MURRAY COUNTY — The number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota have continued to rise recently, and the totals include new cases in the southwest corner of the state.

Over the weekend, Murray County experienced a jump in positive COVID-19 cases, with the total now at 10, the Minnesota Department of Health reported on Monday.

Lauren Mellenthin, emergency coordinator for Southwest Health and Human Services, said the increase in cases in Murray County was not believed to be tied to a specific outbreak of COVID-19. But at the same time, she said, “We kind of expected the numbers to go up,” as coronavirus continues to spread in the region.

The numbers of of people testing positive for COVID-19 have been rising in counties neighboring Murray County. Nobles County, which experienced a COVID-19 outbreak at the JBS pork plant in Worthington, has reported a total of 399 cases, and one death. Cottonwood County has nine confirmed COVID-19 cases; Jackson County, eight; and Rock County, six.

Mellenthin and Lyon County Emergency Manager Dan DeSmet said health care providers and emergency responders have been working with local industries and farmers to help get the message out about slowing the spread of COVID-19. Many are already putting protective measures in place at their plants, Mellenthin said.

Lyon County hasn’t had any new confirmed cases over the past few days. The total of positive COVID-19 cases is at six. Last week, SWHHS said at least four of those patients have since recovered.

So far, Minnesota hasn’t seen an overwhelming surge of COVID-19 patients, DeSmet said. “However, we’re still concerned about that surge, and any hotspots that may blow up,” DeSmet said — especially after outbreaks at meat plants in southwest Minnesota, and at the Smithfield pork plant in Sioux Falls.

Lyon County residents have also just completed a successful face mask drive, DeSmet said. Around 150 to 175 cloth masks were donated and dropped off at the Marshall Fire Department. Midwest Cleaners will be laundering the masks before they are distributed to local assisted living and long-term care centers, he said.

Wearing cloth masks is recommended as a way to help prevent spreading the coronavirus to other people. The masks can help block moisture droplets from sneezing, coughing or breathing, which can carry the virus.

Mellenthin said precautions like wearing a mask in public, and keeping six feet of distance between yourself and other people, will continue to be important as spring weather brings more people outside.