Weeks Ahead of Schedule, Minnesota’s Hospitality Workers Are Next in Line for Vaccines

Many of Minnesota’s food workers are next in line for the COVID-19 vaccine. In a press conference this morning, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is expected to announce that the state is moving faster than expected in vaccinating the public. People under the next two tiers of eligibility will likely be able to access vaccination appointments very soon. The expansion comes as the state nears its initial goal of vaccinating 70 percent of the population 65 and older. That objective is expected to be reached by Wednesday of this week.

Within these two tiers of eligibility are meat processing plant workers, who have been at high risk for COVID-19. These workers will be giving first priority. Second priority includes agricultural workers, airport staff, food production workers, food retail workers, and food service workers. The state has urged providers to prioritize those who are at the greatest risk.

Original expectations had these workers targeted for vaccination in April and May.

Members of the general population with no underlying health concerns or heightened exposure levels can expect to be able to get shots this summer, according to the state.

The state also released a new graphic detailing eligibility and urged Minnesotans to sign up for the Vaccine Connector, a questionnaire that will notify individuals when appointments are available.

Minnesota Health Department [Official]

• CDC Observes Link Between COVID-19 Spikes and Dining Out [E]
• Weeks Ahead of Schedule, COVID Vaccine Rollout Expanding to Include 1.8 Million More Minnesotas [WCCO]
• Latest on COVID-19 in MN: State expands vaccine eligibility [MPR]
• Minnesota Aims to Vaccinate Food Service Workers in Late Spring [ETC]