State reports 7th death of a school staff member from COVID-19

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ST. PAUL, Minnesota. May 13, 2021 – Education Minnesota reminded educators, students and parents to remain vigilant about the spread of COVID-19 after the Minnesota Department of Health reported Thursday that a seventh school staff member has died of the disease.

“Educators everywhere had hoped to get through the school year without losing another colleague. Tragically, we didn’t make it,” said Denise Specht, president of Education Minnesota. “Remember, this pandemic isn’t over yet. It’s still important keep yourself and your school community safe. Please, get vaccinated, get tested, and self-isolate if you could spread the virus.”

The department reported Thursday that since the pandemic began, there have been seven staff deaths and one student death. According to state data, there have now been 216 total hospitalizations of students and staff and 25,074 total cases associated with schools. Students make up nearly two-thirds of the total cases.

The department’s report did not include dets about the school staff member who died, including where the educator worked, the educator’s age, or if the educator had pre-existing health conditions. Questions about the death of the school staff member should go to the health department.

The department’s weekly report can be found here:
https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/stats/index.html

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.