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What is COVID-19?

Who can get covid-19, can i travel if i recently had covid-19, what can travelers do to prevent covid-19, more information.

CDC Respiratory Virus Guidance has been updated. The content of this page will be updated soon.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness caused by the virus SARS-CoV-2. The virus spreads mainly from person to person through respiratory droplets and small particles produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. The virus spreads easily in crowded or poorly ventilated indoor settings.

People with COVID-19 have reported a wide range of symptoms   – ranging from no or mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2–14 days after exposure to the virus. Possible symptoms include fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle aches, headache, new loss of taste and smell, sore throat, runny nose, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Anyone can get COVID-19. However, some people are more likely than others to get very sick if they get COVID-19. These include people who are older, are  immunocompromised , or have certain  disabilities , or have  underlying health conditions .  Vaccination, past infection, and timely access to testing and treatment can help protect you from getting very sick from COVID-19.

Yes, you can travel once you have ended isolation . Check CDC guidance for additional precautions, including testing and wearing a mask around others. If you recently had COVID-19 and are recommended to wear a mask, do not travel on public transportation such as airplanes, buses, and trains if you are unable to wear a mask whenever around others.

Get  up to date  with your COVID-19 vaccines before you travel and take steps to protect yourself and others . Consider wearing a mask in crowded or poorly ventilated indoor areas, including on public transportation and in transportation hubs. Take additional precautions if you were recently exposed to a person with COVID-19. Don’t travel while sick.

If you have a  weakened immune system  or  are at increased risk for severe disease talk to a healthcare professional before you decide to travel.  If you travel, take multiple prevention steps to provide additional layers of protection from COVID-19, even if you are up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines. These include improving ventilation and spending more time outdoors, avoiding sick people, getting tested for COVID-19 if you develop symptoms, staying home if you have or think you have COVID-19, and seeking treatment if you have COVID-19.

Consider getting travel insurance in case you need medical care abroad .

Consider getting a COVID-19 test if you:

• Develop COVID-19 symptoms before, during, or after travel.
• Will be traveling to visit someone who is at higher risk of getting very sick from COVID-19.
• Were in a situation with a greater risk of exposure during travel (e.g., in an indoor, crowded space like an airport terminal while not wearing a mask).

If you traveled and feel sick, particularly if you have a fever, talk to a healthcare professional, and tell them about your recent travel.

• Masking During Travel

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• COVID-19 travel advice

Considering travel during the pandemic? Take precautions to protect yourself from COVID-19.

A coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine can prevent you from getting COVID-19 or from becoming seriously ill due to COVID-19 . But even if you're vaccinated, it's still a good idea to take precautions to protect yourself and others while traveling during the COVID-19 pandemic.

If you've had all recommended COVID-19 vaccine doses, including boosters, you're less likely to become seriously ill or spread COVID-19 . You can then travel more safely within the U.S. and internationally. But international travel can still increase your risk of getting new COVID-19 variants.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that you should avoid travel until you've had all recommended COVID-19 vaccine and booster doses.

Before you travel

As you think about making travel plans, consider these questions:

• Have you been vaccinated against COVID-19 ? If you haven't, get vaccinated. If the vaccine requires two doses, wait two weeks after getting your second vaccine dose to travel. If the vaccine requires one dose, wait two weeks after getting the vaccine to travel. It takes time for your body to build protection after any vaccination.
• Have you had any booster doses? Having all recommended COVID-19 vaccine doses, including boosters, increases your protection from serious illness.
• Are you at increased risk for severe illness? Anyone can get COVID-19 . But older adults and people of any age with certain medical conditions are at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19 .
• Do you live with someone who's at increased risk for severe illness? If you get infected while traveling, you can spread the COVID-19 virus to the people you live with when you return, even if you don't have symptoms.
• Does your home or destination have requirements or restrictions for travelers? Even if you've had all recommended vaccine doses, you must follow local, state and federal testing and travel rules.

Check local requirements, restrictions and situations

Some state, local and territorial governments have requirements, such as requiring people to wear masks, get tested, be vaccinated or stay isolated for a period of time after arrival. Before you go, check for requirements at your destination and anywhere you might stop along the way.

Keep in mind these can change often and quickly depending on local conditions. It's also important to understand that the COVID-19 situation, such as the level of spread and presence of variants, varies in each country. Check back for updates as your trip gets closer.

Travel and testing

For vaccinated people.

If you have been fully vaccinated, the CDC states that you don't need to get tested before or after your trip within the U.S. or stay home (quarantine) after you return.

If you're planning to travel internationally outside the U.S., the CDC states you don't need to get tested before your trip unless it's required at your destination. Before arriving to the U.S., you need a negative test within the last day before your arrival or a record of recovery from COVID-19 in the last three months.

After you arrive in the U.S., the CDC recommends getting tested with a viral test 3 to 5 days after your trip. If you're traveling to the U.S. and you aren't a citizen, you need to be fully vaccinated and have proof of vaccination.

You don't need to quarantine when you arrive in the U.S. But check for any symptoms. Stay at home if you develop symptoms.

For unvaccinated people

Testing before and after travel can lower the risk of spreading the virus that causes COVID-19 . If you haven't been vaccinated, the CDC recommends getting a viral test within three days before your trip. Delay travel if you're waiting for test results. Keep a copy of your results with you when you travel.

Repeat the test 3 to 5 days after your trip. Stay home for five days after travel.

