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1.8 million Minnesotans are newly eligible to receive a vaccine, including:
- People with certain underlying conditions, including sickle cell disease, Down Syndrome, and oxygen-dependent chronic lung or heart conditions, and those who are in active cancer treatment or immunocompromised from organ transplant
- People with rare conditions or disabilities that put them at higher risk
- Food processing plant workers
These groups will receive priority, but providers may offer available appointments to others who are eligible, including Minnesotans from the next tier:
- People 45 or older with one or more of the underlying medical conditions identified by the CDC
- People 16 or older with two or more of the underlying conditions
- People 50 or older in multi-generational housing
- Essential frontline workers, including airport staff, child care workers who weren’t previously eligible, first responders, judicial system workers, public health workers, U.S. Postal Service workers, and those who work in agriculture; correctional settings; food production, retail, or service; manufacturing; and public transit
More details about eligibility are available here. I encourage you to sign up for the COVID-19 Vaccine Connector if you haven’t already. 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.
New Guidelines for Businesses and Gathering
This increase in vaccinations is good news for the fight against COVID, and as more at-risk Minnesotans become fully vaccinated, guidelines for businesses and gatherings can be safely altered. Since Monday, capacity has increased for restaurants, gyms, venues, and celebrations - for many the closest “return to normal” since the onset of the virus in our state last year.
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