Olmsted County prepares for vaccine

Next in line until the shots become a nationwide surge in coronavirus cases is being felt right here.

With the arrival of a life saving vaccine just weeks away, olmsted county public health officials are urging all of us to continue doing the things that prevent the spread of the virus.

Kimt news 3's samantha soto joins us live with a look at the recommendatio ns.

Amy ?

"*?

"* i'm dowtown at pea plaza and as olmsted county continues to see an increase in covid?

"*19 cases, the county and med city are gearing up for the arrival of a precious vaccine.

Olmsted county is seeing a surge in covid?

"*19 cases.?

"* with 708 newly diagnosed cases just this week.

Public health officials say this is the highest weekly case count since early november.

Officials think that thanksgiving gatherings are likely to blame for the spike.

Once again, olmsted county public health is urging us all to be smart.

"covid again is in our community so it's still very important to continue to wear masks, wash hands frequesntly, cover cough/sneezes, and stay home from work."

There could be shipments of new vaccines within weeks.

Mayo clinic and olmsted county public health are out in front organizing vaccine distribution.

When the life?

"* saving vaccines arrive, olmsted county public health will join forces with olmsted medical center and mayo clinic to launch mass vaccination clinics.

"in h1n1, we could have long lines that went around rctc field house, couple of times, obviously with covid?

"*19 there are other things we need to work around."

And as cases spike in olmsted county, public health officials continue contact tracing to limit the spread of the virus.

Governor walz has declared today as "get covered day" here in minnesota ?

"*?

"* urgi many people as possible to get access to health insurance.

For those needing coverage, mn?

"* sure open enrollment period ends december 22nd.

Live in rochester, samantha soto, kimt news 3.

Thank you samantha.

Free covid?

"*19 testing is still being offered through olmsted county public health and mayo clinic?

"*?

"* free testing is offered at community health services, and at hy?

"*vee at crossrroads and west circle drive in rochester.