If at any point you test positive for the virus that causes COVID-19 , stay home. Stay at home and away from others if you develop symptoms. Follow public health recommendations.

Stay safe when you travel

In the U.S., you must wear a face mask on planes, buses, trains and other forms of public transportation. The mask must fit snugly and cover both your mouth and nose.

Follow these steps to protect yourself and others when you travel:

• Get vaccinated.
• Keep distance between yourself and others (within about 6 feet, or 2 meters) when you're in indoor public spaces if you're not fully vaccinated. This is especially important if you have a higher risk of serious illness.
• Avoid contact with anyone who is sick or has symptoms.
• Avoid crowds and indoor places that have poor air flow (ventilation).
• Don't touch frequently touched surfaces, such as handrails, elevator buttons and kiosks. If you must touch these surfaces, use hand sanitizer or wash your hands afterward.
• Wear a face mask in indoor public spaces. The CDC recommends wearing the most protective mask possible that you'll wear regularly and that fits. If you are in an area with a high number of new COVID-19 cases, wear a mask in indoor public places and outdoors in crowded areas or when you're in close contact with people who aren't vaccinated.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Cover coughs and sneezes.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• If soap and water aren't available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub your hands together until they feel dry.
• Don't eat or drink on public transportation. That way you can keep your mask on the whole time.

Because of the high air flow and air filter efficiency on airplanes, most viruses such as the COVID-19 virus don't spread easily on flights. Wearing masks on planes has likely helped lower the risk of getting the COVID-19 virus on flights too.

However, air travel involves spending time in security lines and airport terminals, which can bring you in close contact with other people. Getting vaccinated and wearing a mask when traveling can help protect you from COVID-19 while traveling.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has increased cleaning and disinfecting of surfaces and equipment, including bins, at screening checkpoints. TSA has also made changes to the screening process:

• Travelers must wear masks during screening. However, TSA employees may ask travelers to adjust masks for identification purposes.
• Travelers should keep a distance of 6 feet apart from other travelers when possible.
• Instead of handing boarding passes to TSA officers, travelers should place passes (paper or electronic) directly on the scanner and then hold them up for inspection.
• Each traveler may have one container of hand sanitizer up to 12 ounces (about 350 milliliters) in a carry-on bag. These containers will need to be taken out for screening.
• Personal items such as keys, wallets and phones should be placed in carry-on bags instead of bins. This reduces the handling of these items during screening.
• Food items should be carried in a plastic bag and placed in a bin for screening. Separating food from carry-on bags lessens the likelihood that screeners will need to open bags for inspection.

Be sure to wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds directly before and after going through screening.

Public transportation

If you travel by bus or train and you aren't vaccinated, be aware that sitting or standing within 6 feet (2 meters) of others for a long period can put you at higher risk of getting or spreading COVID-19 . Follow the precautions described above for protecting yourself during travel.

Even if you fly, you may need transportation once you arrive at your destination. You can search car rental options and their cleaning policies on the internet. If you plan to stay at a hotel, check into shuttle service availability.

If you'll be using public transportation and you aren't vaccinated, continue physical distancing and wearing a mask after reaching your destination.

Hotels and other lodging

The hotel industry knows that travelers are concerned about COVID-19 and safety. Check any major hotel's website for information about how it's protecting guests and staff. Some best practices include:

• Enhanced cleaning procedures
• Physical distancing recommendations indoors for people who aren't vaccinated
• Mask-wearing and regular hand-washing by staff
• Mask-wearing indoors for guests in public places in areas that have high cases of COVID-19
• Vaccine recommendations for staff
• Isolation and testing guidelines for staff who've been exposed to COVID-19
• Contactless payment
• Set of rules in case a guest becomes ill, such as closing the room for cleaning and disinfecting
• Indoor air quality measures, such as regular system and air filter maintenance, and suggestions to add air cleaners that can filter viruses and bacteria from the air

Vacation rentals, too, are enhancing their cleaning procedures. They're committed to following public health guidelines, such as using masks and gloves when cleaning, and building in a waiting period between guests.

Make a packing list

When it's time to pack for your trip, grab any medications you may need on your trip and these essential safe-travel supplies:

• Alcohol-based hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol)
• Disinfectant wipes (at least 70% alcohol)
• Thermometer

Considerations for people at increased risk

Anyone can get very ill from the virus that causes COVID-19 . But older adults and people of any age with certain medical conditions are at increased risk for severe illness. This may include people with cancer, serious heart problems and a weakened immune system. Getting the recommended COVID-19 vaccine and booster doses can help lower your risk of being severely ill from COVID-19 .

Travel increases your chance of getting and spreading COVID-19 . If you're unvaccinated, staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others from COVID-19 . If you must travel and aren't vaccinated, talk with your health care provider and ask about any additional precautions you may need to take.

Remember safety first

Even the most detailed and organized plans may need to be set aside when someone gets ill. Stay home if you or any of your travel companions:

• Have signs or symptoms, are sick or think you have COVID-19
• Are waiting for results of a COVID-19 test
• Have been diagnosed with COVID-19
• Have had close contact with someone with COVID-19 in the past five days and you're not up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines

If you've had close contact with someone with COVID-19 , get tested after at least five days. Wait to travel until you have a negative test. Wear a mask if you travel up to 10 days after you've had close contact with someone with COVID-19 .

