Some good news and helpful things to share with everyone this month!

First, the case rates in the Twin Cities metropolitan area appear to be falling from their summer plateau. With schools resuming this month, it remains to be seen if classrooms become a common form of transmission over the coming months. Following the basics of pandemic precautions—washing hands, masking in crowded indoor spaces, and staying up-to-date on vaccinations and boosters—can help keep our case rates low and make it less likely for our healthcare system to become strained over the winter.

Second, new booster shots that are targeted against the Omicron variant are becoming available. Check out the Minnesota Department of Health’s page about boosters to stay up-to-date on the latest guidance or to find a shot.

We read and appreciated this article in The Atlantic that answers a lot of common questions regarding the types of boosters and when people should get them this fall. We also liked Andy Slavitt’s article on how the pandemic is about to become more expensive for many households.