Sports delayed four weeks
Rising case numbers lead to new restrictions
Junior Ben Farley high-fives his teammates after a goal was scored Nov. 12. Boys’ hockey is one of many sports that has been down players due to COVID-19 exposure.
November 18, 2020
As a result of Minnesota falling within the top 10 states with the highest COVID-19 infection rates, Gov. Tim Walz has paused all sports — among other activities — for four weeks beginning Nov. 21.
“It’s not easy and it’s not fair, but it’s a sacrifice we need to make. If we don’t do that and continue to spread, we will with absolute certainty put our hospitals at risk and those that need the care, as well as the care providers,” Walz said.
In addition to sports, there will also be a pause to in-person dining, fitness centers and other activities that bring people together including private parties and social gatherings with other households.
Eight months after the first stay at home order, which proved successful in flattening the curve of COVID-19 cases, Walz said Minnesotans must take these new restrictions seriously in order for the curve to once again go down.
“I’m asking you one more time, Minnesota, let’s pause some of the social stuff, let’s be smart. Let’s mask up. Let’s get through these next few weeks and let’s get to the point where we can celebrate the things we care about,” Walz said.
Sophomore Rachel Katzovitz said she believes pausing sports is the right thing to do given the increase in COVID-19 cases.
“I do think this was the right decision with rising numbers in COVID,” Katzovitz said. “It is really disappointing for sports to be canceled… but it was the right decision with the amount of cases and the severity of what’s going on right now,” Katzovitz said.
Even though she is disappointed by the delay of the start of the gymnastics season, junior Ryan Rasmussen said she recognizes the need for the postponement of the season.
“Right now I feel like it’s the safest thing because a lot of high schoolers are getting COVID and it’s just not safe right now,” Rasmussen said.
Although sophomore Stefano Giovannelli understands the decision, he was excited for the basketball season.
“It’s a bummer, but I get why because you have to be safe,” Giovannelli said. “But I would love to play basketball this year, but I totally get why he chose to postpone it.”
Katzovitz said she wants to make the best of the situation by using the pause like the team would in the offseason.
“The athlete is made in the offseason, so if we treat this time like it’s the offseason and we keep working the best that we can, we can come back stronger from this,” Katzovitz.
The new restrictions go into effect Nov. 21.