• How to protect yourself and others. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.
• Domestic travel during COVID-19. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/travel-during-covid19.html. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.
• Requirement for face masks on public transportation conveyances and at transportation hubs. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/face-masks-public-transportation.html. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.
• International travel. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/international-travel/index.html. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.
• U.S citizens, U.S. nationals, U.S. lawful permanent residents, and immigrants: Travel to and from the United States. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/international-travel-during-covid19.html. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.
• Non-US. citizen, non-U.S. immigrants: Air travel to the United States. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/noncitizens-US-air-travel.html. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.
• People with certain medical conditions. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-with-medical-conditions.html. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.
• Stay up to date with your vaccines. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.
• Pack smart. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/pack-smart. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.
• Travel: Frequently asked questions. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/faqs.html. Accessed Feb. 7, 2022.
• Coronavirus (COVID-19) information. Transportation Security Administration. https://www.tsa.gov/coronavirus. Accessed Feb. 7, 2022.
• WHO advice for international traffic in relation to the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant (B.1.1.529). World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news-room/articles-detail/who-advice-for-international-traffic-in-relation-to-the-sars-cov-2-omicron-variant. Accessed Feb. 7, 2022.
• VRHP/VRMA Cleaning guidelines for COVID-19. Vacation Rental Management Association. https://www.vrma.org/page/vrhp/vrma-cleaning-guidelines-for-covid-19. Accessed Feb. 7, 2022.
• Safe stay. American Hotel & Lodging Association. https://www.ahla.com/safestay. Accessed Feb. 7, 2022.
• Khatib AN, et al. COVID-19 transmission and the safety of air travel during the pandemic: A scoping review. Current Opinion in Infectious Diseases. 2021; doi:10.1097/QCO.0000000000000771.

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U.S. travel resources

• Check CDC recommendations for travel within the U.S.
• Review testing requirements for travel to the U.S.
• Look up restrictions at your destination .
• Review airport security measures .

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COVID-19 Information

At Meet Minneapolis, we are hard at work, dedicated to safely bringing meeting, events, convention attendees, leisure travelers and group travelers to the Minneapolis area for the benefit of our community.

Updated: May 8, 2023

Current Status

• Masks or face coverings are not required in Minneapolis. Individual organizations, businesses, venues and events may still institute specific mask and/or vaccine/testing mandates. Masks are optional for visitors to the Minneapolis Convention Center.

State - Minnesota

Meet Minneapolis and Sports Minneapolis are operating in accordance with guidelines set by the State of Minnesota. To keep up-to-date and learn more about what Minnesota is doing to keep visitors safe at a state level, please visit the following resources:

• Minnesota COVID-19 Response

City-Specific Information

Meet Minneapolis and Sports Minneapolis are operating in accordance with guidelines set by the City of Minneapolis. To keep up-to-date and learn more about what Minneapolis and our metro area are doing to keep visitors safe at the city level, please visit the following resources:

• City of Minneapolis COVID-19 Resource Center
• City of Saint Paul COVID-19 Resource Center
• City of Bloomington COVID-19 Resource Center

Vaccines & Testing

With some venues and events in Minneapolis requiring proof of vaccination for COVID-19 or a negative test result, several options are available for individuals to receive a vaccine and/or a test. To learn of options in Minneapolis and beyond, please visit the following resources:

• Minnesota COVID-19 Vaccine Connector
• Minnesota Department of Health Community Testing Sites

MSP International Airport

The Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport has has earned two major industry cleaning and safety facility accreditations - GBAC STAR and Airport Health - as part of its robust effort to minimize the spread of the COVID-19 virus and combat future health threats. MSP's Travel Confidently program is a thorough, multi-layered cleaning and sanitization regimen, and promotes social distancing, provides hundreds of hand sanitizing dispensers, allows for touchless food and beverage ordering and payment, and offers touchless parking through its online, pre-booked reservation program.

• Travel Confidently Through MSP Airport
• MSP Quick Tips
• Delta Air Lines: CareStandard SM Protocols

Masks or cloth face coverings are optional for visitors to the Minneapolis Convention Center. Individual events at the MCC may still institute specific mask and/or vaccine/testing mandates. Check the MCC Attendees page for health & safety requirements for individual events. The MCC is no longer the site of a Minnesota Department of Health COVID-19 Community Testing Site .

• MCC Health & Safety Information
• MCC Event Calendar

Meeting Venues

Masks or cloth face coverings are not required for patrons, employees and visitors of Minneapolis meeting venues. For individual policies, please check the meeting venue's web page.

Masks or cloth face coverings are not required for patrons, employees and visitors of Minneapolis hotels. Minneapolis hotel properties are prioritizing cleanliness and safety for their guests. For individual policies, please check out their web pages.

• The Lodging, Restaurant, Resort and Campground Association
• Hilton Hotels
• Hyatt Hotels
• Millennium Hotels
• Radisson Hotels
• Marriott Hotels

Mass Transit

Metro Transit buses and trains are sanitized daily, using CDC-approved disinfectants with each cleaning. Air filters have also been upgraded to improve air quality. Metro Transit encourages all riders to travel responsibly to protect their health and the health of those around them.

• How Metro Transit is Keeping Riders Safe

Restaurants & Bars

Masks or cloth face coverings are not required for patrons, employees and visitors of Minneapolis restaurants, bars and other places of public accommodation. Many restaurants and bars are offering delivery, takeout, window service, walk-up service, drive-thru or drive-up service.

