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 following a rapidly growing outbreak of the British COVID-19 variant.
Since the end of January, the Minnesota Department of Health has detected at least 68 cases of COVID-19 related to club sports activities, including hockey, wrestling, basketball, and alpine skiing. 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 involving gyms and fitness centers in Carver County.
“We are seeing an increase in cases especially in those under 20,” said Dr. Ruth Lynfield, an MDH epidemiologist, said. She said none of the cases in student-athletes are serious, but she is concerned that they are spreading the virus to coaches and other teams they play.
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 there are still results. An additional 26 cases have been linked to confirmed B117 cases. Many people with the variant attended school or sports activities while contagious, and the outbreak affected several schools.
Inbox: @mnhealth says there is a group of UK variants associated with youth sports in Carver County.
According to a news release, health officials recommend a two-week break over youth sports to begin on Monday. @WCCO pic.twitter.com/rEnbqOChYS
– Caroline Cummings (@CaroRCummings) 5 March 2021
In order to limit the spread, health officials recommend taking a break from youth sports from Monday.
“MDH recommends active screening for symptoms for youth sports elsewhere in Minnesota, and we recommend weekly tests for athletes and coaches,” said Dr. Lynfield said.
MDH encourages schools in Carver County to maintain a hybrid learning model and consider taking a break from other extracurricular activities. Gymnasiums in the area are encouraged to strictly check and wear masks, and to interrupt group classes.
The Chaska-Chanhassen Hockey Association said in an email to families late Friday night that it allows athletes to play until there is a direct order to stop.
“It’s a race against the clock,” Gov. Tim Walz told a news conference Friday. ‘You’ll see bunches of B117 outbreaks start to appear. And it’s the British variant that presents us with some challenges. We have to beat the thing before it gets a foothold. ”
However, the variant is not just a problem in Carver County. MDH says there are 165 cases of the B117 variant in 15 counties in Minnesota. Eight of the cases required hospitalizations, and one Minnesotan was killed. MDH says the symptoms of the variant are similar to the original virus.
The investigation into sports cases and outbreaks will continue, MDH says.