MARSHALL — The total of COVID-19 deaths in Lyon County went up again on Monday.

The Minnesota Department of Health reported that a Lyon County resident in their 80s was one of 12 newly reported deaths statewide.

The death reported Monday was the ninth among Lyon County residents. Statewide, the MDH reported 7,444 new positive COVID-19 cases, including 49 new cases among Lyon County residents. Lyon county has had a cumulative total of 1,598 cases so far.

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, more than 50 people have died in the area around Lyon County. According to MDH data, death totals include nine Lyon County residents, one Lincoln County resident, three Murray County residents, 17 Pipestone County residents, 15 Redwood County residents, eight Yellow Medicine County residents and seven Chippewa County residents.

Numbers of new reported COVID-19 cases have started to rise more sharply in Lyon County, and some Marshall area community organizations have started taking steps to try and slow the spread of the virus.

Last week, Marshall Public Schools announced it would be switching to distance learning, and the city of Marshall stopped some in-person activities and urged people to call ahead for appointments before visiting city offices.