Latest Minnesota COVID-19 data moves 27 counties to new school planning levels

New county COVID-19 data shows what a difference a week can make - with 27 counties seeing enough changes in the spread of the infectious disease to end up in different categories when it comes to school reopening plans.

The changes underscore the volatile nature of COVID-19 numbers at the local level, amid a pandemic that has caused 58,640 lab-confirmed infections and 1,636 deaths in Minnesota, and the challenges school districts face in sizing up infection risks for the fall.

Gov. Tim Walz acknowledged the difficulties during a press event Thursday in which he lamented that his son will start eighth grade with online instruction in St. Paul; engaged a teacher in an impromptu exchange about her fears; and asked Minnesotans to maintain the mask-wearing and social distancing that can help keep businesses and schools open.

https://www.startribune.com/latest-virus-data-alter-school-planning-for-27-minn-counties/572027232/