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 due to a growing outbreak of the UK’s COVID-19 variant.
Since the end of January, the Minnesota Department of Health has detected at least 68 cases of COVID-19 linked to club sporting activities, including hockey, wrestling, basketball and alpine skiing, among others. Of the 68 cases, 24 were confirmed cases of variant B117, which was first identified in the United Kingdom. Officials have also seen an increase in cases linked to Carver County gyms and fitness centers.
“We saw an increase in cases, especially in people under the age of 20,” said Dr. Ruth Lynfield, MDH epidemiologist. She said none of the cases in student-athletes are serious, but she fears they are spreading the virus to coaches and other teams who play.
According to the MDH, there was a 62% increase in cases of variants between 24 February and 4 March. In addition to the 24 confirmed cases of variant B117, 18 cases have been associated with one or more cases of B117 and the results are pending. Another 26 cases were associated with confirmed cases of B117. Many people with the variant attended school or sports activities while they were contagious, and the outbreak affected several schools.
Inbox: @mnhealth says there are a number of UK variants linked to youth sports in County Carver.
To control the spread, health officials recommend a two-week break in youth sports starting on Monday, according to a press release. @WCCO pic.twitter.com/rEnbqOChYS
– Caroline Cummings (@CaroRCummings) March 5, 2021
To contain the spread, health officials are recommending a break from youth sports starting on Monday.
“MDH is recommending that, for youth sports in other parts of Minnesota, there is an active screening for symptoms and we recommend weekly tests for athletes and coaches,” said Dr. Lynfield.
MDH encourages schools in Carver County to maintain a hybrid learning model and to consider taking a break from other extracurricular activities. Academies in the region are encouraged to adhere to rigorous exams and the use of masks, and to interrupt group classes.
In an email to families on Friday night, the Chaska-Chanhassen Hockey Association said it would allow athletes to play until there is a direct order to stop.
“This is a race against the clock,” said Governor Tim Walz during a news conference on Friday. “You will see that we are seeing groups of B117 outbreaks beginning to appear. And this is the UK variant that presents us with some challenges. We need to win this thing before it settles down. “
However, the variant is not just a problem in Carver County. The MDH says there are 165 cases of variant B117 in 15 Minnesota counties. Eight of these cases required hospitalization and one Minnesotan died. The MDH says the symptoms of the variant are similar to those of the original virus.
The investigation of sports cases and outbreaks will continue, says the MDH.