Commissioner Jan Malcolm, Department of Health

• Commissioner Malcolm reported 1,401 new laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19. This brings the state’s total number of COVID-19 cases to 109,312.
• Just under 32,000 COVID-19 tests were processed yesterday.
• The median age for a COVID-19 case is 36-years-old.
• There were 14 new deaths due to COVID-19. 13 were residents of long-term care facilities. This brings the state’s total number of COVID-19 deaths to 2,121.
• As of September 29, the seven-day COVID-19 test positivity average is 5.0% – down from 5.4% w week prior. The state has been at or above the 5% caution threshold for 13 days.

Director Kris Ehresmann, Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Prevention, and Control Division

• Director Ehresmann reported that several COVID-19 hot spots around the state are in Greater Minnesota. Martin County and Pipestone County both have 10% test positivity rates. She reiterated the importance for everyone, including Greater Minnesota residents, to maintain social distance, wear masks, and avoid crowds.

Deputy Commissioner Heather Mueller, Department of Education

• Deputy Commissioner Mueller reported that the state has issued new guidance for family members of students who want to attend school-related sporting events, concerts, and performances.
• Each team/group at an indoor event is allowed up to a total allocation of two spectators per participant. Consistent with other Stay Safe guidance, spectators must be separated by at least six feet between households/spectator groups and event spaces cannot exceed 25 percent of total capacity.
• For indoor events where 12 feet cannot be maintained between participants and spectators, participants must be included in the total capacity count. If spectators and participants can be clearly separated by at least 12 feet, then participants do not need to be included in the total capacity count. No venue may exceed a capacity of 250 spectators.
• In some situations, small venues may only allow for an allocation of one spectator or less per participant, depending on the size of the venue. Spectators are only allowed at official competitions or events. If the participants are young children that may need adult support to dress, use the restroom, or otherwise participate in a practice or rehearsal, each participant may have one support person attend. If a participant has a medical need for additional adult support, then that support person is allowed at practices or rehearsals.
• School districts and charter schools must require advanced reservations and/or ticketing (electronic or will call). Walk-up sales will not be allowed. The gathering of names, phone numbers and/or email addresses must be collected as part of the reservation so that quick notification can be done if an individual develops COVID-19.

Amos A. Briggs | Government Relations
LOCKRIDGE GRINDAL NAUEN P.L.L.P.
100 Washington Avenue S | Suite 2200 | Minneapolis MN  55401