Updates in this email:
MDH announced a recommendation for all school-age youth returning to school, youth sports, or extracurricular activities, and their families, to get tested every two weeks through the end of the school year.
While it is not a requirement, regular testing complements other safety measures already in place, such as masking and social distancing.
Schools and youth organizations can send messages and resources available on COVID-19 Testing for Kids and Families to families to encourage testing. Getting tested every two weeks from now until the end of the school year can help keep schools open and sports operating, and ensure we are limiting the spread of COVID-19.
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CDC Recommends No Travel
We have received numerous questions about spring break and recommendations for quarantine after travel. The CDC recommends no travel (no domestic travel and no international travel) during COVID-19. Travel increases the chance of getting and spreading COVID-19. Read the CDC’s information on traveling during COVID-19 and the CDC’s after you travel information, which recommends individuals get tested 3-5 days after travel and stay home and self-quarantine for a full 7 days after travel, even if the test comes back negative.
Two Weeks Following Spring Break Carry a Heightened Risk for Potential Exposure to COVID-19
There is no requirement for schools to enforce the CDC recommendations for quarantine after travel, however because there may be many members of the school community who are returning from travel in many different locations, the two weeks following spring break will carry a heightened risk for potential exposures in the school setting. Please communicate the CDC’s post-travel recommendations, and reemphasize all prevention measures with members of the school community. We are aware that some schools are considering or planning to implement a hybrid or distance learning model for 1-2 weeks following spring break to guard against exposures in the school setting, similar to the approach many took in a delayed return after the holidays.
Out-of-State Travel is Highly Discouraged
People who visit Minnesota, and Minnesotans returning after traveling out of state, are asked to stay away from others (quarantine) for 14 days after they arrive in Minnesota. Read more guidance on steps to take after traveling.
During the Nurses Call this week, MDH Mental Health Promotion Coordinator Anna Lynn shared resources and tools to help health care staff and school health staff to reduce stress, improve performance, and help others take care of themselves. Resources and tools are below.
U.S Department of Veterans Affairs COVID Coach: This free app is available for everyone. It includes tools for self-care and for improving emotional well-being.
Virtual Calming Room: This online resource includes music and sounds, visual relaxation, exercise and yoga, and more.
Tuesday Mindful Moments: The University of Minnesota Integrative Psychiatry and Wellness Program host this program. These 15-minute experiential mindfulness and positive psychology virtual sessions teach stress-reduction skills and are available to all. Tuesday mornings 8:45-9 a.m. Information to join this program follow:
https://umn-private.zoom.us/j/91457394744?pwd=dU9yaC9Pekl1YjVWNFlNOXMvSVB2dz09#success
Meeting ID: 914 5739 4744
Passcode: 52k4WT
Vaccine Information Specifically for School Staff
School staff are still a priority for COVID-19 vaccines in Minnesota. With the launch of the Vaccine Connector, we have shut down the existing Minnesota COVID-19 Vaccine – Education and Child Care survey. School staff who have already completed this survey do not need to complete the Vaccine Connector form.
More information about the Vaccine Connector, specifically for school staff, is available in the document Connect to Your Vaccine: Overview for School Staff.
 Staff and students are returning to the classroom for in-person and hybrid learning. MDH has video public service announcements, print materials, and translated documents that can be used to message and remind staff and students about COVID-19 symptoms, staying home when sick, and the importance of frequent handwashing. The symptoms flyer pictured above is just one of many resources available to you. Download the COVID-19 response resources and materials materials from the Minnesota Department of Health website.
MDE and MDH have a great resource available which provides up-to-date guidance on COVID-19 for staff who work in schools and in out of school time programs. New content will be added throughout the school year. The trainings and resources are available in the Canvas Learning Management system.
Instructions for accessing the resources:
- Go to COVID-19 Resources for Minnesota Schools and Out of School Time Programs to access the Canvas Learning Management System.
- Enter your email address as your username. Click Enroll in Course.
- You will receive an email from MDE (notifications@instructure.com). Select the button that says “Click here to finish the registration process.”
- In Canvas, create a password and select "Register." View the course.
For best performance, Canvas should be used on the following internet browsers: Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari. Contact mde.healthyyouth@state.mn.us if you have questions.
Calls are held each Wednesday from 10:30-11:30 a.m. by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). These are opportunities to hear MDH updates and receive the latest information, including any new guidance.
(Each link is only active on the actual day of the School Nurse Update Call. Each link is not available for later viewing.)
To view the PowerPoint slides and notes from the School Nurse Calls, please register with the COVID-19 Resources for Minnesota Schools and Out-of-School Time Staff, Canvas Learning Management System, under the Health and Safety module. Canvas registration information is listed above.
You can livestream these meetings each Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. using the following the YouTube Live Stream Access Links:
If you have any questions about these MDH weekly school nurse calls, please email health.schools.covid19@state.mn.us.
Information is constantly changing for COVID-19 vaccines. Please bookmark and visit the MDH COVID-19 Vaccines webpage frequently for latest updates.
Questions on COVID-19? Here are the MDH and MDE mailboxes to use:
MDE Inboxes:
MDH Inboxes:
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