Rice County Public Health Department Director Deb Purfeerst told KDHL AM Minnesota listeners today saw the biggest jump in positive COVID-19 tests.  34 lab confirmed cases were identified.  The total is now 87 positives in Rice County.

Purfeerst gave the breakdown and most of the cases so far have been from a Faribault address.  79 of those.  Northfield has 8 of the cases according to the statistics revealed by the Minnesota Health Department.

The age range of positives in Rice County is 12 to 89.  47 are female, 40 male.  5 of the 87 had cases serious enough to be hospitalized.  There has been one death.

Purfeerst emphasized the reason the big jump the last two days in positives in Rice County is because of more testing.

Testing is available now for people in Faribault, Northfield and Owatonna.

Purfeerst says previously only sick people were tested.  Now anyone with symptoms can be tested.  First check with your health care provider to determine if you should be tested.

Rice County Emergency Preparedness Director Tracy Ackman Shaw was also on the radio program and emphasized they are still urging people to make masks.  Those masks are still in demand particularly in assisted living and nursing home facilities where the majority of the deaths in Minnesota have occurred.

There are four drop-off locations for mask donations.

  • Rice County Government Services Building Faribault
  • Morristown Public Works/Sherff's Building
  • Lonsdale Police Department
  • Dundas Highway Shop, 590 County Road 1 East

READ MORE: Inspiring Minnesota Stories From the Coronavirus Pandemic

 

 

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