Minneapolis puts recreation on hold as coronavirus cases rise

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

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

The 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. The fact is that some park spaces have been built to provide for congregating,” Park Board President Jono Cowgill said. “We need to take steps now to ensure that people are staying safe as best they can.”

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

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

“We continue our work along with many partners around the state to protect Minnesotans and prevent additional deaths,” state Commissioner of Health Jan Malcolm said. “It is very important for all Minnesotans to do their part in that effort by following social distancing guidelines and other 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 the cases have been recorded in the populous southeastern part of the state. Clay County, which includes the Moorhead and Fargo, North Dakota, metropolitan area, went over the 100 mark with 14 new cases recorded, including three deaths. There are 325 cases in Nobles County, located near the South Dakota and Iowa borders, many of which are attributed to the recently shuttered JBS pork plant in Worthington.

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

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