Coronavirus Information
All Minnesotans aged 12 and up are eligible to receive a free vaccine for COVID-19.
All Minnesotans are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated when able. Vaccines protect you and can help protect those around you by minimizing viral spread. Vaccines are distributed through hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, and at special vaccination events.
While COVID-19 is circulating, the CDC recommends that all individuals aged 2 and up who are not yet fully vaccinated against COVID-19 practice social distancing, wash hands frequently, and wear masks that cover the mouth and nose when in public to slow the spread of this disease. Click here for the latest CDC recommendations. Masks are still required in Minnesota school buildings. Masks are also required by all individuals on public transportation, in healthcare settings, and in some businesses.
Coronavirus disease 2019, or COVID-19, is a novel, or newly-discovered, coronavirus that was identified in humans in 2019. There are a lot of coronaviruses, and they cause about a third of the cases of what we call the common cold. Coronaviruses often cause upper respiratory tract illnesses, and they’re found in humans and animals.
COVID-19 produces symptoms similar to other, more common illnesses, many of which are in our community. Symptoms are sometimes mild or moderate but can also be life-threatening, especially for older people and those with compromised immune systems. Long-term effects for survivors are not yet known. Because this is a new virus in humans, we’re still learning about it. The situation and our understanding of it is changing constantly. Variants of COVID-19 have also emerged, which can complicate the situation.
Click here to read the latest update on library services. (5/14/2021)