• Minnesota Retailers Association
• Downtown Minneapolis Restaurants Open for Business
• Takeout Options in Downtown Minneapolis
• Travel The World With These Minneapolis Restaurants Offering Takeout
• Minnesota Food Truck Association

Retail Stores & Malls

Masks or cloth face coverings are not required for patrons, employees and visitors of Minneapolis retail stores and malls. Visit individual store and mall websites for their current statuses.

• Downtown Minneapolis Stores Open for Business
• Mall of America

Major Attractions

Masks or cloth face coverings are not required for patrons, employees and visitors of Minneapolis theaters, cinemas, performance venues, and museums. For individual policies, visit attraction websites for updates.

• Minneapolis Institute of Art
• Walker Art Center
• American Swedish Institute
• Guthrie Theater
• Hennepin Theatre Trust
• First Avenue
• Paisley Park
• Bell Museum
• Bakken Museum

Stadiums & Arenas

Masks or cloth face coverings are not required for patrons, employees and visitors of Minneapolis and St. Paul stadiums and arenas. To keep up-to-date and learn more about the status of major Minnesota stadiums and arenas, please visit the following resources:

• U.S. Bank Stadium
• Target Field
• Target Center
• Allianz Field
• Xcel Energy Center
• University of Minnesota

Parks & Outdoor Recreation

Keep track of what is open and how to safely experience the beauty of Minneapolis parks, lakes, and outdoor spaces.

• Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board COVID-19 FAQ
• Minnesota Nice Ride Bike Share Program
• Things to Do Outdoors in Minneapolis

Skyway System

Downtown Minneapolis skyways are managed by individual buildings. Hours of operation and open/close statuses may vary.

• 2023 Skyway Operations & Hours

Visitor Center

The Meet Minneapolis Visitor Center is open Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visitor Services staff are available during business hours by phone, email and through social media:

• Phone: 612-397-9275
• Email: [email protected]
• Social Media: Facebook , Instagram , Twitter , LinkedIn

Other Helpful Resources

To ensure you are reading the most accurate and up-to-date news regarding COVID-19, follow the CDC’s updates on cdc.gov or their social channels ( Facebook , Twitter , Instagram , YouTube ).

If you have questions about COVID-19, the Minnesota Department of Health offers a specific COVID-19 hotline: 1-833-431-2053 (Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. / Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.).

• Minnesota Department of Health
• City of Minneapolis Office of Emergency Management
• Hennepin County

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Is Minnesota Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

• Minnesota : Safety by City
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The Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area contains more than half the population of Minnesota.

This leaves a tremendous amount of rural land filled with lakes, rivers, and nature to enjoy.

Minnesota has nearly 15,000 lakes and is the beginning of the Mississippi River.

In the north, there is a natural waterway on the Canadian border that is a few hundred miles long.

Thousands of miles of trails are also available for hiking and cross country skiing in winter.

The winters are cold and harsh, but that opens up a lot of winter-type sports activities.

It also borders one of the great lakes, and you could take a boat from there to the Atlantic Ocean.

Several national parks, monuments, and reserves provide a lot of space for enjoying outdoor activities throughout the year.

There is a lot of farmland and small towns with a lot of character to explore.

• Warnings & Dangers in Minnesota

OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM

There are some real dangers in the Minneapolis area as there are with any large city. Some areas should be avoided. Most of the city is safe. The rest of the state is generally safe as well. Minnesota has had a spike in crime, but its crime rate is close to the national average.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

There are some petty criminals, but in the cities, buses and taxis do not have a bad reputation. More rural areas may not have very much public transportation and the lack of it is the greater problem. Taxis are regulated. The only danger is them taking a longer journey than necessary.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

We give this a low because there are a lot of areas in Minnesota where this is unheard of. In the Minneapolis metro area, there are some pickpockets, but it is not considered a major issue. Crowded areas around bus terminals are the most dangerous for this type of stealing. Public events outdoors also have this happen at times.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW

Minnesota is too far inland to have hurricanes, and not mountainous enough for earthquakes or landslides. Some winter storms are very strong and can be dangerous. There is plenty of warning when these are coming. Winter itself is a hazard for travelers in Minnesota. There is a lot of risks then due to snow and ice, but not that would rise to the level of natural disaster.

MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM

In the Minneapolis area, there are places where the risk is high, and you should not go alone. In most areas, the risk is low. Minneapolis has gotten a bit of a bad reputation for crime in recent years, but there are safe areas in the city.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

Since much of the state is rural, there is little risk because terrorists do not attack rural areas as a norm. There have been riots and violent protests in Minneapolis, so there is that risk, but the actual terrorism risk is low.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

There are always con artists in big cities, but there are not a lot of scams out on the street. There might be a fake taxi now and then, or fake tickets to an event, but that is about all. Most scams involve targeting the elderly by phone.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Most of Minnesota is very safe for women, and it is not uncommon to see a woman traveling alone. The dangerous areas in the bigger cities are about the same for men and women. Women should not be out at night alone in the big city. General precautions should keep you safe.

TAP WATER RISK: LOW

With 15,000 lakes and thousands of miles of rivers, there is a lot of water available in the state. Cities provide good quality water in their water systems. There is virtually no risk with the tap water.

• Safest Places to Visit in Minnesota

The safest places to visit in Minnesota are the natural areas.

