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Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) officials confirmed a 15th case of COVID-19 in Mower County on Thursday.

According to Mower County Health and Human Services Community Health Services Division Manager Pam Kellogg, the most recent positive case was associated with an earlier positive case.

Cases in Mower County have affected individuals ranging in age from late teens to early 60s. Of the 15 cases, eight are not considered contagious and are longer in isolation, Kellogg said.

Due to patient privacy, MDH does not release locations of those who have tested positive to the public. When a case is confirmed, health officials conduct a thorough interview with the patients and notify anyone identified as a potential contact.

Statewide, MDH reported that the total number of confirmed cases is 742, an increase of 53 from Wednesday. Those who have contracted the virus range from four months to 104 years old, with most cases affecting people aged 20-64 years. Of the 742 cases, 383 no longer need to be isolated.

There was also another confirmed death, bringing the total deaths in Minnesota to 18.

In further news, the Mower County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) advised that burning permit restrictions have been put in place by the State DNR office due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The intention is to limit interactions between first responders and the public, as well as first responder availability if a fire were to get away. The DNR is waiting for the spike in cases to come down before they lift the restrictions.

The EOC said the CDC has established a link to help parents talk to their children about the COVID-19 pandemic. The website can be reached at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/talking-with-children.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fcommunity%2Fschools-childcare%2Ftalking-with-children.html.

The EOC also wants to remind anyone dealing with a crisis during this hard time that they can contact the Crisis Response Line for SE Minnesota. The Crisis Response Line for SE Minnesota is available 24/7 for adults, teens and children and can be reached by calling 1-844-CRISIS2 or by texting HOME to 741741.