New COVID-19 testing site opens in Carver County after variant outbreak causes youth sports pause

The COVID-19 variant outbreak that has caused a pause in youth sports in Carver County has led the state to open up a new COVID-19 testing site in the area.

Due to the dozens of cases of the "UK" variant of COVID-19, the saliva testing location has opened in Chanhassen.

While the outbreak has caused a two-week pause in youth sports, some argue that the action is unnecessary.

Cases of UK COVID-19 variant found in Carver County, health officials urge shutdown of youth sports for 2 weeks

"Kids who play sports get COVID at a far lower rate than the rest of the general population of kids," said Sam Diehl, an attorney for Let Them Play Minnesota, a group pushing for the continuation of all sports and activities across the state.

New COVID-19 testing site to open in Carver County to combat UK variant

Zoe Thoma, a youth swimmer, is disappointed her season has been cut short, but she understands the need to stay safe, "We’ve worked all season long to get to the end, to get to that one meet where were tapered and suited and we can’t because of the increase in cases so it’s really frustrating."

The Minnesota Department of Health says the only blame to place for the pause is on the virus, "It’s not the fault of coaches. It’s not the fault of schools and it’s definitely not the fault of kids. The fault lies in the virus."