The state’s only national park is Voyageurs, which is a waterway on the U.S. Canadian border with 200,000 acres of wilderness to explore.

Many camping areas are accessible only by boat.

Grand Portage National Monument and St. Croix National Scenic Riverway are two more national areas based on waterways.

The Mississippi River begins here, and it has a national recreation area.

There are lots of water sports and hiking to enjoy in this state.

The great outdoors is a very safe place to be, and in Minnesota, there is not a lot of danger from wild animals.

The Minneapolis area has some crime, but some safe areas are worth exploring.

• Places to Avoid in Minnesota

There was a 17 percent increase in violent crime in the state in 2020, and much of that was in the Minneapolis area.

There were a lot of violent protests and looting, and that contributed to the statistics.

The north side of Minneapolis has a reputation for being dangerous.

Minneapolis and St. Paul both have high crime rates, but some smaller towns do as well.

Bemidji, in the north, was No. 6 in the crime rate for 2020, after being No. 1 in 2019.

It had 534 violent crimes per 100,000 people.

A small town in the southwest, Windom, had 751 violent crimes last year.

There are some areas of Minneapolis that are not safe, and this big city is not as safe as the rest of the state.

You need to be more careful in Minneapolis, and avoid certain areas where crime is high.

• Safety Tips for Traveling to Minnesota
• Watch the weather. Especially in winter, a lot of snow can fall fast, making travel very dangerous. In summer, storms can come up seemingly from nowhere. Summer months are generally pleasant, but there are rare tornados as well. Watching the weather report can help you stay safe.
• Lock your car. It seems obvious, but people forget to do this, and they find their property missing. Most criminals look for an opportunity. They rarely break into a car, but look for ones not locked. This is especially true in the Minneapolis area.
• Bring warm clothing. Summers are nice but it can get cold at night. Spring and fall can also turn cold with little warning. Having some extra layers available will keep you comfortable when the weather changes.
• Big city careful. Especially in Minneapolis, keep your property secured and out of sight. Don’t flash expensive electronics or cash, which can attract criminals.
• Don’t go out alone. There are a lot of areas of Minneapolis that are not safe at night. Don’t go to unfamiliar areas alone, and stay on the beaten path as much a possible. In rural areas, this is not as big of a concern.
• Drive carefully. Slow down if there is snow or rain. In winter, roads can get treacherous and are dangerous for people not used to driving in snow. Sometimes roads have ice you cannot see, and those are especially dangerous.
• Mindful of nature. Wild animals are not that big a problem in Minnesota, but you should still be careful when out in the wild. Animals will attack if they feel threatened, even a small animal can bite you.
• Prepare for the cold. If you are traveling in Minnesota in winter, you are a brave soul. Fall can also be cold. Keep warm clothing, extra blankets, and other supplies in your car. You can get frostbite, or even freeze to death, in a short time if you get stranded in the cold in Minnesota.
• Trust your instincts. Keep an eye on what is happening around you and if a situation feels wrong, it probably is. With recent protests and rioting, there can be some danger if this breaks out around you. Have a plan of escape, especially in cities like Minneapolis and St. Paul.
• Check out your car. Before heading out, make sure your car is in good shape. Check out fluid levels, belts, hoses, and anything else that could develop a problem. It is better to do a little maintenance than take a chance of getting stranded on the road.
• So... How Safe Is Minnesota Really?

Minnesota has two distinct worlds when it comes to safety.

Minneapolis-St. Paul is a big metropolitan area and has more than its share of crime and danger.

Then there is the rest of the state, which is largely rural and many areas are protected lands.

These areas are very safe and you should have little concern there.

Violent protests and looting may have been a big part of it, but Minneapolis saw a 17 percent increase in violent crime in 2020.

Even so, the state is still the 12th safest state in the nation.

Minnesota has 277 violent crimes per 100,000 people, making it the 38th most dangerous state.

In the Minneapolis area, that number goes up to 1109 per 100,000 people for violent crime and 4,222 per 100,000 for property crime.

One source ranked Minneapolis as the 70th most dangerous city in the nation.

There were `15,698 violent crimes and 190 homicides in the state in 2020, and by far most of them were in the Minneapolis metropolitan area.

Minnesota has a 58 percent increase in murders and a 75 percent increase in arson.

Car thefts rose 20 percent to 13,650, the most since 2005.

There is always more property crime than violent crime, and there was a 50 percent increase in 2020 over the previous year.

There has been a substantial increase in crime, especially in the Minneapolis area, in the last year.

Most of the state is rural though, and almost all of that is very safe.

There are also safe areas in Minneapolis.

If you stay in the tourist areas and don’t go into dangerous areas, you should not have any problems.

Perhaps Minneapolis deserves a little more caution, but generally, in Minnesota, you are safe with basic safety precautions.

• How Does Minnesota Compare?
• Useful Information

You will need a Visa to enter the United States. There are international airports, so you could enter the country here and have to go through customs. You will need to show your visa, but will not need to any other time. In most cases, Canadians do not need a Visa to enter the United States.

The standard currency is the dollar in the United States. Even Canadian dollars are not accepted by most American businesses, even when near the border. Exchange can be made when you enter the country, and you can make currency exchange at most banks.

Winters have a lot of snow and are very cold. In some areas, people put heaters on their car engines overnight. Summers can get hot and humid, but still relatively pleasant. The weather can get cool at night, so it is a good deal to have some warm clothing.

