MARSHALL — The number of reported cases of COVID-19 in Lyon County continues to grow, and the Minnesota Department of Health has reported the second death in the county due to the coronavirus.

The MDH reported 20 new cases of COVID-19 in the county on Friday, bringing the total to 101 confirmed cases. The MDH also reported Friday that a second Lyon County resident has died. While the MDH did not provide identifying information, the department did say the person was in their 80s.

The Lyon County resident who died was one of 33 newly reported deaths statewide. The MDH said 26 of the 33 reported deaths were people who were residents at long-term care or assisted living facilities. However, Lyon County hasn’t yet had any congregate care facilities named as having had exposure to COVID-19.

The MDH lists care facilities where either residents or staff have lived, worked or visited while they were contagious, but facilities with fewer than 10 residents aren’t listed.

The tally of positive cases of COVID-19 in the Marshall area has continued to grow over time. Currently, the MDH is reporting a total of six cases in Lincoln County, seven cases each in Yellow Medicine and Redwood Counties, 41 cases in Murray County, and 13 cases in Pipestone County.

In a Friday briefing, MDH Commissioner Jan Malcolm said that while numbers of positive COVID-19 cases were starting to hit “more of a plateau” in Minnesota, we still don’t know for sure if a peak in infections is coming.

The news about the second COVID-19 death in Lyon County comes on the same day that Gov. Tim Walz announced another “turn of the dial” toward re-opening businesses and places of worship in Minnesota. Starting June 10, bars and restaurants can open indoor seating up to 50% capacity. Salons and barbershops, as well as places of worship, can also open to 50% capacity. New on the list of reopened businesses are gyms and fitness centers, and indoor entertainment businesses like movie theaters and bowling alleys. Fitness centers and indoor entertainment can re-open at 25% capacity, Walz said.

While more Minnesota businesses will be able to open up, state officials said social distancing is still required.

“We continue to ask for personal responsibility through the next phase,” said Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development Commissioner Steve Grove.

Members of the public are encouraged to work from home if possible, stay home when they are sick, wash hands frequently and wear masks in public settings.

As of Friday, Minnesota has confirmed 26,980 cases of the coronavirus, up 712 from the previous day. 
For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.