Friday, February 19, 2021
Minnesotans have received more than one million doses of COVID-19 vaccine, Governor Walz announced today. The state reported 1,016,210 doses had been administered as of today’s official report. The seven-day rolling average of doses administered is now 29,705, a pace that has accelerated since Governor Walz took action to increase the rate of vaccinations across the state.
“This is a milestone day. Minnesotans have received 1 million doses of these safe, effective, live-saving vaccines,” Governor Walz said. “Every time a Minnesotan gets their shot, they are protecting themselves and moving our entire state closer to ending this pandemic. We still need more vaccine from the federal government and we have a long road ahead, but we can truly see the light at the end of the tunnel.”
The Minnesota COVID-19 Vaccine Connector will help Minnesotans find out when, where, and how to get their shot
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 On Thursday, Governor Tim Walz announced the launch of the Minnesota COVID-19 Vaccine Connector, a tool that helps all Minnesotans find out when, where, and how to get their COVID-19 vaccine. The Vaccine Connector is the next step of the state’s vaccination strategy to meet Minnesotans where they are and connect them to vaccine opportunities, no matter where they live or their personal circumstances.
Minnesotans who have not yet been vaccinated are encouraged to sign up for the COVID-19 Vaccine Connector, regardless of their current vaccine eligibility status. There will be no cost and no restricted time period for signing up.
Minnesotans can sign up atmn.gov/vaccineconnector.Minnesotans unable to sign up online can call 833-431-2053 for assistance signing up over the phone. Translation is available by phone in all languages. Minnesotans can call the translation hotline at 833-431-2053 for assistance signing up over the phone.
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As hospitalizations and new COVID-19 cases decline and Minnesota makes progress vaccinating educators, Governor Walz this week updated Minnesota’s Safe Learning Plan to allow more middle and high school students to return the classroom. Beginning February 22, all middle and high school students can return to the classroom for hybrid or in-person learning. Governor Walz expects all schools to offer their students some form of in-person learning by March 8.
“It’s time for students to be back in the classroom,” Governor Walz said. “We aren’t out of the woods, but our relentless progress with vaccines and Minnesotans’ vigilance has put us closer than ever to the end of this pandemic. Our progress means we can get more students safely back into classrooms. As a parent and former teacher, I know how critical this step is for the economic security, well-being, and mental health of our kids and their families.”
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 Last week, Governor Walz visited Parkview Center School in Roseville to highlight the state’s first-in-the-nation testing program, which began just over one month ago. Since then, more than 96% of Minnesota’s school districts have signed up to participate. In addition, 41% of nonpublic schools and two out of four tribal schools are also participating. The current rate of transmission among educators is at 0.37 %.
“Getting our children safely back into the classroom continues to be a priority,”said Governor Tim Walz.“From the teachers, to the parents, to school staff, to the kids – we all share the same goal of a safe return to the classroom. Testing is key to that. The educator testing program ensures that all teachers and school staff have regular, easy access to testing to allow us to identify cases and take the appropriate steps before an outbreak occurs.”
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Governor Walz Orders Flags Flown at Half-Staff in Honor of Lives Lost to COVID-19
Governor Tim Walz has directed all flags at state and federal buildings in Minnesota to be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset today, Friday, February 19, 2021. He has directed flags to fly at half-staff on the 19th of every month to remember, mourn, and honor lives lost due to COVID-19.
“As we approach the one-year mark since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the lives lost due to COVID-19 and the grief of their loved ones weighs heavier on my heart now more than ever ,” said Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan. “ As Minnesotans, we come together to collectively mourn and support each other. We must remain vigilant in our efforts to protect our neighbors and loved ones as we work through these challenging times .”
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