Duluth Teachers Will Wear Masks Again As COVID Cases Rise

A phone call was made to all parents of kids in ISD #709 letting them know that Duluth teachers and staff were going to be required to wear masks starting today, May 23.

This news comes as the number of cases of COVID is growing fast. FOX 21 is reporting that in Duluth, the COVID cases have almost doubled, going from 45.77 to 80.22 cases per 10,000 people. St. Louis County has said its rate of transmission of COVID-19 has gone from moderate to high.

The phone call went out late in the school day from school officials announcing the change in mas policy for all staff of ISD #709 schools. I think making students mask up full time might be right behind this mandate.

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There have been a few concerts and the school has not required parents or families to mask up yet either, just a strong recommendation to do so. I attended one of these concerts and wore a mask and noticed hardly anyone in a mask.

Fox 21 is saying the mask policy will cover all of ISD 709’s buildings, including spaces it leases, such as the Tech Village, the United Healthcare Group, and Arvig buildings. The school district is not requiring students, parents, or community members on district property will not be required to wear a mask but said they are “strongly urged to wear a mask” after consulting St. Louis County health officials.

Wondering how the CDC is weighing in on this. They are in the same boat. They are encouraging people to wear masks and especially for travel. Nothing is mandatory but they are"strongly" encouraging people to have a mask on.

What Do I Do If I Lose My COVID-19 Vaccination Card?

When you get your COVID-19 vaccine, you're handed a card that details the date, manufacturer variety, and location of your dose. If you're getting one of the two-dose vaccines (Pfizer or Moderna), you'll need that card to coordinate your second and final dose. But even with the one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine and even after getting the second shot, you'll need to keep that card in a safe place.

While nationwide vaccine mandates aren't a thing at the present time, there are a variety of times you might need that card even after completing the vaccine process. Many schools (primary, secondary, and higher education) are requiring the COVID-19 vaccine similar to other vaccinations. Additionally, some entertainment venues and mass transportation are requiring either proof of a negative COVID test or the vaccine card.

So what happens if you lose it? Relax. There are ways of obtaining a replacement - and they differ slightly whether you've lost it before getting both doses or after.