Mankato-As organizations prepare to reopen on June 1 as allowed under Minnesota's executive orders, it's recommended to refresh water systems as a result of temporary closures and decreased water usage. Freshwater should be drawn into a building's water systems and stagnant water flushed out following guidelines from the American Water Works Association and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Doing so can help prevent stagnant water, which can result in discolored water, lower chlorine levels, and higher concentrations of lead/copper and possible development of Legionella. "We encourage businesses to review guidelines and prepare their water systems prior to opening their doors for safety and to [...]

WASHINGTON – Congressman Jim Hagedorn (MN-01), a member of the House Committee on Agriculture, today introduced legislation titled the “Livestock Producer Assistance for COVID-19 Damages Act." Hagedorn’s bill expands the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey Bees, and Farm Raised Catfish Program (ELAP) to provide indemnity payments for farmers and producers who were not able to market livestock due to packing plant closures or reduced operations beginning on April 19, 2020. The bill also provides appropriations and specific guidance as to how the funds will be used. "The ongoing pandemic and disruption to livestock markets has quickly [...]

The American Red Cross has an urgent need for blood donations as hospitals resume non-urgent and elective procedures, increasing the demand for blood products. Blood donors are urgently needed to make donation appointments to prevent another shortage like the one that occurred at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March. The Red Cross is thanking those who step up to help: Now through May 31: Those who come to give will receive a free We’re All in This Together Red Cross T-shirt, by mail, while supplies last. June 1-30: Those who come to give will receive a $5 Amazon.com Gift [...]

The Business on Belgrade Board today is announcing the cancellation of Blues on Belgrade 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  The safety and health of our community, volunteers, and all who are involved with making this a successful event are our top priority.  We are taking into consideration the uncertainty of this pandemic and the social distancing guidelines, and feel it is best to cancel Blues on Belgrade 2020. We will monitor the pandemic and reassess the status of our community late summer to determine if Bier on Belgrade will safely be able to happen this year.  Blues on Belgrade is [...]

Spring Drop-Off The City of North Mankato and West Central Sanitation have arranged a spring drop-off at 610 Webster Avenue to take place Wednesday, May 27th - Sunday, May 31st between 7:00am- 5:00pm each day. The change is to protect residents and City staff from the COVID-19 virus by practicing social distancing:  A gate attendant will monitor the number of entrants into the site, please be prepared to show proof of North Mankato residency. The gate attendant and posted signage will direct citizens where to dump respective items.  Residents are asked to unload their own items and exit to allow for [...]

Situation Update for COVID-19 Subscribe: COVID-19 updates Sign up to receive email or mobile alerts when this data is updated, as well as other periodic COVID-19 updates. Updated May 26, 2020 Updated daily at 11 a.m., with data current as of 4 p.m. the previous day. Data is for cases that were tested and returned positive. All data are preliminary and may change as cases are investigated. Many data points are collected during case interviews. Data presented below are for all cases, regardless of interview status. Data for cases pending interview may be listed as “unknown/missing”. Not all suspected cases of [...]

Minnesota News Connection May 26, 2020 Despite Victory, MN Smoking Prevention Efforts Continue Mike Moen ST. PAUL, Minn. -- The people behind Minnesota's smoking prevention efforts say they won't let up, even though they've seen a major victory this legislative session. The signing of the Tobacco 21 bill by Gov. Tim Walz came nearly two weeks ago, as lawmakers debated other matters related to the coronavirus pandemic. The law, which raises the state's tobacco-buying age to 21, was seen as a top priority before the pandemic. Laura Smith, senior public affairs manager for ClearWay Minnesota, says the anti-tobacco group is happy leaders still [...]

Two new deaths are reported from COVID in Nicollet County. MDH says one is a person aged 80-89 and the other is someone aged 90-99. Nicollet County now has 5 reported deaths and 69 cases of COVID. Blue Earth County has 1 death.

Situation Update for COVID-19 Subscribe: COVID-19 updates Sign up to receive email or mobile alerts when this data is updated, as well as other periodic COVID-19 updates. Updated May 25, 2020 Updated daily at 11 a.m., with data current as of 4 p.m. the previous day. Data is for cases that were tested and returned positive. All data are preliminary and may change as cases are investigated. Many data points are collected during case interviews. Data presented below are for all cases, regardless of interview status. Data for cases pending interview may be listed as “unknown/missing”. Not all suspected cases of [...]