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Health officials have confirmed the first death of a Mower County resident related to COVID-19.

The news came via press release today from Emergency Management in Mower, and stated the individual was a male in his 80s with underlying health conditions who was receiving treatment at a local hospital.

“We extend our heartfelt sympathies to the patient’s family and friends,” said Lisa Kocer, Director of Mower County Health and Human Services in the release. “This serves as a very unfortunate reminder to the community about the importance of staying at home and social distancing when leaving the household in order to slow the spread of COVID-19 and help protect our most vulnerable neighbors. I can assure you, our agency is working very diligently to support our community partners – our local health care providers, senior living facilities, law enforcement, emergency management and first responders in a collaborative local effort to respond to this pandemic.”

Additional details about the individual’s death, the name of the hospital, and his city of residence will not be disclosed.

The MDH reported six new cases in Mower County on Wednesday, raising the county’s total to 78 since March 19. According to Mower County Health and Human Services Division Manager Pam Kellogg, the new cases range in age from early 20s to early 60s. 

Three people in Mower County are hospitalized, Kellogg said.

Statewide, the MDH reported an additional 645 cases for a total of 17,670 cases in Minnesota since March 6.

The MDH also reported 29 deaths, bringing the total number of COVID-19 deaths in Minnesota to 777.