MDH: Don't Gather With Other Households For Thanksgiving

MINNESOTA — In a more restrictive shift from guidance issued earlier this month, Minnesota's top health officials are now asking Minnesotans not to gather with other households for Thanksgiving or other social events this month, given the state's high rate of coronavirus infections.

Residents are encouraged to celebrate only with members of their immediate household and visit with other loved ones virtually.

"Right now, frankly, any gathering of more than a few people and with more than your immediate household presents a much higher risk than was the case even a couple of weeks ago," Minnesota Department of Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm said at a news conference Monday.

Malcolm acknowledged the hard sacrifice Minnesotans are being asked to make, but said it could save lives and help relieve pressure on the state's hospitals and hospital staff.

More coronavirus restrictions coming

Gov. Tim Walz says there will be more restrictions as Minnesota continue to see record-breaking rates of coronavirus infections. It's not yet clear what those restrictions will be, but Walz suggested that they won't be the broad-based measures that were implemented back in the spring.

"As we peak right now, I think it is obvious we are going to have to have more mitigation measures," the governor told reporters Monday. "Here in Minnesota, we are going to be targeted."

Walz noted that Minnesota hospitals are reaching their capacity to treat COVID-19 as the state sees record-setting highs in not only new cases, but also hospitalizations, ICU-rates, and deaths.

Health officials reported 7,444 new cases of COVID-19 Monday, along with 12 deaths. The state's overall COVID-19 death toll is now at 2,917 and may reach 3,000 deaths within the week.

Malcolm called the latest surge "very terrifying."

"In Minnesota, we've had alarming numbers for several days now," she said, citing Saturday's daily record of nearly 8,700 cases. The state saw close to 24,000 cases of COVID-19 over a three-day period, with an average of about 8,000 each day.

New restrictions to combat spikes now in effect

Earlier in November, the governor announced new restrictions aimed at curbing the spread of the coronavirus in Minnesota. The new restrictions will apply to celebrations, receptions, bars, and restaurants, which are "the most significant sources of COVID-19 outbreaks," according to Walz's office.

Read more: MN Gov. Walz Announces New Coronavirus Restrictions: List