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This story originally appeared on March 5, 2021
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – Minnesota health officials are encouraging a two-week hiatus from youth sports in Carver County due to a rapidly growing outbreak of the UK variant COVID-19.
Since the end of January, the Minnesota Department of Health has detected at least 68 cases of COVID-19 linked to the club’s athletic activities, including hockey, wrestling, basketball and downhill skiing, among others. Of the 68 cases, 24 were confirmed cases of the B117 variant, which was first identified in the UK. 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 20,” said Dr. Ruth Lynfield, MDH epidemiologist. She said none of the student-athlete cases were serious, but she was concerned they could spread the virus to coaches and other teams they play with.
According to the MDH, there was a 62% increase in variant cases between February 24 and March 4. In addition to the 24 confirmed cases of the B117 variant, 18 cases have been linked to one or more B117 cases and are pending results. Twenty-six other cases have been linked to confirmed cases of B117. Many people with the variant attended school or sports activities while they were contagious, and the outbreak has affected several schools.
Mailbox: @mnhealth says there is a cluster of UK variants related to youth sports in County Carver.
To control the spread, health officials recommend a two-week break from youth sports starting Monday, according to a press release. @WCCO pic.twitter.com/rEnbqOChYS
– Caroline Cummings (@CaroRCummings) March 5, 2021
In order to contain the spread, health officials recommend a break from youth sports starting Monday.
“MDH recommends that for youth sports elsewhere in Minnesota there should be active symptom screening and we recommend weekly testing for athletes and coaches,” said Dr. Lynfield.
MDH encourages schools in Carver County to maintain a blended learning model and to consider a break from other extracurricular activities. Gyms in the area are encouraged to adhere to strict controls and the wearing of masks, and to take a break from 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.
“It’s a race against time,” Governor Tim Walz said at a press conference on Friday. “You’re going to see that we’re seeing clusters of B117 outbreaks start to appear. And it is the British variant that poses the challenges for us. We have to beat this thing before it takes hold.
However, the variant isn’t just a Carver County problem. MDH says there are 165 cases of the B117 variant in 15 counties in Minnesota. Eight of these cases required hospitalization and one Minnesotan died. MDH says the symptoms of the variant are similar to those of the original virus.
Investigations into sports cases and epidemics will continue, according to MDH.
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