NEW ULM — The state of Minnesota launched a new “Celebrate Safely, Minnesota” campaign aimed at helping residents of the state to access the resources they need to safely celebrate the holidays. As the state moves forward in the fight against COVID-19, the goal of this campaign is to help people access COVID-19 tests and vaccines.

The following steps are encouraged by the Minnesota Department of Health and Brown County Public Health:

• 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.

• 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, the closest community testing option is in Mankato at the National Guard Armory. 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. Order your test at https://learn.vaulthealth.com/state-of-minnesota

• Get Boosted. Those 16 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.

As you celebrate this holiday season, remember our clinics and hospitals as they continue to be in a crisis. A group of Minnesota hospitals recently put out a plea urging our state to work together to stop the spread of COVID-19. The ad stated, “This pandemic has strained our operations and demoralized many people on our teams”. They concluded saying, “We’re in this together, and we can only finish it together”.

Brown County Public Health continues to offer COVID-19 vaccinations for people ages 5 and older as well as booster doses for ages 16 and older. To schedule an appointment, visit www.co.brown.mn.us/covidvaccine or call 507-233-6820.