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 rapid growth outbreak of the UK COVID-19 variant.
Since the end of January, the Minnesota Department of Health has detected at least 68 COVID-19 cases related to club sports activities such as hockey, wrestling, basketball and alpine skiing, among others. Of the 68 cases, 24 were confirmed cases of variant B117, 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 in those under 20,” said Dr. Ruth Lynfield, an MDH epidemiologist. He said none of the cases in student-athletes are serious, but he worries that they will spread the virus to coaches and other teams they play for.
According to the MDH, there was a 62% increase in cases ranging from February 24 to March 4. In addition to the 24 confirmed cases of variant B117, 18 cases have been related to one or more B117 cases and are pending results. An additional 26 cases have been related to confirmed cases of B117. Many people with the variant attended school or sports activities while they were infectious, and the outbreak has affected several schools.
Inbox: @mnhealth says there is a cluster of UK sports-related 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
In order to contain the spread, health officials recommend a break in youth sports starting Monday.
“MDH recommends that for youth sports elsewhere in Minnesota, active detection of symptoms should be done and weekly testing is recommended for athletes and coaches,” Dr. Lynfield said.
MDH encourages Carver County schools to maintain a hybrid learning model and consider a break from other extracurricular activities. It is recommended that gyms in the area adhere to strict control and protection against masks and take a break from group classes.
In an email sent 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,” Gov. Tim Walz said during a news conference Friday. “You will see that groups of B117 outbreaks are starting to appear. And this is the UK variant that poses some challenges for us. We have to get over this before it’s over. “
However, the variant is not just a problem in Carver County. MDH says there are 165 cases of variant B117 in 15 Minnesota counties. Eight of these cases required hospitalizations and one Minnesota died. MDH says the symptoms of the variant are similar to the original virus.
Investigation of sports cases and outbreaks will continue, according to MDH.