In a sign of how bizarrely partisan the response to a pandemic has become, Minnesota GOP Chairwoman Jennifer Carnahan called the Minneapolis Park Board communists for closing the city’s beaches through August.
The beach closure comes at a time when the board is navigating how to allow people to continue to be outside at the recommended safe social distance of 6 feet. In recent days, many of the city’s parkways have been closed to cars to allow more space for people to exercise and be outdoors near the chain of lakes and the Mississippi River. Park Board President Jono Cowgill has warned that gathering in groups and failing to adhere to social distancing guidelines could lead to future park closures.
Statement from superintendent Al Bangoura:
“If the forecast changes and we able to provide summer services beyond what is currently planned, we will do so as resources allow. Right now, our planning is based on the March 25 scenario shared by Governor Walz that predicts the epidemic peak at 14 weeks, or early July. We interpret this to mean people will continue to get sick beyond that peak projection date, and public health and safety measures will be needed well into July and August.”