The biggest airport in the state is the international airport between Minneapolis and St. Paul. Other small towns have airports and there are flights available between some cities. You can easily get a taxi to your hotel. In Minneapolis, there is a bus service to areas in town.

Travel Insurance

Things happen that make plans change. It is inconvenient, but if you have travel insurance, some of your losses will be covered. A policy may seem unnecessary but it will give you peace of mind, knowing you are protected if something goes wrong.

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Explore minnesota.

• 17 Cheapest Places to Live in Minnesota
• Are There Snakes in Minnesota? Should You Be Worried?
• 10 Most Dangerous Cities In Minnesota
• 10 Best Zoos & Aquariums in Minnesota
• 11 Most Beautiful Castles in Minnesota
• 16 Pros and Cons of Living in Minnesota
• 10 Best Flea Markets in Minnesota
• 10 Safest Cities in Minnesota
• Cost of Living in Minnesota Cities: These Are the Top 5
• Where to Next?

1 Review on Minnesota

A place with lots of winter activities.

Lots of winter activities so this is a place for winter/cold lovers for sure. I was also surprised to hear and see areas where pickpocketing is unheard of. It was a big surprise! There are many, many campings areas that are very special although you can only get there by boat (but it’s so worth it).

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Available covid-19 vaccines and safety.

COVID-19 vaccines go through different studies and checks (called clinical trials) to make sure they are safe, and that they work, before they are given to the public.

On this page: Authorized and approved vaccines Protection against variant strains What the vaccines are made of How we know the vaccine is safe Making a safe and effective vaccine Who is in the vaccine studies More information

Authorized and approved vaccines

At this time, there are three COVID-19 vaccines licensed (approved) for use or authorized for use under an emergency use authorization (EUA) by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)  and recommended for use by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

• FDA: Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine
• FDA: Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine
• FDA: Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine, Adjuvanted

All currently available COVID-19 vaccines were initially authorized by EUA. An EUA is used in public health emergencies when: A product shows that it likely works, is safe but hasn't yet gone through the whole process of FDA licensure, and no other remedy is available.

An FDA-approved vaccine means that it went through FDA's standard process for reviewing the quality, safety, and effectiveness of medical products. It is FDA's expectation that after a vaccine gets an EUA, the vaccine manufacturer will continue their clinical studies to gather additional safety and effectiveness information. The vaccine manufacturer should also work towards submitting a biologics license application (BLA) for FDA licensure of the vaccine as soon as possible. FDA reviews all of this information to make sure the vaccine meets their standards for approval.

Two vaccines have been approved for licensure from FDA.

• The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, called Comirnaty, received FDA licensure for vaccination of people 12 years and older.
• The Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, called Spikevax, received FDA licensure for vaccination of people 18 years and older.

The FDA-approved Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines are the same as the vaccines used under the EUA.

You have the right to refuse or accept the COVID-19 vaccine, as stated in the EUA fact sheets. We strongly encourage you to get the COVID-19 vaccine if it is available to you. Getting the vaccine will help protect you and your family, co-workers, residents, patients, and community.

Protection against variant strains

We are still learning about new variants. The data we have so far shows that the COVID-19 vaccines are working against the variant strains to prevent severe illness that results in hospitalization or death. Protection against any disease symptoms disappears over time. This means people will need to get COVID-19 vaccination periodically. At this time, experts suggest an annual vaccination with a formula that closely matches the current variant that is circulating.

What the vaccines are made of

The COVID-19 vaccines that are available are not live virus vaccines. This means that they cannot give you COVID-19. After getting the vaccine, you will not shed live virus around your home or put others in your household at risk of COVID-19 disease. The vaccine will not affect a COVID-19 test.

The Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines were made using mRNA technology. mRNA stands for messenger ribonucleic acid. mRNA is not able to alter or modify a person's genetic makeup (DNA).

The Novavax vaccine authorized for people 12 and older is a protein vaccine. This vaccine uses copies of the spike protein from the SARS-CoV-2 virus (the virus that causes COVID-19) to teach your immune system how to recognize the virus and prepare to fight it.

The available COVID-19 vaccines do not contain a preservative. They do not contain gelatin or eggs. For more information about ingredients, refer to the FDA vaccine fact sheets available in multiple languages.

For specific concerns about certain ingredients visit:

• Children's Hospital of Philadelphia: Vaccine Ingredients
• Immunization Action Coalition: Talking About Vaccine

How we know the vaccine is safe

The requirements for COVID-19 vaccine are the same as all other vaccines. Having a safe and effective vaccine is the top priority. The manufacturers must present the study data that shows the vaccine is safe and that it works before it is authorized or licensed (approved) for general populations. This data is closely reviewed by several scientific groups at the FDA and CDC. The CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and other groups look at available information about a vaccine and make informed decisions about the risks and benefits of using it.

CDC and FDA continue to monitor the COVID-19 vaccines for safety once they are being used in the general population. The FDA has given guidance to vaccine manufacturers about what information is needed to prove that a vaccine is safe, and that the vaccine works. For more details about expectations and commitments, refer to:

• Statement about COVID-19 vaccine planning
• The FDA's Scientific and Regulatory Oversight of Vaccines is Vital to Public Health
• Biotechnology Innovation Organization: An Open letter to the Biopharmaceutical Industry (PDF)

Learn more about how vaccines are made from the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia at Making Vaccines .

