Total COVID-19 infections linked to Minnesota schools passes 15,000; Another death of a school staff member reported 

For more information, contact:
Chris Williams
651-292-4816 (work) 
651-247-5539 (cell)

ST. PAUL, Minnesota. March 11, 2021 – The number of COVID-19 infections associated with Minnesota schools has surpassed 15,000 since the pandemic began and a fourth school staff member has died, according to data from the Minnesota Department of Health released Thursday. 

“Minnesota is making progress toward vaccinating all of its educators, but we’re not there yet,” said Denise Specht, president of Education Minnesota. “The virus is still spreading through our schools. It’s still forcing people into quarantine, it’s still making people sick and it’s still killing.” 

Specht said the new data comes as many schools prepare for spring break. She urged educators, school staff, families and students to follow the guidance of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and delay unnecessary travel because it raises the chances of catching and spreading the new coronavirus. 

“Everyone wants Minnesota students to safely get the best education and most effective emotional support possible for the rest of the school year,” Specht said. “Please don’t risk the health of your school community with reckless behavior over break. This pandemic isn’t over.” 

The health department reported Thursday that total COVID-19 infections linked to E-12 schools of all kinds increased by 554 since last week’s release and has now reached 15,511, including 8,195 students and 7,316 staff. The data reported the death of one more school staff member. 

The complete weekly report, with school data on slides 35 and 36, can be found here: https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/stats/covidweekly10.pdf. Education Minnesota currently has no additional information on the most recent staff death. 

For those who choose to travel on spring break, the CDC recommends getting tested three to five days after returning home and self-isolating for seven days, even if the test comes back negative. Questions about whether individual districts will enforce the quarantine guidelines for students and educators should be directed to local administrators. 

Other CDC recommendations for travelers include:  

• Avoiding crowds and staying six feet from anyone who did not travel with you. It’s important to do this everywhere — both indoors and outdoors. 
• Wear a mask over your nose and mouth in public settings. 
• If there are people in the household who did not travel with you, wear a mask and ask everyone in the household to wear masks in shared spaces inside your home for 14 days after travel. 
• Wash or sanitize your hands frequently. 
• Avoid being around people who are at high risk for severe illness.  
• Watch for symptoms of COVID-19. 

About Education Minnesota 
Education Minnesota is the voice for professional educators and students. Education Minnesota’s members include teachers and education support professionals in Minnesota’s public school districts, faculty members at Minnesota’s community and technical colleges and University of Minnesota campuses in Duluth and Crookston, retired educators and student teachers. Education Minnesota is affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers, National Education Association and AFL-CIO.