Minnesota Reports Third Child Death Due to COVID-19

(KNSI) – The Minnesota Department of Health has issued a statement saying that a recent COVID-19 fatality was a school-aged child.

MDH said Monday that it had confirmed the death of a child under the age of 10 who had COVID-19, saying they lived in southwestern Minnesota and had no underlying health conditions.

The Marshall Independent reports that the child was a girl in first grade at Park Side Elementary in Marshall, according to the school district’s superintendent. She died on Sunday.

This is the third Minnesota resident age 18 or younger who has died due to the novel coronavirus.

The MDH says the death will be reflected in the department’s Thursday school data update.

Gov. Tim Walz said the news is heartbreaking.

“My thoughts are with the Minnesota family grieving the loss of their beloved child,” Walz said. “There is no grief more profound than the loss of family.”

“This sadly reinforces that the pandemic is not over and the precautions that we are taking are not just for our own safety, but for all Minnesotans – including our youngest students who are not yet eligible for the vaccine,” said Department of Education Commissioner Heather Mueller. “We must finish out the school year strong. On behalf of our students and staff, please continue to get tested regularly, wash your hands, stay home when sick, wear a mask, and get vaccinated as soon as you can. These little acts all matter.”

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