The CDC has more information on COVID-19 vaccine safety at Ensuring the Safety of COVID-19 Vaccines in the United States . 

Making a safe and effective vaccine

How COVID-19 Vaccines Are Made (PDF) This handout explains how the COVID-19 vaccine processes and timelines were made more efficient compared to other vaccine development. 12/21/20

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Who is in the vaccine studies

The first vaccine studies are usually done with groups that are at highest risk for the disease, or who could get very sick if they get the disease.

Diverse and underserved communities

The COVID-19 vaccine clinical trials include people from diverse communities. It is important for these studies to have people from racially and ethnically diverse backgrounds. This way they have enough information to be confident that the vaccine is safe and works for these groups. It's especially important that COVID-19 vaccine trials include people from diverse communities, because these communities have been severely impacted by the disease and could greatly benefit from getting vaccinated.

Pregnant people and children

Vaccine manufacturers have now expanded these studies to other groups such as pregnant people, children, and people who are immunocompromised (cannot easily fight off a disease).

More information

• Materials and Resources for COVID-19 Response: Vaccine
• Videos for COVID-19 Response: Vaccine
• Your COVID-19 Vaccination U.S. vaccination plans, recommendations, and more from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
• Questions and Answers about COVID-19 Vaccines Information from Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) Vaccine Education Center.
• Finding Credible Vaccine Information Information from CDC on finding credible sources.
• COVID-19 vaccine myths debunked Mayo Clinic article.
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Travel Preparedness: 3 Tips for a Safe Adventure

This week concludes National Preparedness Month. While we often associate preparedness with being ready for disasters at home, it’s equally crucial to extend that mindset to our travels. Whether you’re planning an exotic vacation or a road trip or a weekend getaway, incorporating travel preparedness into your plans can make all the difference in ensuring a safe and enjoyable journey. 

Below are some tips to enhance your travel preparedness. 

1 - Research your destination

Before leaving your home and going on your expedition, gather important information about where you’re going. It is important to not just learn about the local culture, customs and laws, but also the weather conditions that area faces. 

Visit Ready.gov to learn more about the hazards you may face. Download the FEMA App to get localized alerts for U.S. based locations by using the area’s zip code and stay up to date. 

It may also be a good idea to learn of any nearby hospitals and embassy (if you are traveling overseas). Share the information with someone you trust. 

2 - Pack an emergency kit

When you’re traveling, it’s a good idea to always carry an emergency kit. A typical disaster supplies kit is a collection of basic items, often found in your household, that you may need in the event of an emergency. If you’re away from your home for an extended period of time, consider creating an emergency kit just for your journey. 

An emergency kit should contain everything you need to survive on your own for several days. In addition to packing basics like food, water, a first aid kit and a flashlight, you may want to consider other items specific to your car. This can include:

• Jumper cables.
• Flares or reflective triangle.
• Ice scraper.
• Car cell phone charger.
• Cat litter or sand (for better tire traction).

If you are taking transportation that limits what you can carry, such as flying, then consider how you can consolidate and minimize items. For example, instead of carrying water, you could use a water filtration device and/or purifying tablets. Visit CDC.gov for a comprehensive overview on how to decontaminate water. 

While you’re away from home, keep back-ups of important documents like your passport, ID, travel insurance and/or reservations, and keep them away from your originals. Consider using digital copies stored securely in a password-protected location online for ease-of-access. 

3 - Communicate and practice your plans

Communication networks, such as mobile phones and computers, could be unreliable during disasters, and electricity could be disrupted. Planning in advance will help ensure that all the members in your travel group—including children and people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs, as well as caregivers—know how to reach each other and where to meet up in an emergency. 

Planning starts with three easy steps:

• Collect – create a paper copy of the contact information for your family and other important people/offices, such as medical facilities, doctors, schools or service providers. Be sure to share this information with those who need to know within your network. 
• Share – make sure everyone carries a copy in his or her backpack, purse or wallet. If you complete your Family Emergency Communication Plan online, you can print it onto a wallet-sized card. You should also share a copy of your plan with someone you trust that will not be included in your travel plans. 
• Practice – have a meeting to review and practice your plan with your travel group. 

Consider using the Make a Plan Form on Ready.gov to communicate and practice your plan. 

Travel preparedness is an essential part of every journey. By following these tips and integrating them into your travel plans, you can ensure a memorable adventure no matter what kind of travel you embark on. Remember, being prepared is the best way to turn any trip into a worry-free experience. 

For additional information, visit Older Adults | Ready.gov . 

Why Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota is a hidden well of natural beauty

Just like you can’t judge a book by its cover, you can’t judge a national park by its numbers. Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota is one of the least visited national parks in America .

“I think it’s one of the best kept secrets,” said Mark Miller, the park’s acting chief of Interpretation, Education, Visitor Services, Public Affairs and Partnerships.

“We are a water-based park predominantly, with approximately 40% of our acreage being water,” he said. 

In the summer, Voyageurs’ lakes are prime for water recreation like canoeing, fishing and just relaxing on houseboats “complete with a hot tub and a waterslide off the upper deck.” In the winter, Miller said, “People love to come for 110 miles of snowmobile trails that we have, a number of miles worth of groomed cross country ski trails, (and) ice fishing.

Here’s what travelers should know about Voyageurs, the latest national park in USA TODAY’s yearlong series .

