FAIRMONT — In a Facebook video update Monday from Health and Human Services of Faribault and Martin County, Executive Director Chera Sevcik gave an update on positive COVID-19 cases. According to Sevcik, the total number of cases for Martin County stands at 24.

“My job is to oversee the public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic,” she said. “We have 24 laboratory confirmed COVID-19 cases in Martin County. The age range is between 26 years and 95 years.

“Unfortunately we have had two individuals pass away as a result of their illness with COVID-19. Both of these individuals were males in their 80’s. One lived in a senior living setting and the other one did not.”

“We have one laboratory confirmed COVID-19 case in Faribault County, a person in their teens. So the combined total for both counties is 25.

“Of those 25 cases, five have reported recent travel out of the state or the country, and seven have required hospitalization at some point in their illness which is about 28 percent of our cases. We have received many requests on our Facebook page and calls to release the names of the cities in which individuals were confirmed COVID-19 positive. Due to Minnesota’s data practices laws, we are unable to release that information, but what I can say is that COVID-19 is community-spread in our area, and all cities should be considered impacted.”

Sevcik stated that the numbers only represent those who have been confirmed via laboratory tests.

“We know that there are many more individuals who are potentially ill with COVID-19 who have not been tested. A majority of people are able to manage their symptoms at home without medical intervention.”

She went on to state that the concern is over those members of the population who would not be able to manage without medical intervention, those who could become critically ill or have underlying medical conditions. Those people would require hospitalization and intensive care.

“We ask that you take Governor Walz’s stay at home Minnesota order seriously. Only go out to purchase essential items that you need, and try to limit those items to one to two times per week.

“If you have to go out because you’re an essential worker, follow those guidelines. As the Sheriff [Jeff Markquart] has listed on his Facebook site, you do not need any ID or papers in order to travel throughout the area.”

Sevcik also shared that if people do become ill, it is asked that they call their healthcare providers before they go in. Those healthcare providers will inform people on what steps they need to take.

If people are able to manage their illness from home, they are asked to stay home for seven days from the onset and at least three days fever free without medication, and making sure there’s an improvement of symptoms.

Sevcik also stated that if someone believes they are ill or have had exposure to someone who is ill, it is the best practice to stay home for 14 days. She also encouraged people to follow credible sources of information.

“This includes the Minnesota Department of Health website which updates information on a daily basis, as well as our Facebook page. We will continue to bring you updates and keep you in the loop of what’s going on locally.” People can search for Community Health and Human Services of Faribault and Martin Counties.