Governor Walz Launches "Celebrate Safely, Minnesota' Campaign

Press Release

Today Governor Walz announced a new "Celebrate Safely, Minnesota" campaign, a coordinated, statewide effort to help Minnesotans access the resources they need to celebrate as safely as they can this holiday season. In addition to testing and vaccine events, the campaign will help Minnesotans find a test, vaccine, or booster and highlight why each step is critical to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Governor Tim Walz recently announced the state secured an additional 1 million at-home rapid test kits for schools and child care providers to distribute directly to Minnesota families in advance of the holiday season. Minnesota expects to receive the tests before the end of the year.

The Governor has also made boosters more accessible to Minnesota families. The state is now offering boosters at the Mall of America vaccine site as well as other state-run and state-hosted 5- to 11-year-old vaccine clinics, including those hosted at schools. Roughly 35 state school-based vaccination clinics for ages 5-11 will begin offering booster shots to parents of children receiving their first or second dose in December and the first week of January. Additional 5-11 vaccine clinics will begin offering boosters as planning continues.

"This virus creates a lot of unknowns, but what we do know is that testing and getting your vaccine and booster are the best ways to protect yourself and those around you," said Governor Walz. "I'm looking forward to holiday celebrations just like a lot of Minnesotans, but I know I have a personal responsibility to do my part to keep those around me safe--I encourage all Minnesotans to do the same."

"I can't express the relief I feel now that my daughter has been vaccinated," said Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan. "We are doing everything we can to celebrate safely by getting tested, getting vaccinated, and getting boosters for our eligible family members. That's how we are showing care for each other this holiday season."

The state is encouraging Minnesotans to take the following steps:

Get Vaccinated. Minnesotans age 5 and up can be vaccinated. Vaccines are the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones this holiday season--especially those who can't be vaccinated and children under 5. Find vaccines for the whole family .
Get Tested. Even if you're not experiencing any symptoms, test before holiday gatherings to make sure you're not spreading the virus to loved ones unknowingly. Take advantage of one of the many free testing options the state has to offer, or head to your local clinic or pharmacy. Make an appointment at a community testing site. NOW is also a great time to order a free test through the at-home testing program to ensure you have one on-hand ahead of the holidays, or use a test if you have one already.
Get Boosted. All adults 18 and older should get a booster when they are due (6 months after receiving Pfizer and Moderna, and 2 months after receiving Johnson & Johnson).
Stay Safe. Wear your mask in indoor public settings, wash your hands, and do your best to avoid crowded indoor spaces before getting together with family and friends--especially high-risk loved ones and children under 5 who can't be vaccinated.

Source