What is so special about Voyageurs National Park?

“The park is so well known for its amazing landscapes, the 218,000 acres of woods and waters that border on the boreal forest ,” Miller said. “From an ecology standpoint, great stands of white pines, red pines and the ecosystem that holds megafauna like moose and bear and wolves, but also the geology of the park, rocks up to 2.8 billion – with a B – years old, some of the oldest rocks here in the heart of the continent of North America. Our lakes are lined with this amazing, rocky shoreline of exposed granite with pine tree-studded forests.” 

He noted that 99% of the park’s campsites have lakefront views, which is unique among national parks. They’re perfect spots to sit back and take in the night sky.

“We are a certified International Dark Sky Park and what that means is incredible dark skies that we strive to preserve and protect so that people can come and have an opportunity to see the Milky Way in all its glory, constellations like they've never seen before, and the northern light, the aurora borealis, shimmering in waves, the orange, red, pink and green,” Miller said.

Where is Voyageurs located?

Voyageurs National Park is located in Northern Minnesota, almost to Canada. It’s about four-and-a-half hours away from the Twin Cities of Minneapolis-Saint Paul by car.

The gateway city of International Falls is about 12 miles away from the park. There is a small airport in International Falls , which offers connecting flights to Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport via Delta and regional carrier Sky West.

“For those people that are looking for a remote, yet unique, beautiful experience, Voyageurs is a great place,” Miller said.

What's the most visited national park? Answers to your biggest park questions

Can you drive into Voyageurs National Park?

Yes, but how far you can drive depends on the season.

“Via snowmobile and driving on our plowed ice roads, one could make the argument that in terms of driving a car, there's actually more mileage that you could do in the wintertime,” Miller said.

The rest of the year, there are a couple of what Miller describes as spur roads that lead to the park’s Rainy Lake and Ash River visitor centers. “That's about the extent of driving a vehicle on our road inside the park boundary.” During open-water season, he said most people take watercraft deeper into the park.

What is the best time of year to visit Voyageurs?

Voyageurs is a year-round park with no entrance fees, but there are two sweet spots for Miller.

“I love August and September,” he said. “You get the best of summer. The air is dried out. There's less bugs. It's warm. And then if you wait a little further into September, you get the opportunity to enjoy the turning colors of autumn.”

For winter activities like snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and ice fishing, Miller recommends February and March.

“February and March is often when we have the best snow and ice conditions and warmer temperatures. We're talking maybe highs in the 20s come mid February to mid March,” he said. “Hopefully we're done with highs that are below zero like we often see in January.”

What months can you see the northern lights in Voyageurs National Park?

You can potentially see northern lights any time of year at Voyageurs.

“If you're a night owl, being here in the summertime is of course as good a time as any, yet it stays light pretty long at these northern latitudes,” Miller said. “It's really not getting dark in June and the first half of July and until after 10 p.m., and there's ambient light that persists seemingly as late as 11 p.m.” 

In the winter, he said there's roughly nine more hours of darkness. But darkness alone isn’t enough.

“The key to being able to see the northern lights really has to do more with is there a solar storm and are the skies cloud-free?” he said. “With the solar storms increasing lately – and we're kind of in a peak of an 11-year typical cycle – here in 2024 and 2025, there are great opportunities to come and see the northern lights.”

Who are the Native people of the land?

“The predominant Indigenous tribe is the Anishinaabe. That is the term that the area tribes often refer to themselves as,” Miller said. “The word Ojibwe is probably more commonly used. It’s the same people group essentially as the Chippewa, which is another word that is used.” 

“The Dakota (Sioux) people that have a history in this area as well. Throughout the generations, they ended up migrating to further west onto the plains and the prairies,” he added. “There's also the Cree but they're more north, northwest.”

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511 Travel Info

State Aid for Local Transportation

E-Scene June 2024

Minnesota Local Roads Traffic Safety Regional Workshops

By: Girma Feyissa, State Aid Traffic Safety Engineer

Workshop overview

MnDOT State Aid and MnDOT Office of Traffic Engineering are developing a series of free traffic safety workshops to be delivered in-person . A total of 24 workshops will be held across the state in summer/fall 2024 and winter 2024.

The goal of this project is to provide cities, counties, and other local road agencies in Minnesota with updated tools to focus on reducing fatal and serious injury crashes on their roadway system.

Workshop takeaways

• Understand crash types
• Select countermeasures (rural, urban, Vulnerable Road Users (VRU))
• Discuss funding opportunities - state and federal
• Communicating about traffic safety effectively

Target audience

City, county, MnDOT, and other transportation agency staff involved in traffic safety work with focus on infrastructure strategies.

The workshop agenda was developed after several visioning meetings and input from city and county transportation partners. The full-day, free workshop will be led by Howard Preston and Richard Storm as well as MnDOT State Aid, MnDOT Traffic Engineering, and other HDR staff with expertise in traffic safety, strategic communication, and education. The day will consist of presentations, discussions, and a brief activity to provide insights on traffic safety elements in your region. Learn more and get involved .

Agenda highlights

• History of traffic safety in Minnesota
• Regional crash data review
• Big book of ideas - countermeasures for rural and urban roads
• Communicating about traffic safety
• Funding opportunities

Registration

Register for the workshop and attend at location convenient for you.

For more information

Contact Girma Feyissa at [email protected] or 651-366-3818, or Derek Leuer at [email protected] .