MN Child Under 10 Dies From COVID-19 Complications

MINNESOTA — A child under the age of 10 from southwestern Minnesota has died due to complications from COVID-19, the Minnesota Department of Health announced Monday. The child was the third Minnesotan under 18 to die from the virus.

"It is simply heartbreaking to hear that COVID-19 has taken the life of someone so young," Gov. Tim Walz said in a statement Monday. "My thoughts are with the Minnesota family grieving the loss of their beloved child. There is no grief more profound than the loss of family."

COVID-related deaths in children are rare, but they can happen in otherwise healthy children, health officials note.

Because children under 16 are not yet eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, the MDH says the best way to protect children from the virus is adults getting vaccinated as soon as they can, as well as:

• Wearing masks in public
• Socially distancing
• Getting tested regularly
• Staying home if you test positive or if you’re sick
• Washing your hands
• Covering your coughs

"As a mom and a former teacher I am devastated to hear about the loss of one of our students to COVID-19," said Minnesota Department of Education Commissioner Dr. Heather Mueller.

"My heart is with the family, fellow students, and school staff who will forever be missing a child, a classmate, and an important member of their school community.”

"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," Mueller continued.

"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.”

Macalester Becomes 1st MN College To Require COVID-19 Vaccine

Macalester College Friday became the first Minnesota college to require that students and staff receive the COVID-19 vaccine before the fall semester. The deadline to be vaccinated is Aug. 2. Read more here.