Players need their parents in the stands

THUMBS UP:

Apparently political and public pressure led to the Minnesota State High School League to reconsider its prohibition on spectators for events in public school this fall. The Independent published two submissions in the Thursday edition. One was from state Rep. Chris Swedzinski, R-Ghent, who charged parents are frustrated that were banned from watching their children in competitions. The other was from Lakeview volleyball players. They also pleaded with the MSHSL to let the parents watch their games. We assume that similar voices were being heard throughout the state. And the MSHSL listened to those voices. It announced Thursday that two spectators per participant will now be allowed at prep sporting events. Swedzinski said “he was extremely happy” with the announcement. It’s also a big victory for high school prep competitors. It’s a good decision. But now it’s up to the spectators to practice social distancing at games.

Learning the hard way

THUMBS DOWN:

As much as we all want life to return to normal, COVID-19 continues to remind everybody it’s still a health risk that intends to linger on for as long as we let it. Large gatherings right here in southern Minnesota ended up being super spreaders. And now it appears the White House Rose Garden event featuring the nomination of Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court is also a super spreader and put President Donald Trump in the hospital for a couple days. When will we learn.

Testing just part of the solution

THUMBS SIDEWAYS:

Almost 800 people showed up last week at the Red Baron Arena and Expo to get tested for COVID-19. Event organizers said they were satisfied with the turnout. The reported that 5% of the 793 tested were found to be positive. Hopefully, more events like this will be planned in the future to make it convenient for southwest Minnesota residents to get tested. In the meantime, Carol Biren, public health director for Southwest Health and Human Services reminds us that testing is just part of the solution to reducing the spread of COVID-19. She it’s also important for people to follow other safety guidelines like wearing face masks, washing hands, keeping a 6-foot social distance and avoid large gatherings.