Bismarck   (CSi)  Governor Doug Burgum held his daily news briefing on Saturday at 4-p.m., in Bismarck, to discuss the latest developments regarding COVID-19 in North Dakota.

Saturday’s event began with a prayer, after Burgum noted many if not all churches are not holding in church services, and some are holding services on line. Saturday Video starts at approximately 18:30 into video.

https://www.facebook.com/ndhealth/videos/641446506650152/?t=1131

The ND Health Dept says two more people have tested positive for the coronavirus, raising the total number of cases in the state 28.

The recent positive tests of COVID-19 include a woman in her 20s from Burleigh County and a man in his 30s, also from Burleigh County.

State officials say they have tested 1,182 people, with 1,154 results coming back negative. Three people who tested positive are hospitalized.

Below are the COVID-19 results on March 21, 2020 as of 3-p.m.

POSITIVE TEST RESULTS

  • A woman in her 20s from Burleigh County, possible travel
  • A male in his 30s from Burleigh County, community spread

Categories: Travel, Possible Travel, Community Spread, Close Contact, Under Investigation

BY THE NUMBERS

 

1182 – Total Tested (+244 individuals from Friday)

 

1154 – Negative (+242 individuals from Friday)

 

28 – Positive (+2 individuals from Friday)

 

3 – Hospitalized (+1 individual from Friday)

Tests from 48 of 53 ND counties.

He stresses social distancing, staying more than six feet of another person.

Stay home when sick, and hand washing.

In North Dakota there may be people not yet tested that could be positive.

After testing, stay home until the test results are in.

He added this Monday 7100 state employees will be working from home.

South Dakota has given North Dakota additional test swabs.

The North Dakota congressional delegating is working on legislation to help the state in fighting the epidemic, including working with Indian Tribal Nations, which have closed casinos.

The latest Executive Order is in regard to  Social Distancing.

Licensed pharmacists are now able to refill prescriptions up to 30 days, except for opioids.

Burgum clarified on Sunday… that pharmacies can perform tests, by licensed pharmacists, only if directed by the State Health Department.  Otherwise continue to get testing at healthcare facilities.

He reminded that drivers licenses and registration that have expired on March 1, 2020 and not renewed, will not expire until further notice.

Highway rest areas will reopen starting Sunday and continue individually next week.

The Governor said early health care protection measures are helping to slow the spread of the virus, with information on the State Health Department web site.

Hospital bed capacity is still being reviewed for possible expansion

Two health care leaders, from Sanford and CHI St. Alexius in Bismarck spoke, and will help develop an expanded statewide plan for testing, including travel and symptoms, typical of viral illnesses. Incident Command structures are also developed in conjunction with CDC officials and hospitals in the Seattle area. Hospitals across the state have access changes, including screening of employees as well patients. Employees are also practicing social distancing.  North Dakota continues to develop plans to ensure adequate resources, staffing, and equipment.

The supply chain, includes addressing have adequate numbers of ventilators on hand, along with protective equipment.

If an individual suspects they have any type of flu or Corona Virus, to call ahead to a clinic, or hospital with that request for an appointment over the phone without just showing up, to give staff a heads up.

North Dakota National Guard Major General, Alan Dohrman spoke about the importance of social distancing, and the Guard is working with healthcare agencies  in terms of planning and preparation, and decision making to protect citizens, and moving healthcare supplies.

He said the U.S.Army Corps of Engineers is preparing if needed to convert existing structures into medical facilities including beds for patients.

Burgum addressed mental health issues, including stress due to economic downturns and addiction.   He said those include Hotline phone numbers, available on the state’s web site, to assist residents to find resources and support, including suicide prevention.

He added with schools closed, and individuals working from home, and financial insecurity, additional family stresses are occurring, with information and support also available on line.

North Dakota State Tax Department has extended the state income tax filing deadline to July 15, 2020, in line with the IRS Federal Tax filing deadline moved to July 15, 2020, waiving interest and penalties if filed on or before that date.

Burgum said his office is in regular communication with state legislators, with liaisons in place.

He said North Dakota’s general fund is able to support additional expenditures during the Coronavirus crisis, with tools in place to enable state government to keep functioning.

He said on Friday 2,600 additional unemployment claims were filed with North Dakota Job Service.