2 more Minnesota school staff members die from COVID-19; 7 total in 2021

This year, seven Minnesota school staff members have died of COVID-19, nearly equaling the eight staffers who died the entire previous school year, according to Minnesota Department of Health data.

In the latest data on Thursday, two new deaths were reported that involved school staff members. Since August 2020, 15 have died from COVID-19. Since the first week of September of this year, seven staffers and one student have died of COVID-19.

"It’s tragic and frustrating that so many school staff members have died this school year," said Denise Specht, president of Education Minnesota. "We know so much more about what works this year to keep students and educators safe compared to last year."

MDH did not clarify specific details regarding the schools involved.