Fri Covid Local Response – CSi TV 10 & Online

Jamestown  (CSi)  Central Valley Health District held another News Briefing on the local COVID-19 response, on Friday March 27, 2020 at 2:30-p.m.  Next Local Briefing to be announced.

As aired live on CSi TV 10 – The Replay Channel & CSi 67.  Replays all weekend. 

CSi LiveStream also aired at The Replay Channel at  Facebook 

Speakers were from :   Central Valley Health District, Jamestown Regional Medical Center, Sanford Health, Buffalo Bridges Human Service Zone (day care), Eventide Jamestown, Jamestown Chamber of Commerce, Job Service ND, City of Jamestown.

CVHD Administrator Robin Iszler said as of Friday NO positive COVID-19 were recorded in Stutsman and Logan County.  In the area positives have been recorded in Foster, and McIntosh Counties. The McIntosh County, person who tested positive provided information on recent contacts for tracking of others that will be screened and possibly tested.  Those who have a family member who travels on business  and then returns to Jamestown are asked to check with the State health Department or their daycare providers on policies concerning, the providers accepting children from those homes.   She added that residents returning from out of state including “snowbirds,” and college students must self isolate for 14 days.  She suggested residence keep a log of contacts in case they or others test positive for COVID-19.

Sanford Clinic Administrator, Jon Lillijord noted procedures now in place, and numbers of testings as of Friday. The first 35 tests were sent to Quest Lab, and now are being sent to the Sanford Lab in Sioux Falls, SD, with results returned in 24 to 48 hours. More test are pending results.  Call the clinic for an appointment for testings.  Those individuals will be screened in their cars in the parking lot to determine if testing is indicated.  He said no visitors are allowed in the clinics, a child patient can be accompanied by one adult (parent), and all are being screened at the door.

Jamestown Regional Medical Center President/CEO Mike Delfs said the hospital is following CDC testing guidelines, with 27 tested as of Friday and NO positives with tests sent to the North Dakota Health Department.  COVID-19 screenings are done concerning travelers, contact with others who are symptomatic of COVID-19, and those with a fever, cough, shortness of breath and other indicators.  He stresses that anyone requesting a screening to call ahead to JRMC so staff can prepare for the individual and be admitted to the ER.   He said the JRMC medical supplies are monitored daily, and in good supply at this time.  Construction companies have donated face masks and others donation are being accepted.

Eventide Jamestown, Administrator, Doug Panchot said, no residents have tested positive for COVID-19 as of Friday. The staff has daily meetings with the State Health Department, and the Eventide staff is screened before entering the building.  He pointed out that visitor restrictions are in place, with the exception of those visiting end of life residents.  The staff is required to maintain sanitizing procedures and hygiene and take other necessary precautions.

Julie with Jamestown Social Services, Childcare Licensing, said there are currently three daycare providers closed in Jamestown, and a census of open daycares is being maintained.  She added that emergency operation grants are assisting daycare providers to stay open.  The priority for daycare providers in accepting children is for parents of essential healthcare workers.

Jamestown City Adminstrator, Sarah Hellekson said, City Hall is closed to walk-ins, and anyone needing information, or to have questions answered, to make an appointment to see a staff member can call 701-252-5900.  City Council and committee meetings are shown live on  CSi Cable Channel 67, followed by replays.   She said the staff at the water treatment, and water distribution do not touch the water.  With the sewer collections she urged residents to only flush bodily waste and toilet paper, as other articles will clog sewer lines and cause sewage backups. Garbage and Recycling continues on the regular schedules.  The baler is closed to the public, and items can be left outside.   The Recycling Center is still accepting dropped off items.  Citywide Cleanup week this year is cancelled.

Jamestown Area Chamber of Commerce Executive, Emily Bivens reminded the community that their website JamestownChamber.com has compiled information on member businesses, with changes of hours and days of operation, updated daily.  The web site also has links to agencies with resources available to businesses.  The Chamber office is closed to walk-ins, but is open with limited hours.   Call 701-252-4830.

Donna from Jamestown Job Service said unemployment claims can be filed on line at Jobsnd.com.  Another option is to call 701-328-4995.  As of Thursday this week, 13,968 claims were filed, with 77 claims filed up to March 21, 2020, compared to six claims the previous seek.

Claims were filed by those in the hospitality industry, and the retail sector.  The Jamestown Office is open 8-a.m., to 5-p.m., call 701-253-6200 and is closed to walk-ins.

The News Briefing was seen live on CSi Cable 67 and followed by replays including CSi 10 The Replay Channel.