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Virus claims Martin County resident, cases up to 18

FAIRMONT — The Associated Press reported late Friday afternoon that Martin County has seen its first fatality from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The AP says the Minnesota Department of Health reported two more deaths Friday, for a total of four in the state. One was a resident of Hennepin County while the other lived in Martin County. Both were in senior living facilities.

With the exception of Olmsted County — home to Rochester — Martin County remains the outstate Minnesota county with the most cases of the coronavirus.

Numbers from the Minnesota Department of Health on Friday showed the number of positive cases locally to be 18. This is up from 12 on Thursday, eight earlier in the week and four a week ago.

“This virus is spreading throughout our community and we’re asking that people please stay home unless it’s a necessity,” Martin County Sheriff Jeff Markquart said during his daily video update on Facebook on Friday.

Neighboring counties are now also starting to show cases. Faribault and Jackson counties have one each. There are seven cases in Blue Earth County, home to Mankato.

The case in Faribault County involves a teenager, who is recovering at home, according to a press release from Human Services of Faribault and Martin Counties. The agency has been anticipating cases to emerge and is ready to respond as needed.

“Faribault County is a strong community, and has experience working together and caring for each other during stressful times,” Public Health sanitarian Tim Langer said in the release. “We, with our partners, will continue to support the community as we respond to the COVID-19 outbreak.”

He said Public Health is urging people to continue implementing mitigation strategies to slow transmission of the disease using the guidance provided by Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and the Minnesota Department of Health. These recommendations include social distancing and the cancellation of large gatherings.

Walz’s stay-at-home executive order was set to go into effect at 11:59 p.m. Friday.

Community Health & Human Services of Faribault & Martin Counties notes that it provides daily updates on the local situation on its Facebook page. Those interested can search @faribaultmartinchs

The Minnesota Department of Health says the state has 398 positive COVID-19 cases, with 180 patients who no longer need to be isolated. Cases requiring hospitalization number 51, with 34 still hospitalized as of Friday.

The Department of Health and external laboratories have completed more than 14,000 tests for COVID-19.

The Minnesota Department of Health website may be accessed at www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/index.html. MDH has set up a public hotline that is open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The number is (800) 657-3903.

People also can visit the website of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html

In his daily briefing, Markquart emphasized education over enforcement when it comes to Walz’s stay-at-home order. The sheriff has said the order has many exceptions and, in general, it could be difficult to enforce.

He is not discouraging people from going outside. In fact, he says a family car trip or walk is perfectly acceptable. He asks people to “be smart,” though. For instance, he said it would be unwise to let children play on playground equipment at public parks because it has not been disinfected.

He said people should feel free to ride their motorcycle, go fishing or get takeout. The key, he notes, is to follow social distancing guidelines. So, for example, he suggested getting away by yourself to fish, away from others.

Markquart said the state borders remain open, although he was not certain about interstate rest stops.

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