Students benefit from in-person learning and keeping kids healthy and in classrooms is a priority, Otter Tail County Public Health said.
Currently, Otter Tail County is considered a high COVID-19 transmission area. With elevated positive cases and higher test positivity rates, it will take active community engagement and support to help keep kids in the classroom again this year.
“As a pediatrician, I’m all about helping kids be healthy, strong and set up for success. It’s up to all of us to help safely return kids to the classroom, resume activities and normalize this school year,” said Dr. Folstad, a pediatrician at Lake Region Health Care.
A safe return to school includes layering all the available mitigation measures, which are:
- Get vaccinated for COVID-19. Everyone 12 years and older is eligible
- Wear masks indoors, including those who are fully vaccinated
- Maintain physical distance between others
- Get tested
- Stay home if you are sick
- Wash your hands and other surfaces frequently
“Otter Tail County Public Health supports the current CDC and MDH recommendations of universal masking indoors due to the level of COVID-19 transmission we are seeing in the community, this includes in school settings, and unfortunately is regardless of vaccination status,” Public Health Director Jody Lien said.
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Otter Tail County Health also said it’s also important to make sure your child is up to date with all recommended vaccines, including the influenza vaccine this fall.
Visit ottertailcountymn.us for information about COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccine clinics. Look for upcoming flu shot clinics in your community.
