Minnesota public health officials are asking families to get tested for COVID-19 every two weeks from now until the end of the school year in an effort to limit the impact of the disease.

The state Department of Health campaign announced Wednesday is reaching out to families, health professionals, schools, and youth organizations to help encourage regular COVID-19 testing. State officials say the move is important as the number of students attending in-person classes has significantly increased, with thousands more expected to return to the classroom in coming weeks.

Of Minnesota’s 480,000-plus confirmed COVID-19 cases, 17% have been in those under the age of 20.

By — Lakeland News