Parents are filing new lawsuit arguing that masks are dangerous to student-athletes
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) A group consisting of Minnesota parents, coaches and athletes say they plan to file a new lawsuit this week over Gov. Tim Walz’s restrictions requiring student-athletes to wear masks during practices and games.
The group, Let Them Play MN, previously sued the governor and other state officials after he instituted a “pause” on youth sports as part of a dial back on COVID-19 restrictions following last year’s surge in virus cases, hospitalizations and deaths.
The group’s lawsuit argued that the pause on youth sports was unconstitutional and unfairly sidelined youth athletes while those in college or at the professional level were allowed to play. A judge denied the lawsuit.
Minnesota green-lights youth sports games starting Jan 14 southernminn.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from southernminn.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
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Restrictions eased for some but not for all
Social gathering limits increased while indoor food venues stay closed Posted
David Colburn
REGIONAL- The rate of new COVID-19 cases in the North Country has leveled off in the most recent data available, but an extension of the indoor service closures of restaurants and bars could make a difficult time even tougher for local business owners.
Numerous area establishments had already given up on making money via take-out sales and suspended operations during the initial closure, which began Nov. 20. Last Thursday, the day after Gov. Tim Walz extended the restrictions through Jan. 11, the Montana Café in Cook succumbed, at least in part to the news.
Updated: 3:35 p.m.
Minnesota officials on Monday reported another 22 COVID-19 deaths, continuing an already dreadful December. But other key metrics are showing definite signs of hope.
New daily caseloads and hospital admissions continue to retreat from their late November, early December peaks.
The Health Department posted 1,998 newly confirmed or probable COVID-19 cases the lowest count since late October, part of more than a week of relatively moderate new caseloads. Officials expected a surge originating from Thanksgiving gatherings, but it hasn’t happened yet.
The number of active, confirmed cases in Minnesota is down to around 21,000, the lowest since Nov. 4.
The agency said 1,040 people were in the hospital with COVID-19 as of Sunday, with 237 needing intensive care. While that’s still fairly high, the seven-day trend for new hospital admissions has dropped to levels not seen since early November.