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Axios Twin Cities

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Six holiday markets in the Twin Cities to shop this season

Dozens of pop-up holidays shopping events feature local makers and plenty of festive fun.

Things to Do

Minnesota panel selects six finalists for state flag redesign

Submissions featuring the state bird failed to make the cut.

News

Billion-dollar storms are getting more frequent in Minnesota

Hail and drought are the main causes of damage.

Climate

The best Christmas light displays in the Twin Cities

Put on winter gear and grab the hot chocolate.

Updated COVID-19 vaccines set to come to Minnesota

Recent data suggests demand won't be high.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Updated COVID-19 vaccines" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/08/22/covid-booster-variants-weeks" data-vars-content-id="5bf87d6e-f7df-4ee2-a237-2b7e5cbf2b85" data-vars-headline="Updated COVID-19 vaccines set to come to Minnesota" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/08/22/covid-booster-variants-weeks" target="_self">Updated COVID-19 vaccines</a> meant to target more recent strains of the virus will soon hit arms in Minnesota. Driving the news: A new CDC recommendation that updated COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna be given to anyone ages 6 months and older clears the way for reformulated shots to be available later this week.

Minnesota COVID levels, hospitalizations rise

Yes, but: Levels remain far below previous peaks.

COVID

COVID-19 levels are creeping up in Minnesota once again, though they remain far below previous peaks. What&#x27;s happening: Wastewater analysis in the Twin Cities showed an average 31% increase in the virus&#x27; presence last week.

Going to the doctor in Minnesota? A mask is probably optional

Face coverings may still be required in some high-risk patient settings.

Minnesota&#x27;s major health care systems are no longer requiring masks for most staff, patients and visitors. Driving the news: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Allina" data-vars-click-url="https://www.allinahealth.org/coronavirus-covid-19" data-vars-content-id="6b3b7d10-8619-485f-b414-1f13e983227a" data-vars-headline="Going to the doctor in Minnesota? A mask is probably optional" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.allinahealth.org/coronavirus-covid-19" target="_blank">Allina</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="M Health Fairview" data-vars-click-url="https://mhealthfairview.org/blog/Covid-19-Visitor-Restrictions-Hospitals-And-Clinics" data-vars-content-id="6b3b7d10-8619-485f-b414-1f13e983227a" data-vars-headline="Going to the doctor in Minnesota? A mask is probably optional" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://mhealthfairview.org/blog/Covid-19-Visitor-Restrictions-Hospitals-And-Clinics" target="_blank">M Health Fairview</a> last week joined the growing list of providers lifting mandates that had been in place since the onset of the pandemic.

Illustration of a mask with the word "exit" punched out to look like an exit sign.

What we know about the XBB.1.5 COVID subvariant in the Twin Cities

Holiday gatherings and travel have yet to lead to a fresh wave of cases.

A new Omicron subvariant is spreading rapidly throughout the nation, but has yet to set off a new wave of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="COVID cases" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/health/coronavirus" data-vars-content-id="798fefc1-7fae-4107-8edc-257ffe3343a3" data-vars-headline="What we know about the XBB.1.5 COVID subvariant in the Twin Cities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/health/coronavirus" target="_self">COVID cases</a> in the Twin Cities — and experts aren&#x27;t sure if it ever will.The big picture: The variant, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="known as XBB.1.5" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/12/31/xbb15-covid-variant-symptoms-new-england-omicron" data-vars-content-id="798fefc1-7fae-4107-8edc-257ffe3343a3" data-vars-headline="What we know about the XBB.1.5 COVID subvariant in the Twin Cities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/12/31/xbb15-covid-variant-symptoms-new-england-omicron" target="_self">known as XBB.1.5</a>, is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="believed to be" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cnn.com/2023/01/04/health/public-health-concerned-xbb/index.html" data-vars-content-id="798fefc1-7fae-4107-8edc-257ffe3343a3" data-vars-headline="What we know about the XBB.1.5 COVID subvariant in the Twin Cities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cnn.com/2023/01/04/health/public-health-concerned-xbb/index.html" target="_blank">believed to be</a> the most transmissible form of Omicron to date. Health experts say it&#x27;s to blame for a recent <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="surge in cases in the Northeast U.S." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/01/07/xbb15-covid-variant-omicron-case-numbers" data-vars-content-id="798fefc1-7fae-4107-8edc-257ffe3343a3" data-vars-headline="What we know about the XBB.1.5 COVID subvariant in the Twin Cities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/01/07/xbb15-covid-variant-omicron-case-numbers" target="_self">surge in cases in the Northeast U.S.</a>

Chart du jour: Twin Cities COVID levels creep up

Yes, but: The caseloads remain far below previous spikes.

