Legislative Update - January 12, 2022

Dear Neighbors, 

I know it's been an anxious and difficult time as the Omicron variant spreads across our state. This isn’t where any of us hoped we’d be at this point in the pandemic, nor how any of us wanted to start a new year. I know this is a particularly stressful time for those of you who are immunocompromised, parents of children who are too young to be vaccinated, and all of the people impacted by rising COVID-19 cases. 

I’m especially grateful for the efforts of health care workers, care providers, teachers, and school employees who are dealing with tremendous and exhausting challenges and uncertainty. As a community we need to work together to try and ease the burden on these Minnesotans and our entire care system.

As we enter this next phase in the pandemic, I want to provide additional information about testing, vaccines, boosters, and masking that can help us all do our part to keep our neighbors and communities safe. 

COVID-19 Testing

With the Omicron variant, demand for testing is increasing, and I wanted to provide some resources to help access tests. Since appointments at some COVID-19 testing sites are limited or unavailable at the moment, I’m resharing information that could help folks find a provider nearby. Information about clinics and community testing sites is available here. You can also check out the state’s free at-home testing program. 

COVID-19 Vaccines and Booster Shots

According to the CDC, everyone who is 12 years old or older should get a booster shot once they are eligible. Minnesotans who got a Pfizer or Moderna vaccine can get a booster shot five months after they complete the initial series. Those who got a Johnson & Johnson vaccine can get a booster two months later. You can view a list of vaccine providers here.

Mask and Vaccine Mandates in Minneapolis

As you may have heard, the City of Minneapolis recently reinstated an indoor mask mandate. Visitors and employees are required to wear masks in most public indoor spaces, including schools, bars and restaurants, stores, and recreational facilities. 

Elected officials announced today that Minneapolis will require people to show proof of vaccination or a recent negative COVID-19 test before they enter restaurants, bars, and other entertainment venues. This restriction will take effect on Wednesday, January 19. A vaccine mandate for ticketed events will take effect on Wednesday, January 26.

Standing Up for Our Democracy

Finally, I’d like to share something Senator Lindsey Port and I wrote for the one-year anniversary of the violent attack on our nation’s Capitol. We shared our thoughts on significant, ongoing threats to our democracy and what we can and must do to defend and strengthen the right to vote. MinnPost published our op-ed late last week. You can read it here.

I wish you and your loved ones the best as we weather another challenging winter together. Please stay in touch and let me know if I can ever be of assistance. 

Sincerely, 

Emma Greenman
State Representative