More than 3 million Minnesotans have received at least 1 COVID-19 vaccine dose
Registered Pharmacist Ken Ramey with CVS, prepares to give a COVID-19 vaccine, Thursday, Jan. 21, 2021, at the Isles of Vero Beach assisted and independent senior living community in Vero Beach, Fla. A federal government study last fall found that an average of one death occurred among every five assisted living facility residents with COVID-19 in states that offered data. That compares with one death among every 40 people with the virus in the general population.[AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee]
On Wednesday, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz announced that more than 3 million Minnesotans have received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose. Since December, nearly all new cases and hospitalizations have happened in unvaccinated residents, according to a release.
This milestone comes as the state’s COVID-19 outlook continues to improve and the state reported its lowest number of cases and hospitalizations since the earliest weeks of the pandemic. In the last two days, the state reported fewer than 100 new cases in a day for the first time since April 2020.
"Our COVID-19 numbers are at their lowest since the earliest days of the pandemic and life is getting back to normal because Minnesotans rolled up their sleeves and the vaccines work," Walz said. "The vaccines are driving down cases and keeping Minnesotans out of the hospital. I am grateful for everyone who has gotten their shot and done their part to keep the virus from spreading — they are the reason we can safely gather together again, go out to eat at our favorite restaurants, hear live music, and cheer in the stadiums."
The state continues to encourage residents to get vaccinated. Minnesotans who receive their first dose between May 27 and June 30 are eligible for a free reward through the "Your Shot to Summer" campaign. All Minnesotans who have received at least one vaccine dose can get a free or discounted drink at establishments participating in the "Cheers to the Vaccine" campaign.