REGIONAL — Three Nobles County residents died last week as a result of COVID-19, and new cases of the novel coronavirus continue to impact the communities of southwest Minnesota and northwest Iowa.
In its daily status update at 11 a.m. Tuesday, the Minnesota Department of Health announced eight new cases of COVID-19 in Nobles County during the 24-hour period that ended at 4 p.m. Monday. This brings the total number of local cases to 1,552 since testing began, with 836 of those cases still deemed active and 711 released from isolation. In all, five Nobles County residents have died thus far.
As of Tuesday morning, the number of positive cases in neighboring counties was 76 in Cottonwood County (with 64 beyond the 10-day isolation), 40 in Jackson County (with 39 beyond the 10-day isolation), 39 in Murray County, 22 in Rock County and 12 in Pipestone County.
Southwest Health and Human Services (SWHHS), which serves multiple counties including Rock, Pipestone and Murray, issued a press release Tuesday morning saying the communities it serves has seen a rise in positive COVID-19 cases lately, including the first death of a Lyon County resident.
“We know that seeing the numbers rise can be very concerning,” said Southwest Health and Human Services Public Health Director Carol Biren. “While there will be many people with mild symptoms, news like this reminds us that this virus can be severe for some. Taking steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is important, especially for our most vulnerable citizens.”
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Statewide, MDH reported 22 new COVID-19 deaths as of 4 p.m. Monday, bringing the total now to 1,072, with another 10 individuals considered to be probable victims of the virus. Among the dead are 866 individuals who had resided in long-term care or assisted living facilities. Currently, there are 537 patients hospitalized in the state, including 248 individuals in intensive care units.
Thus far, 25,508 Minnesotans have tested positive for COVID-19, with 310 new cases during the last 24-hour period ending at 4 p.m. Monday. Of those who have tested positive for the novel coronavirus since testing began are 2,764 health care workers. Statewide, 20,381 individuals no longer need to be in isolation.
The Iowa Department of Public Health reported that Osceola County currently has 34 positive COVID-19 cases (with 28 recovered), Lyon County 24 (18 recovered) and Dickinson County 25 (seven recovered) as of Tuesday morning.
Thus far, there have been 19,956 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Iowa, with 11,604 of those now beyond the 10-day isolation period. There have been 560 deaths reported in Iowa.
Nationwide, there were 1,812,125 positive cases of COVID-19 and 105,192 deaths as of 11 a.m. Tuesday, according to information from Johns Hopkins University.
Everyone is reminded to continue to follow MDH recommendations, which include: wear a mask in public, avoid enclosed spaces with groups of people, get tested if you have symptoms, stay six feet away from others, cover your cough and sneeze, wash your hands with soap and water frequently, avoid touching your face and stay home when you are ill.
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