Our schools and communities continue to see an increase in COVID-19 cases. The highest weekly numbers of positive COVID-19 cases among staff and students were recorded over the last few weeks of November. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has categorized Hennepin County’s transmission level as high. This transmission level has been seen since the Delta variant emerged late last summer.
The school board reviewed the district’s COVID-19 Preparedness Plan at the Nov. 16 school board meeting. A new face covering/mask resolution was proposed during that time because of the current state of COVID-19 in our schools and communities. This included a modified expiration date of Jan. 31, 2022. The school board voted on and approved the resolution. This means that staff and students in early childhood through grade 12, as well as visitors, will continue to be required to wear a face covering/mask inside all school facilities until Jan. 31, 2022.
Every effort is being made to mitigate the transmission of COVID-19 so that staff and students can continue to attend school as planned. This is a layered approach that includes a number of strategies and tools, from masking to distancing to ventilation. Please visit the COVID-19 Hub for details on the multitude of ways Osseo Area Schools staff, students and visitors are working to mitigate COVID-19.
The COVID-19 vaccine is a mitigation tool as well. Access was recently expanded to children ages 5-11.Check out the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH)’s Vaccine Connector for additional vaccine offerings for all school-age children.
As always, Osseo Area Schools is committed to providing a safe and healthy learning environment for staff, students and visitors. The district will continue to stay up-to-date with the latest COVID-19 information, which includes consulting with health officials and reviewing county, state and federal health guidance.
Thank you for persevering through this challenging time. Your continued efforts to work collectively are greatly appreciated.