This story was originally published on March 5, 2021
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – Minnesota health officials are encouraging a two-week break in youth sports in Carver County because of a rapidly growing outbreak of COVID-19 in the UK.
Since the end of January, the Minnesota Department of Health has detected at least 68 COVID-19 cases related to club sports activities, including hockey, wrestling, basketball and downhill skiing, among others. Of the 68 cases, 24 were confirmed by variant B117, which was first identified in the United Kingdom. Officials have also seen an increase in cases related to gyms and fitness centers in Carver County.
“We have seen an increase in cases, especially among those under the age of 20,” said Dr. Ruth Lynfield, MDH epidemiologist. She said none of the student-athlete cases are serious, but she worries that they are spreading the virus to coaches and other teams she plays for.
According to the MDH, there was a 62% increase in the number of cases between February 24 and March 4. In addition to the 24 confirmed cases of variant B117, 18 cases were related to one or more B117 cases and are in progress. An additional 26 cases were related to cases confirmed by B117. Many people with the variant participated in school or sports activities while they were infectious, and the outbreak affected several schools.
Inbox: @mnhealth says there is a group of UK sports-related youth variants in Carver County.
To control the spread, health officials recommend a two-week break in youth sports starting Monday, according to a press release. @WCCO pic.twitter.com/rEnbqOChYS
– Caroline Cummings (@CaroRCummings) March 5, 2021
To contain the spread, health officials recommend a break in youth sports starting Monday.
MDH recommends that for youth sports in other parts of Minnesota, there be active screening for symptoms and recommend weekly testing for athletes and coaches, said Dr. Lynfield.
MDH encourages schools in Carver County to maintain a hybrid learning model and consider a break for other extracurricular activities. Gymnasiums in the area are encouraged to adhere to strict screening and wearing masks and take a break from group classes.
In an email to families late Friday night, the Chaska-Chanhassen Hockey Association said it will allow athletes to play until there is a direct stop order.
“This is a race against the clock,” Governor Tim Walz told a news conference on Friday. “You will see that we see groups of outbreaks of B117 starting to appear. And this is the British version that poses some challenges. We have to beat that before it becomes a fulcrum. ”
However, the option is not just a matter of Carver County. MDH says there are 165 cases of variant B117 in 15 counties in Minnesota. Eight of these cases required hospitalization and one Minnesota died. MDH says the symptoms of the variant are similar to the original virus.
The investigation of sports cases and outbreaks will continue, says MDH.