today by the State of Minnesota. The clinics will initially serve adults age 65 and older, as well as pre-kindergarten through grade 12 educators, staff, and child care workers.

The state continues to vaccinate the health care workers and assisted-living residents and staff in phase 1a and is on track to having provided at least one shot to all 500,000 Minnesotans in that group before the end of the month.

Minnesotans Age 65 and Older

Minnesotans age 65 and older can make appointments by visiting mn.gov/vaccine or by calling 612-426-7230 or toll free, 1-833-431-2053. Minnesotans should attempt to make an appointment online before dialing the call center. Minnesotans who cannot immediately make an appointment may be able to sign up for a waitlist.

Available appointments will refresh every Tuesday at noon. Minnesotans will have the opportunity to schedule appointments for both their first and second doses of vaccine.

Educators, School Staff, and Child Care Workers

Educators and child care providers, with few exceptions, will work directly with their employer to receive instructions on how to secure a vaccination appointment and should not try to schedule an appointment unless their employer has contacted them with information about their appointment.

Due to the very limited supply of vaccine, appointments are not open to all workers in these sectors in the pilot program. The limited vaccine doses have been allocated to regions associated with schools and based on a percentage of the workforce in child care and education. School districts, charter schools, tribal schools, and nonpublic school associations will select who participates in the pilot.

Child care programs will be randomly selected and notified to secure an appointment through the state-sponsored pilot sites.

Loosened COVID Restrictions Now In Place

Thanks to our combined efforts of adhering to public health guidelines, COVID cases are are on a downward trajectory in Minnesota. In response, Governor Walz has loosened restrictions on bars, restaurants, gyms, and other venues and gatherings - which are now in place.

The changes include the following:

• Indoor dining at bars and restaurants can open at 50 percent capacity, with a maximum of 150 people. Parties of no more than six people must remain six feet from other parties; bar seating is open to parties of two (this is not the case in Minneapolis); reservations are required; and establishments must close dine-in service by 10 p.m.
• Gym capacity remains capped at 25 percent but maximum capacity increases to 150 and classes can increase to 25 people, assuming distancing can be observed. Machines and people must maintain 9 feet of distance. Face coverings are required.
• Outdoor events and entertainment continue at 25 percent capacity, but maximum capacity increases to 250 people. Social distancing is required.
• Indoor events and entertainment – like bowling alleys, movie theaters, and museums – may open at 25 percent, with no more than 150 people in each area of the venue. Face coverings are required, and they may not offer food service after 10 p.m.
• Youth and adult organized sports have resumed practice as of January 4 and games resume January 14 with spectators, following the appropriate capacity limits for indoor or outdoor venues. Inter-region tournaments and out of state play are discouraged.
• Places of worship remain open at 50% capacity but without an overall maximum capacity.

While this is helpful for our local businesses, it remains incredibly important that we continue to social distance, wash our hands, wear a mask, and get tested. 

Town Hall: Saturday, January 16th, 2021

If you missed last Saturday's town hall event in coordination with Sen. Kari Dziedzic, and Rep. Sydney Jordan on the 2021 Legislative Session updates, you can find a recorded video from our live event here.

The next town hall on the calendar will be on Tuesday, January 26th. More details coming soon!

Like my official Facebook page for future events, town halls, and informational updates throughout this Legislative Session. 

Thank you for the honor of representing our district 60B residents and families in the Minnesota House! Please reach out with any questions or concerns you may have about the state of our legislature.

Sincerely,

Mohamud Noor

State Representative