Health Department officials are appealing to teens and young adults to take the fight against COVID-19 more seriously.
“Over the last weeks we have been getting emails and notes over social media messages from the public expressing concern over what they describe as large gathering of teens and young adults without social distancing and other precautions,” said Kris Ehresmann, the Director of Infectious Diseases and Epidemiology at the MN Dept of Health.
“I absolutely understand the desire to be with friends and have fun. But even if you are young and healthy we need you to do your part to slow down the spread of COVID-19,” said Ehresmann.
Erhesmann noted, in recent weeks, we’ve seen several deaths of young people in their 30s who had no known underlying health issues. She says it is a stark reminder that COVID-19 continues to surprise and confound health officials in unfortunate ways.
She wants teenagers and young adults to fight COVID-19 with the same passion many are bringing to causes like environmental issues and racial justice.
“I really think that our teens and young adults are the generation that is going to make an impact on our world, in environmental issues and racial justice issues, and I would like to ask that you also consider the important role you play in making a difference in COVID-19 in Minnesota. We need that same level of engagement and dedication from you,” said Ehressmann
Health officials encourage everyone to continue practicing social distancing, to wear masks in public and of course to be vigilant about hand-washing, covering your cough and get tested if you feel ill or have been exposed to large groups.
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