The Hartley Sentinel-The Everly/Royal News - Serving O'Brien & Clay Counties

O'Brien County joined an unfortunate list Tuesday when officials announced the first coronavirus-related death since the pandemic began.

The individual was an adult male, however, the O'Brien County Public Health Department was unable to release other details like his age or which town he resided in.

"We wish to extend our sympathy to this individual's family," the health department stated in a release. "O'Brien County Public Health and all of our key partners throughout the county and state continue to work to limit the spread and impact of this virus in our communities."

As of Wednesday morning, 58 cases of COVID-19 had been confirmed in O'Brien County, with 20 of those individuals having recovered from the illness. Clay County had 38 cases and 19 recoveries, while Osceola County tallied 41 cases and 31 recoveries.

SENTINEL-NEWS FILE PHOTO

Though once shuttered to the public, several public spaces like parks are now open.

O'Brien County Emergency Management Director Jared Johnson urged people to follow guidelines set forth by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

"Over the last week our numbers [of COVID-19 cases] have continued to climb, and we saw our biggest surge over the weekend," he said. "We're hoping people continue following the guidelines, practice social distancing and wear a mask when that's not possible."

Additionally, the CDC recommends that people stay home even when mildly ill, cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow, and wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

Johnson noted the spread of COVID-19 will continue unless the public adheres to the recommendations.

"We're taking it day by day and seeing where things go," he said.