Minneapolis puts recreation on hold as coronavirus cases rise

Minneapolis officials are putting an end to pickup basketball games and or outdoor recreation because people continue to gar in city parks and fields as number of COVID-19 cases and deaths continues to rise.

Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board anunced Friday it will close courts, athletic fields, playgrounds and skate parks by May 1, Star Tribune reported. decision includes removing or blocking basketball rims, removing tennis and volleyball nets, and posting signs tifying park visitors that soccer fields, playgrounds and skate parks are closed.

city has received more than 125 complaints of large groups at parks, many playing sports such as soccer and basketball, officials said.

“This is an issue that we’re consistently seeing. fact is that some park s have been built to provide for congregating,” Park Board President Jo Cowgill said. “We need to take steps w to ensure that people are staying safe as best y can.”

Minnesota health officials on Saturday confirmed 261 news cases of coronavirus, raising total statewide to nearly 3,500.

updated report includes 23 deaths from COVID-19, for a statewide total of 244. All but one of victims were in long-term care facilities and one was at least 100 years old, state Department of Health said.

“We continue our work along with many partners around state to protect Minnesotans and prevent ditional deaths,” state Commissioner of Health Jan Malcolm said. “It is very important for all Minnesotans to do ir part in that effort by following social distancing guidelines and or public health recommendations.”

A total of 797 people have required hospitalization. Of those, 288 remain in those facilities, with 109 in intensive care.

Most of cases have been recorded in populous souastern part of state. Clay County, which includes Moorhe and Fargo, rth Dakota, metropolitan area, went over 100 mark with 14 new cases recorded, including three deaths. re are 325 cases in bles County, located near South Dakota and Iowa borders, many of which are attributed to recently shuttered JBS pork plant in Worthington.

For most people, coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older ults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.

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