MN Child Who Died Of COVID-19 Complication Was 1st Grade Student

MARSHALL, MN — The Minnesota child who died of coronavirus Sunday was a 6-year-old who was attending first grade at Park Side Elementary in Marshall. The child was the third Minnesotan under 18 to die from the virus.

"I recognize this is scary and concerning for many," Jeremy Williams, the superintendent for Marshall Public Schools, wrote to parents.

"We encourage you to continue to watch your students for any signs of COVID. If your student begins to show symptoms, please bring them in to be tested right away."

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Williams said the district follows protocols from the Centers for Disease Control and the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH).

"It is simply heartbreaking to hear that COVID-19 has taken the life of someone so young," Gov. Tim Walz said in a statement. "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."