MDH: Ninth and 10th school staff members die of COVID-19 this school year

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ST. PAUL, Minnesota. Nov. 29, 2021 – The COVID-19 deaths of two school staff members brings the total for the current school year to 10, surpassing the eight staff members who died of COVID-19 infections related to schools in the previous school year, according to data released Monday by the Minnesota Department of Health. 

“Minnesota has passed a tragic milestone with the deaths of two more school staff members,” said Denise Specht, president of Education Minnesota. “It’s past time for Minnesotans to come together and do everything possible, inside our schools and in our communities, to protect each other and slow the spread of this deadly virus.” 

As of the most recent state report of infections associated to schools, 18 school staff members and two students have died of COVID-19 since the pandemic began. The state data includes schools of all kinds, including public, private and charter schools. 

The Minnesota Department of Health does not provide specific details about COVID-19 deaths associated with schools. Education Minnesota has called on the department to release anonymous summary information about the school staff members who have died and the more than 400 students and staff members who have been hospitalized with COVID-19. This information would help school district decision-makers improve safety protocols for students and staff. 

The health department’s weekly report is available here: https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/stats/.

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.

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