Minnesota state health officials were in cautious mood on October 27, 2020, when they discussed COVID-19 case data. Eye Witness News KTSP says they included Halloween tactics in the winter COVID storm in their briefing. When we’re facing a regular winter storm, they said, we ask people to stay off the roads so emergency teams can do their work.
Using the Analogy for Halloween Tactics in the Winter COVID Storm
It took over two months to log the first 13,000 cases, Minnesota Department of Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm said. But now we have added 13,000 cases in the last seven days. This is a pattern that should alarm every one of us. She went on to explain the role of social gatherings in the surge.
There have now been 71 outbreaks associated with weddings, Jan Malcolm reported, with 674 cases among those who attended the wedding. I don’t want to ‘shame anyone’ she reiterated. I just want to emphasize how real the risk is, and how social settings are ‘driving the epidemic’.
Managing Social Settings During Gov Tim Walz’s Long Dark Winter
Infectious Disease Director Kris Ehresmann drew on the Minnesota governor’s words when outlining Halloween tactics in the winter COVID storm. He presented these three scenarios, and their associated risks:
1… LOW RISK: Carving pumpkins, decorating home, virtual costume contest, virtual/in-home movie night, and scavenger hunt at home.
2… MEDIUM RISK: One-way trick-or-treating, so people can grab them without breaking social distancing; outside costume party, with social distancing and mask-wearing.
3… HIGH RISK: Traditional trick-or-treating, even a trunk or treat activity, indoor haunted house, costume party gathering indoors.
Finally, regarding election day, Kris Ehresmann has this advice if you have yet to vote. He recommends wearing masks, visiting at off-peak times, practicing social distancing and good hand hygiene when at polling places.
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Preview Image: Decorated Halloween House
