Bars, Cabin Gatherings Linked to Surge in COVID-19 Cases in 20-Year-Olds

The novel coronavirus outbreak has an increasing grip on young adults. Natalie Ikeman, a physician assistant with Hennepin Healthcare, said COVID-19 cases are trending upward among adults in their 20s and 30s. 

“I’m noticing, those patients generally have a very mild case of COVID-19. So it’s not that we’re seeing worsening in cases, we’re just seeing an increase of cases in that demographic,” Ikeman said.

According to the Minnesota Department of Health, there are nearly 9,000 COVID-19 cases among those in their 20s. Ikeman believes the spike in COVID cases come as a result of increased gatherings. 

“We’re seeing a lot of young people generally going out to the bars, or getting together with friends at the beach and a lot of them aren’t wearing masks,” she said.

Dr. Frank Rhame with Allina Health

Wearing masks is crucial according to Dr. Frank Rhame, an infectious disease specialist with Allina Health.

“You don’t want it to circulate in your 20-something group because it will not stay contained with that age stratum,” Dr. Rhame said. 

He explained that thousands of droplets can come out every second from a persons mouth.

“When you wear a mask they don’t really go far,” Rhame said. “They go out the sides a little but they mostly get caught in the mask.”

Rhame said it’s important to wear a mask even when you’re practicing social distancing. He said small droplets can stay in the air for up to 14 minutes, especially if there’s turbulence. 

“Some young people will get really sick and I can tell you bad. COVID is a really nasty disease. You don’t want it,” Rhame said.

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