COVID levels are creeping up in the Twin Cities, per <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Met Council&#x27;s latest wastewater data dump. " data-vars-click-url="https://metrocouncil.org/Wastewater-Water/Services/Wastewater-Treatment/COVID19-Research.aspx" data-vars-content-id="6b652f6e-0cca-4809-82bf-56c71361dfbf" data-vars-headline="Chart du jour: Twin Cities COVID levels creep up" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://metrocouncil.org/Wastewater-Water/Services/Wastewater-Treatment/COVID19-Research.aspx" target="_blank">Met Council&#x27;s latest wastewater data dump. </a>Why it matters: A &quot;tripledemic&quot; of flu, RSV and COVID is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="already straining " data-vars-click-url="https://www.twincities.com/2022/11/19/covid-flu-rsv-mn-hopitals-waits-emergency-rooms/" data-vars-content-id="6b652f6e-0cca-4809-82bf-56c71361dfbf" data-vars-headline="Chart du jour: Twin Cities COVID levels creep up" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.twincities.com/2022/11/19/covid-flu-rsv-mn-hopitals-waits-emergency-rooms/" target="_blank">already straining </a>local hospitals. Driving the news: The total viral load detected at the metro plant increased by 24% in the week ending Nov. 21, compared to the previous week.

Minnesota to send $487 payments to 1 million pandemic frontline workers

High demand for the program meant smaller payments for approved applicants.

More than 1 million Minnesotans who worked frontline jobs at the onset of the pandemic are finally getting their &quot;hero&quot; pay. The big picture: The $487 bonuses, set to go out starting Wednesday, are smaller than the $750 lawmakers envisioned when they approved the program.

Illustration of an origami heart made from paper money.

Boosters, anyone? Demand for Omicron shot off to a slow start in Minnesota

Just under 165,000 Minnesotans have received a dose of the updated vaccines since they were rolled out earlier this month.

Demand for Omicron boosters in Minnesota is off to a tepid start. The big picture: Just over 197,000 Minnesotans have received a dose of the updated boosters, called bivalent vaccines, since they rolled out earlier this month, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="state data shows" data-vars-click-url="https://mn.gov/covid19/vaccine/data/index.jsp" data-vars-content-id="064be42d-ff4d-470b-9e77-ca241d4f25b3" data-vars-headline="Boosters, anyone? Demand for Omicron shot off to a slow start in Minnesota" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://mn.gov/covid19/vaccine/data/index.jsp" target="_blank">state data shows</a>.

Illustration of a turtle carrying a vial of liquid

FDA authorization paves way for Omicron boosters in Minnesota

It's not clear how many residents will seek another dose.

