Minnesota health officials say graduation ceremony exposed people to coronavirus

Minnesota health officials said that a graduation ceremony that violated the state’s social distancing guidelines may have caused a COVID-19 cluster outbreak. 

A person who tested positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, helped set up the graduation ceremony and came in contact with two school staff members who later handed out diplomas to the graduates, the Minnesota Department of Health reported, according to CBSN Minnesota, a CBS affiliate. 

The students came up on the event stage one by one while the two school staff members who had been exposed to the virus handed out diplomas. 

The state’s health department did not provide the name or any details about which school in Minnesota held the ceremony.

The health department also reportedly reminded the public that both indoor and outdoor graduation ceremonies are not allowed. 

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) let the state’s stay-at-home order expire on May 13, and as of May 18, began to loosen restrictions, allowing gatherings of 10 or fewer people to reconvene. However, the governor announced earlier this month that restaurants, bars, gyms and salons will remain closed until June 1. 

The news also comes as schools all over the country have had to adjust their graduation plans because of the coronavirus. Many states across the country have shuttered their school systems since the early days of the pandemic. 

To celebrate graduation, many schools are doing drive-thru ceremonies, and famous celebrities including Oprah Winfrey and former President Obama have given virtual commencement speeches to university and high school graduates.