MDH COVID-19 Conference: Health officials discuss case data, trends related to Halloween and voter protection

Malcolm said this week, Minnesota’s case growth rose to 10.2%, up from 9.3% in the previous week’s case growth. The seven-day average positive rate is 6.5%. However, there is a weekly setback. Malcolm said increased testing is expected to lead to that number growing.

The commissioner took some time to discuss how community gatherings contributed to the spread of the virus in Minnesota. According to Malcolm, there have been 71 bursts with marriages, with 674 cases involving those attending the wedding.

Sharing those numbers is not an insult to anyone, but reiterating that “risk is real” and that social organizations are “helping to drive this epidemic,” he said.

The Commissioner spoke about the importance of following the guidelines to prevent re-spread. Malcolm Cove used analogies to Tim Walls to call the Govt-19 epidemic “long, dark, cold winter.”

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“We suggest that these latest numbers show that we are in a strengthening winter storm,” he said. “When we face a winter storm, we ask people to stay away from the roads, not only because their cars get stuck in the ditch, but also because we have fewer people on the roads. It’s easier to clear roads and keep people safe.

Malcolm added, “We suggest that we are in the same situation now to build the COVID-19 storm. Everyone must do their part not only for their own good, but also for the good of their community and their state.”

At the request of the Commissioner, MDH Director of Infectious Diseases Chris Ehresman spoke about how the Minnesotans can follow some guidelines and make recommendations to be safe while celebrating Halloween and voting on election day.

“We know the holidays are important times to have fun and reunite with friends, family and neighbors, and we know people will look for ways to celebrate,” he said.

Ehresman pointed out Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Recommendations How to celebrate the best Halloween. The CDC’s guidance, instead of a list of do’s or don’ts, breaks down operations by the risks involved in spreading COVID-19.

Ehresman broke down several functions and their risks, including:

• Low risk: Pumpkin carving, house decorating, virtual clothing contest, virtual / home movie night, home scavenger hunt.
• Medium risk: people can catch them without violating social distance by one-way trick or treat; Outdoor dress party with social exclusion and masked outfits.
• High risk: Traditional trick or treat, a stem or treat function, indoor ghost house, clothing banquet collection inside the house.

Regarding voting, Ehresman said election officials have worked to ensure that polling stations are safe to vote in person.

For those planning to go to the polls on election day, Ehresman recommended visiting the polls at maximum times.

Ehresman asked the Minnesota to remember to wear a mask when traveling to other public places, to observe social distance, and to observe good hand hygiene when at polling stations.

You can find more information about safe voting on election day Here.

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