MARSHALL — Early results from the community COVID-19 testing event are indicating higher than average positive cases.

Of the 212 test results that have come back after the first day of sample collection, 14 are positive. As of noon Thursday, 365 samples have been collected for testing.

“This nearly 7% positivity rate is at the high end of what is typically seen from a community testing event like this. That tells us the virus is actively spreading in the community,” said Joni Scheftel, co-lead of community testing for COVID-19 for the Minnesota Department of Health.

“We want to make area residents aware of the preliminary results and encourage more people to be tested In this way, we can help slow the spread,” she said.

Also Thursday, the Minnesota Department of Health reported Lyon County’s total COVID-19 positive cases increased by 21 from Wednesday to 250.

Of those who tested positive for COVID-19, many did not report symptoms, according to Avera Marshall officials. Murray County is at 44, Yellow Medicine County is at 11 and Lincoln County is at 6.

“We have learned a lot about this virus over the last few months. We know that it can be spread by people who don’t even know they’re sick,” said Dr. Steve Meister, Chief Medical Officer, Avera Marshall.

“Identifying people with mild symptoms or no symptoms who test positive for the virus can help prevent transmission in households and in the community,” he said.

“Individuals whose tests came back positive have been notified. They have been asked to isolate themselves from others and they’ve been asked to alert people they have been in contact with, including their employer,” Meister said.

“This is exactly why we organized this community testing event. We strongly urge the community to take advantage of the opportunity to be tested,” said Meister.

Any area individuals who want to be tested are encouraged to come, even if they don’t have symptoms of COVID-19.

The type of sample collection being performed is a mid-turbinate swab which goes about one inch into the nose. This typically causes less discomfort than the NP swab or nasopharyngeal swab used for other COVID-19 testing which is inserted deeper.

Testing is being offered at the Avera Medical Group campus at 1521 Carlson Street in Marshall. The site remains open 8 a.m. to3 p.m. today. Participants are asked to enter from Peterson Street.

“No matter what the results of this testing brings, we don’t want to forget the basics of virus control,” Meister said. “Stay home if you can, continue to practice social distancing, wear a mask while out in public, wash your hands, get tested and stay home if you feel sick.”