Top story of 2020: Pandemic effects ripple through all sectors of society
No. 1 story: “Vaccines are the way to a better 2021. It is important that we use reliable and complete sources of information when making decisions about vaccinations for our families.” Written By: Michael Brun | ×
A member of the Wisconsin National Guard administers a COVID-19 test in the parking lot of the St. Croix Valley Business Innovation Center in River Falls on May 9, 2020. Bob Burrows / RiverTown Multimedia
What a year, eh? The RiverTown newsroom looked back on 2020 to compile lists of the most important news and sports stories covered by the Star-Observer and Republican Eagle. Check back to Top 10 Stories of 2020 over the next few days to see what made the cut.
La Crosse, Tomah healthcare leaders adapt to ever changing year
Three Coulee Region healthcare systems describe experiences and lessons learned from year with largest demand in health service
December 28, 2020 6:47 PM Jordan Fremstad
Updated:
“What a year it’s been,” Tracy Myhre said.
People don’t need an explanation of 2020.
“I sent a note to a colleague and I said, ‘We didn’t see this coming did we? ” Dr. Michael Dolan said.
This is a conversation of three Coulee Region healthcare systems about the lessons taught by the pandemic. Myhre, Tomah Health’s chief nursing officer said organization is vital.
COVID-19 vaccine delivered to Winneshiek Medical Tuesday, December 22, 2020 4:47 PM
The first shipment of 400 COVID-19 vaccine doses (Moderna) was delivered to Winneshiek Medical Center (WMC) in the afternoon of Tuesday, Dec. 22.
Vaccination of staff began immediately. Mayo Clinic Health System family medicine physicians Kevin Locke, M.D., and Andy Goodner, M.D., were among the first front line staff to be vaccinated. Front line staff include those who provide direct patient care or support direct patient.
Dr. Goodner stated, I am excited that we now can start vaccinating to begin to end what has been a long, exhausting and heartbreaking pandemic. My thanks go out to our front line nurses and aids who have borne the brunt of the work in caring for our community through this pandemic. They are priceless and help is now on the way.”
Dec 22, 2020
The Minnesota Department of Health s testing lab handles samples of COVID-19. Courtesy Minnesota Department of Health
MANKATO â A new shipment of COVID-19 vaccines is expected to arrive in Minnesota Wednesday, which would pave the way for immunizations to begin at area long-term care residents before the end of the month.
Long-term care residents, whoâve accounted for most of the stateâs COVID deaths, are in the â1Aâ group of people being prioritized for the vaccine. Frontline health workers in the Mankato area, also in the 1A group, began receiving Pfizer vaccines Monday.
Residents in long-term care or assisted living facilities would be set to next receive vaccines from another manufacturer, Moderna.
Vaccine Arrives: Mayo Clinic Health System professional finds himself in La Crosse history
La Crosse Mayo s Thomas Jensen first to receive COVID-19 vaccine as city gets first doses Monday
December 21, 2020 7:28 PM Jordan Fremstad
Updated:
LA CROSSE, Wis. (WKBT) – The first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine arrived in La Crosse. Operation Warp Speed lived up to its name as the vaccine is delivered to communities across the state. La Crosse adds its name to the list. Now health care leaders will prioritize who gets it first.
“It’s crazy. It’s been a long time coming,” Thomas Jensen said after the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine arrived at Mayo Clinic Health System Monday afternoon.