Back-to-school season is upon us, and we’re preparing to enter classrooms once again. But, as we work through the pandemic, let’s remember that this year will be a little different. That’s why we’ve put together this collection of resources as students return.
Let’s put pen to paper and take a look at what Minnesota families can expect…
Guidelines by district
Mankato – requiring masks for all students and staff in middle and elementary schools.
Rochester – mandated masks in any indoor public space where children or vulnerable people are present.
Albert Lea – mandating masks after a recent outbreak.
Edina Schools – mandating masks for indoor spaces for anyone over the age of two years old and using HEPA filters in every classroom.
St. Paul Public Schools – Requiring employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19 or be tested weekly by October 15.
Anoka-Hennepin – Requiring masks and following CDC guidelines.
Minneapolis Public Schools – Mandating masks for all students, staff, and visitors as well as encouraging physical distancing.
Rosemount, Apple Valley, and Eagan – Recently mandated masks in all buildings due to the area’s “high transmission levels”. Guidance is set to change as cases decrease.
Be sure to check your school district’s guidelines, as they’ll vary from location to location.
Tips and resources
The MN Department of Health has put together a few folders of resources for schools and anyone attending, including a decision tree for schools, youth programs, and child care programs.
The Department of Health has also put forward best practice recommendations to prevent COVID-19 in schools for the upcoming year. A few of those practices include vaccines for children over the age of 12, universal indoor masking for anyone above two years old (regardless of vaccine status), and physical distancing.
The beginning of the school year can always be challenging, and COVID-19 certainly hasn’t made it easier. That’s why it’s essential that we work together to help our students stay safe and thrive. Follow ABM on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest updates and action alerts (just don’t take your phone out during class…).
