TYLER — A community COVID-19 testing event will be held at Avera Tyler on Wednesday in response to a surge in positive cases.

“Cases of COVID-19 in Lincoln County and connected to the area have increased over the last week or so,” said Mary Maertens, regional president and CEO, Avera Marshall Regional Medical Center.

“Beyond the cases reported by the Minnesota Department of Health for Lincoln County, there are additional cases tied to the county. Also, a significant number of individuals could have been exposed at recent large gatherings. Holding a community testing event will help to identify people who have the virus. Asking them to isolate will help slow the spread,” Maertens said.

“We are seeing significant community spread in Lincoln County and the surrounding area. Many of the individuals who have tested positive have no symptoms of the virus. The more asymptomatic cases we can identify and isolate, the better chance we have of slowing it down,” she said.

Allen Anderson, administrator of Avera Tyler applauded the number of people in this area who have gone in for testing without having symptoms.

“It really speaks to the level of community responsibility among area residents,” said Anderson.

Meanwhile, Minnesota reported 499 newly confirmed cases of coronavirus on Monday, with a dip in the positivity rate, as Gov. Tim Walz continues weighing whether to impose a statewide mask requirement.

Monday’s total came after Minnesota reported more than 800 cases on Saturday — its highest case count since May — and 715 on Sunday. Monday’s numbers often show a dip because fewer people are tested on weekends.

Pipestone County in southwest Minnesota is also experiencing a surge. Pipestone added eight cases on Monday. Pipestone County also has four deaths recorded due to COVID-19. Lyon County added seven more cases.

The state’s numbers amounted to a 4.2 percent positivity rate. The state’s rolling 14-day average for positivity rate is 5.1 percent; a rising positivity rate is an indication of community spread.

As coronavirus cases roar upward in some parts of the U.S., many states are considering whether to require masks, which health experts say can help to reduce the chances of transmission. Republican Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka said Monday he opposes a statewide mandate.

Gazelka said people should be free to make their own decisions on whether to wear masks and under what circumstances, such as whether they’re in crowded indoor places where social distancing is hard, or whether they’re outside where problems seem to be fewer.

“I think mandating it is a mistake. I think encouraging people to be responsible for their health and the health of others is a good idea,” Gazelka said.

Gazelka said he’s focused on hospitalizations and deaths. Minnesota reported two deaths Monday, including one person 80 or older and one age 90 or older. The state had 247 people hospitalized due to COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus, and 114 people in intensive care.

Data maintained by the Johns Hopkins COVID tracking project show Watonwan, Pipestone, Grant, Murray and Blue Earth as the top five Minnesota counties with the most new cases per 100,000 people.

COVID-19 testing in Tyler

Drive-up diagnostic testing (not antibody testing) will be held at Avera Tyler Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. No appointment is needed. Traffic should approach the collection site by taking Ash Street to Highland Court.

This testing is conducted through a swab in the nose. Individuals should bring a driver’s license and insurance card, if possible. Insurance companies, as well as government programs like Medicare and Medicaid, have taken steps to ensure coverage to eliminate any out-of-pocket costs for COVID-19 testing at this time. For self-pay, there will not be a bill at this time.

Avera will seek reimbursement from any applicable government programs which may provide coverage for the test. You may receive a bill should government funding not cover the cost of the testing. Avera has assistance programs for those who qualify.

Who should be tested

People should consider being tested if they:

• Have symptoms of COVID-19 now – even if symptoms are very mild

• Had symptoms within the last 4-10 days

• Have recently been in close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19

• Think they might have been exposed to the virus

• Recently attended a large event or community gathering

Symptoms of COVID-19 include