The numbers of people testing positive for COVID-19 are going up in southwest Minnesota, and public health workers say many of the new cases have been linked to large gatherings.

On Tuesday, Southwest Health and Human Services urged people to take precautions against community spread of the coronavirus.

“We are definitely seeing an increase in numbers in our rural areas. We are aware of several larger gatherings over the last couple of weeks and can link many cases back to those events,” said Ann Orren, community public health supervisor at SWHHS. Orren said SWHHS was aware of large gatherings that took place in Murray County, Iowa and eastern South Dakota. But, she said, the risk comes from “really any place where people are gathering and not taking social distancing precautions.”

Lincoln County has been seeing a spike in COVID-19 cases in the past couple of weeks. Up until recently, COVID-19 numbers had been low in the county. However, the Minnesota Department of Health reported seven new cases in that county on Monday and six on Sunday.

Murray County now has a total of 85 confirmed cases, while Pipestone County has a total of 90 cases and four deaths, the MDH said. Last week, a COVID-19 outbreak was reported at the Good Samaritan Society of Pipestone.

In Lyon County, eight new cases were reported on Tuesday.

Orren said it’s important to take precautions like wearing a cloth face covering in public and keeping six feet of distance from other people from different households. Large gatherings increase the possibility of coronavirus spreading from person to person — even if you don’t feel sick.

“We understand that when young, healthy individuals contract the virus, they are not likely to become severely ill. Unfortunately, we don’t live in seclusion and when a young person is asymptomatic or has very mild symptoms, they can still be contagious. This poses a greater threat for individuals who are older or who have underlying conditions,” Orren said.

Avera Tyler said it will hold a community COVID-19 testing event today in response to the surge in positive cases over the past week or so.

“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,” said Allan Anderson, administrator of Avera Tyler. “The more asymptomatic cases we can identify and isolate, the better chance we have of slowing it down.”

Drive-up testing will be done at Avera Tyler from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. today. Appointments are not needed. People being tested should approach the sample collection site by taking Ash Street to Highland Court. Individuals should bring a driver’s license and insurance card, if possible.

COVID-19 is thought to spread mainly through close contact from person to person, SWHHS said. Some people without symptoms may be able to spread the virus. Person-to-person spread means:

• Between people who are in close contact with one another (within 6 feet).

• Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks.

• Droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly inhaled into the lungs of these people.

• COVID-19 may also spread by people who are not showing symptoms.

Due to the increase of community spread in southwest Minnesota, whether you are indoors or outdoors, remember to:

• Keep 6 feet distance from other people from different households.

• Wear a cloth face covering when you are in public around others outside of your household.

• Try to minimize sharing items and equipment with people not from your household.

• Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

• Stay home if you are sick and be sure to cover your cough or sneeze with your elbow or tissue.

If someone that you have had close contact with has COVID-19, you need to separate yourself from others, SWHHS said. Stay home and do not go to work, school or any place outside of your home for 14 days after the last date of exposure. Even if you are tested and your test comes back negative, you must stay home for 14 days, SWHHS said.