Omicron boosters are coming soon to the Twin Cities.What&#x27;s happening: Yesterday, the FDA authorized <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="updated COVID-19 vaccines" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/08/28/coronavirus-omicron-booster-vaccines-fda" data-vars-content-id="964db519-2a7d-4f09-a68b-b7c76fb66180" data-vars-headline="FDA authorization paves way for Omicron boosters in Minnesota" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/08/28/coronavirus-omicron-booster-vaccines-fda" target="_self">updated COVID-19 vaccines</a> from Pfizer and Moderna that are tailored to target the current dominant strain. <ul><li>Assuming a key CDC advisory committee gives a green light this week, the shots are expected to be available after Labor Day. </li></ul>The big picture: Health experts say the shots could provide extra protection from serious illness heading into the fall, but it&#x27;s unclear how many people will actually seek another dose. Between the lines: The reformulated mRNA shots got regulators&#x27; blessing without human testing, as the Biden administration prioritizes speed over having all the data on how the vaccines work in real life, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Axios&#x27; Tina Reed reports" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/08/28/coronavirus-omicron-booster-vaccines-fda" data-vars-content-id="964db519-2a7d-4f09-a68b-b7c76fb66180" data-vars-headline="FDA authorization paves way for Omicron boosters in Minnesota" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/08/28/coronavirus-omicron-booster-vaccines-fda" target="_self">Axios&#x27; Tina Reed reports</a>.<ul><li>While experts say the boosters are safe, some warn that this approach risks dampening enthusiasm for the shot.</li></ul>Zoom in: So far, interest in booster shots has been higher in Minnesota than in many parts of the country. <ul><li>About two thirds of vaccinated Minnesotans — about 2.4 million residents — have already had a booster, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="state data shows" data-vars-click-url="https://mn.gov/covid19/vaccine/data/index.jsp" data-vars-content-id="964db519-2a7d-4f09-a68b-b7c76fb66180" data-vars-headline="FDA authorization paves way for Omicron boosters in Minnesota" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://mn.gov/covid19/vaccine/data/index.jsp" target="_blank">state data shows</a>. Nationally, the booster rate is less than 50%. </li></ul>Yes, but: Booster adoption in the state is much higher among older cohorts. It drops to 55% for those under 49. Who&#x27;s eligible: Moderna&#x27;s booster will be available for fully vaccinated people over age 18, while Pfizer&#x27;s is for age 12 and older.What to watch: State health officials told Axios they will have more details and a timeline on when to expect the shots once &quot;CDC guidance and operational plans are confirmed.&quot;Editor&#x27;s note: This story has been corrected to show that Moderna&#x27;s booster (not Pfizer&#x27;s) will be for people over age 18, while Pfizer&#x27;s (not Moderna&#x27;s) will be available for age 12 and older.

Illustration of a person's arm with multiple bandaids on it. 

Most Minnesota kids have contracted COVID, CDC survey says

The state estimate is slightly higher than the national average.

An estimated eight in 10 Minnesota kids have already been infected with COVID-19, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new CDC data shows" data-vars-click-url="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#pediatric-seroprevalence" data-vars-content-id="1559a537-dda5-405b-83c6-4c476a90239e" data-vars-headline="Most Minnesota kids have contracted COVID, CDC survey says" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#pediatric-seroprevalence" target="_blank">new CDC data shows</a>.Driving the news: The CDC released the results of its latest pediatric antibody seroprevalence survey last week.

One in four Minnesotans have the new COVID shot, per the CDC

The state has one of the nation's highest rates of booster adoption.

Health

One in four Minnesotans are up to date on their <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="COVID-19 boosters" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/09/14/minnesota-covid-booster-shot-new-strain-fall" data-vars-content-id="d112a34a-7d7b-441f-8539-74de4b9930e2" data-vars-headline="One in four Minnesotans have the new COVID shot, per the CDC" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/09/14/minnesota-covid-booster-shot-new-strain-fall" target="_self">COVID-19 boosters</a>, according to the latest CDC <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="survey data" data-vars-click-url="https://link.axios.com/click/33530963.33395/aHR0cHM6Ly9kYXRhLmNkYy5nb3YvVmFjY2luYXRpb25zL0N1bXVsYXRpdmUtUGVyY2VudGFnZS1vZi1BZHVsdHMtMTgtWWVhcnMtYW5kLU9sZGVyL2htMzUtcWtpdT91dG1fc291cmNlPW5ld3NsZXR0ZXImdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249bmV3c2xldHRlcl9heGlvc3ZpdGFscyZzdHJlYW09dG9w/5fd7c3fdd0d88c568cc48c70Be37b18d8" data-vars-content-id="d112a34a-7d7b-441f-8539-74de4b9930e2" data-vars-headline="One in four Minnesotans have the new COVID shot, per the CDC" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://link.axios.com/click/33530963.33395/aHR0cHM6Ly9kYXRhLmNkYy5nb3YvVmFjY2luYXRpb25zL0N1bXVsYXRpdmUtUGVyY2VudGFnZS1vZi1BZHVsdHMtMTgtWWVhcnMtYW5kLU9sZGVyL2htMzUtcWtpdT91dG1fc291cmNlPW5ld3NsZXR0ZXImdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249bmV3c2xldHRlcl9heGlvc3ZpdGFscyZzdHJlYW09dG9w/5fd7c3fdd0d88c568cc48c70Be37b18d8" target="_blank">survey data</a>.The big picture: The share of Minnesotans who have received the new shot has fallen dramatically since earlier in the pandemic. But the state&#x27;s numbers are currently well above rates across most of the country.

COVID 🦠