ST. PAUL – State Rep. Lisa Demuth, R-Cold Spring, said she is pleased the Minnesota State High School League on Thursday lifted its prohibition on spectators for events in public schools this fall.
Two spectators per participant now will be allowed to attend events in public school facilities. Participants include athletes, performers, competitors, student workers and coaches/advisors. Social distancing guidelines – including a 6-foot separation among spectators – apply.
Demuth said it was appropriate to update the MSHSL’s attendance guidelines because they were arbitrary and inconsistent with state policies regarding indoor gatherings amid the COVID-19 outbreak.
“I am so happy for student-athletes and their families that spectators will be allowed to attend indoor events this fall,” Demuth said. “It may seem like a small issue to some people, but it represents so much more in terms of finding a path forward and safely re-opening our state. Time is fleeting and the period our children are able to participate in high school sports is incredibly short. Parents understandably were frustrated by the state prohibiting them from sharing in these moments and it is good to see the attendance policy has been improved at least to the point they can watch their kids perform in person. It is a step in the right direction.”
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