Now Showing on CSi TV 10, The Replay Channel

Jamestown  (CSi)   Central Valley Health District, (CVHD)  Stutsman County Sheriff’s Department, Jamestown Police Department, Jamestown Regional Medical Center, Jamestown Ambulance, Jamestown Fire Department held a joint News Briefing Tuesday March 24, 2020, at CityHall,concerning local COVID-19 updates.

At the meeting, Central Valley Health District Administrator Robin Izsler said, as of Tuesday March 24, 2020,  almost 50 individuals in the Jamestown area have been tested for the COVID-19 virus, with some testing results pending.  No positive results have been received as of Tuesday.

She said the Unified Command Center for Stutsman County has been activated, with officials meeting daily via virtual meetings.

55 individuals have been fit tested for masks, including law enforcement individuals  along with workers at the Anne Carlsen Center, and the James River Correctional Center.

Tested for the virus include hospital patients, healthcare workers, those working in congregate settings, and travelers.  She urged all residents to practice social distancing, and hygiene including washing hands with soap and water, and if gathering outdoors, no more than 10 people in the group.

WIC federal waivers are in place to provide for new clients, with applications taken over the phone at the CVHD office, at 701-252-8130.

She added that the common cold and Influenza A virus are still in the community.

Before be screened for COVID-19 certain symtoms need to be present, including a fever and difficulty in breathing and a cough, along with chills, and body aches.

Jamestown City Fire Chief Jim Reuther said, the fire hall is off limits to the public.  Annual Inspections have been cancelled. For immediate needs, call the fire hall.  When the Ready Squad is called to investigate concerns, two fire fighters are sent, and will ask for additional information before responding.  There is no change is responding to General Fire Calls.

Jamestown Police Chief Scott Edinger said, the LEC is closed to the public, and officers may respond to calls by phone, if appropriate.  Officers responding have been fitted with face masks.

He pointed out that since the COVID-19 pandemic has been in effect there has been a reduced number of calls for service.

Stutsman County Sheriff, Chad Kaiser said the Sheriff’s Office remains open regular hours, with the lobby closed to walk-ins.  Call the office for additional information.  He stresses social distancing in groups, and stay home if sick.

Jamestown Ambulance Service spokesperson Andrew Berkey said, those calling for service should provide the symptoms of the patient when calling, and EMTs will be wearing protective gear.  Expect a 2-3 minute delay from arrival until they enter the home or business.  When responding to respiratory patients the EMT’s will be wearing  respirators.   The ambulance service lobby is closed to the public, on line courses are still being offered.  Call 701-251-2273 for more information.

Jamestown Regional Medical Center President and CEO Mike Delfs said 17 patients have been tested for the COVID-19 virus, and NONE were positive.  He added that no elective surgeries are being performed at this time, however post-op follow-ups  are being done.  New patients will be seen on a case by case basis.

He said the JRMC 25 hospital bed capacity can be expanded to 65 beds if needed for additional patients. Call before going to the E.R. at 701-952-4578, with symptoms so staff is ready to receive that person.  He said, medical supplies are monitored daily, with adequate supplies currently on hand.  Donations of hospital masks are being accepted if qualified for use.

Telecare is available by calling 701-952-4809.

Dan Kramer from South Center Human Service Center said, essential services continue with the doors open.  Visitors will be screening including taking of temperatures.

The Crisis Line remains available at 701-253-6304.   The office phone number is during days is 701-253-6300.

Telehealth services are available with therapy by phone accepted.

He concluded by saying the public should remain informed concerning the COVID-19 pandemic, but not preoccupied with the situation

The news briefing was shown live on CSi Cable 67, followed by replays, along with CSi 10 The Replay Channel.

previously…

(CSi) Central Valley Health District, (CVHD)  Stutsman County Sheriff’s Department, Jamestown Police Department, Jamestown Regional Medical Center, Jamestown Ambulance, Jamestown Fire Department will hold a joint News Briefing Tuesday March 24, 2020, at City Hall, concerning local COVID-19 local response.

Only local media agencies are invited, and will be shown live on CSi Cable 67, at 2:30-p.m. followed by replays.