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As of July 1, 2021, Minnesota's state of emergency for the COVID-19 pandemic had ended. The Minnesota Department of Education and the Minnesota Department of Health are committed to continuing to support schools in ensuring the health and safety of all students, staff and families in their communities. This page provides information and resources for schools.

COMPASS: Minnesota's New Statewide System to Support Student Learning Recovery

On August 27, 2021, the Minnesota Department of Education announced COMPASS, which stands for Collaborative Minnesota Partnerships to Advance Student Success. COMPASS is a new statewide system to support learning recovery as students head into another school year that is impacted by COVID-19. Learn more about COMPASS. 

2021-22 School Year Health Recommendations for Schools

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has released Best Practices for COVID-19 Prevention in Schools for the 2021-22 school year. MDH recommends that pre-K through grade 12 schools follow the current recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). There continue to be a limited number of requirements from the federal government and existing Minnesota Rules:

• Face coverings: All people are required by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) order to wear face coverings on all public transportation conveyances (airports, public buses, etc.), including school buses.
• Handling a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19: Minnesota Rule 4605.7070 requires any person in charge of any institution, school, child care facility, or camp to report cases of COVID-19 to the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH).

Recommendations will continue to be updated as the CDC guidance evolves.

COVID-19 Vaccines for Minnesotans Ages 12 and Older

All Minnesotans age 12 and older are eligible to receive a free COVID-19 vaccine. 

The Minnesota COVID-19 Vaccine Connector is a tool that helps Minnesotans find out when, where and how to get a COVID-19 vaccine. Through the Vaccine Connector, you can be among the first to hear about new vaccine opportunities in your area and you can directly sign up for an appointment at one of Minnesota's Community Vaccination Program sites. 

If you have questions about the form or need language assistance, please call the Minnesota Department of Health COVID-19 Public Hotline at 1-833-431-2053.

COVID-19 Public Health Information

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is continuing to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and is coordinating with other state and local agencies to share information and updates. MDH has a web page dedicated to information related to schools. The MDH Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) website has all of the latest information. For assistance with health-related questions about COVID-19, email the Minnesota Department of Health.

Stay Updated

Check this page often to track school-related updates on the COVID-19 response. You can sign up to receive email notifications when this page is updated.