Over the past three weeks, more businesses and community facilities have reopened and thousands of people have been gathering at protests and events.
State health officials say it’s too soon for the community COVID-19 testing sites to detect an increase in the number of cases because of these gatherings. Symptoms of the virus don’t surface for up to 14 days after contact.
People are encouraged to continue to practice social distancing, wear a mask in public, wash your hands, get tested if you have symptoms and stay home if you’re sick.
“We know people are tired of this and we are tired of it too,” said Kristine Ehresmann from the Minnesota Department of Health, “But following these precautions at a personal level is really important for the state to keep moving in the right direction.”
Across the state, the number of people with COVID-19 in hospitals and in intensive care has decreased from a month ago. That’s good news. If there is a surge in the number of COVID-19 cases — officials say health facilities are better prepared to handle a second wave of cases.
They also say they know more about the virus now …
That said, people are getting tired of restricting their activity and work lives and may relax their caution. That could drive up the number of cases beyond capacity.
For those who want to get tested, it is free at community sites and according to state health officials, there should be no copay at your regular health care clinic.
Artists Respond to Covid