In a recent press conference, Minnesota health officials said it’s encouraging to see that COVID-19 numbers haven’t spiked since the protests — or from the state’s gradual reopening — but that it’s still a bit too soon to make any conclusions.
Transcript
Boozhoo everyone, I’m Cole Premo. Here’s today’s update.
Thousands of people took to the streets in the Twin Cities following George Floyd’s death in late May.
And while face masks were a regular sight amongst protesters, health experts warned that COVID-19 can spread easily and quickly in such large groups — close together for long periods of time.
In a recent press conference, Minnesota health officials said it’s encouraging to see that COVID-19 numbers haven’t spiked since the protests -- or from the state’s gradual reopening -- but that it’s still a bit too soon to make any conclusions.
Here’s health commissioner Jan Malcolm.
MALCOLM: “I will say, we’re learning from the experiences of other state’s.. It might be prudent to give it a little bit longer window to see the effects of environmental changes whether that’s in reopening or protests..”
Despite the low numbers being reported of COVID-19 cases linked to protests, health officials are still encouraging anyone who participated in any way to get tested. This includes anyone who attended a vigil, helped clean up, and so on.
Testing is being offered by the state on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. through June 24 in the Twin Cities area. To find a nearby location, visit the MN department of health’s website. I’m Cole Premo.