Coronavirus case numbers stablize

The Minnesota Department of Health confirmed 19 cases of coronavirus so far in Rock County as of Tuesday morning, up one from 18 a week ago.
The numbers have leveled off somewhat in neighboring counties where outbreaks sickened hundreds in meat processing plants in Sioux Falls and Worthington.
 Minnehaha County has 2,978 (up from 2,195 a week ago) and Nobles has 1,269 (up from 1,069 last week).
On Monday, Minnesota’s stay at home order is set to expire, and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz will announce whether or not he’ll extend it further or relax some rules about social distancing.
Already in the past week rules have loosened to allow more curbside pickup and delivery of products, but many are hoping for even more space to do business.
However, in-person graduation ceremonies are not allowed (see the related story).
Rock County Emergency Management Director Kyle Oldre said his office and Sanford Luverne are working closely with the MDH to monitor the local coronavirus response.
He said the numbers don’t tell the whole story and that it takes several days for confirmed cases to get reported to the public.
“We know there are cases out there, and we know there are asymptomatic people out there,” Oldre said.
For now, he said local agencies seem prepared for a possible “surge” of cases, and dozens have signed up with Minnesota Responds Medical Reserve Corps to be prospective volunteers.
Minnesota Responds, which is part of a national initiative, coordinates local, regional, and statewide volunteers to help public health and health care systems in emergencies.
Register at http://www.mnresponds.org or call the Minnesota Department of Health at 651-201-5700.