Coronavirus cases are on the decline in Minnesota. According to data from the Minnesota Department of Health and the New York Times COVID tracking project, new cases, deaths, and hospitalizations are all down over the last 14 days. The latest figures were based on just over 27,000 tests.

The state department of health says it’s administered nearly 43 percent of the hundreds of thousands of vaccine doses it’s received. To aid in that, state officials are launching a pilot program at nine locations around Minnesota, preparing for the second wave of COVID-19 vaccinations when more vaccine is available.

Vaccination pilot program sites: Anoka, Brooklyn Center, Fergus Falls, Marshall, Mountain Iron, North Mankato, Rochester, St. Cloud and Thief River Falls. Pilot locations will begin offering vaccines on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

Officials say a small number of doses will be available for those age 65 and over, plus pre-K through grade 12 educators, school staff and child care workers.