Bismarck  (CSi)  Governor Doug Burgum’s Thursday afternoon daily News Briefing contained more information on the coronavirus updates, with numbers tested, and positives, along with other related updates and announcements.

He was joined by Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem and North Dakota Community Foundation (NDCF) President and CEO Kevin Dvorak. Scroll forward in the video 12 minutes to get to comments . . .

https://www.facebook.com/ndhealth/videos/2475326706111557/?t=724

POSITIVE TEST RESULTS | April 1 from 3 p.m. – Midnight

The report is now released once a day at 11-a.m.

The Friday report will be for a 24 hour period, and will show higher numbers.

  • Woman in her 60s from Cass County, close contact
  • Woman in her 40s from Cass County, close contact
  • Man in his 70s from Cass County, close contact
  • Man in his 70s from Cass County, close contact
  • Woman in her 80s from Cass County, close contact
  • Woman in her 60s from Cass County, possible travel
  • Woman in her 40s from Mountrail County, community spread
  • Woman in her 20s from Mountrail County, under investigation
  • Man in his 50s from Stark County, community spread
  • Woman in her 60s from Stark County, community spread
  • Woman in her 70s from Ward County, under investigation
  • Man in his 30s from Williams County, possible travel

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

BY THE NUMBERS

4980 – Total Tested (+353 individuals from yesterday)

4821 – Negative (+341 individuals from yesterday)

159 – Positive (+12 individuals from yesterday)

28 – Hospitalized (+2 individuals from yesterday)

43 – Recovered (+4 individual from yesterday)

3 – Death (+0 individuals from yesterday)

ND Positive percentage rate is 3.2%, positives of all tests taken.  Data is about 10-days behind.

For the most updated and timely information and updates related to COVID-19, visit the NDDoH website at www.health.nd.gov/coronavirus, follow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and visit the CDC website at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus.

He gave updates on positive cases in other geographical locations.

He thanked those following orders he put in place to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus, saving lives.

He said outdoor social distancing in Bismarck is being observed, with no more than ten individuals a group.

Burgum  announced that monetary donations and donations of personal protective equipment are being accepted to aid in the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We know that many of you are looking for ways to help your fellow North Dakotans during this crisis.  The best way is to donate directly to a trusted, local organization that is providing services in your community – for example, your local senior citizens center, food pantry or hospital. However, if they are unable to accept donations, or if you prefer, you can also contribute to the North Dakota COVID-19 Community and Nonprofit Response Fund at the North Dakota Community Foundation.”

The North Dakota COVID-19 Community and Nonprofit Response Fund was established last week with a lead gift of $50,000 from the North Dakota Community Foundation. Those who wish to contribute can give online by following the link for monetary donations at NDresponse.gov or go directly to www.ndcf.net. Checks may be mailed to: North Dakota COVID-19 Fund, P.O. Box 387, Bismarck ND 58502.

(NDCF) President and CEO Kevin Dvorak, said ND.Response.Gov has more information.

Burgum said personal protective equipment donations can be dropped off at District NDDOT locations. (Including Valley City.)

Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem talked about scams that are being reported.

He said there’s been an incredible increase in phone scam in the state, including false information about winning the Publishers Clearing House.  They ask the “winner,” to pay a fee, which can never be retrieved if sent by wire.  Another the scam is the Grandparents scam, when a so-called grandchild calls an asks for something, usually money.  Stenehjem says hang up.

Another scam involves the stimulus check coming from the federal government.  He stresses there is no fee involved in receiving the checks.   Another scam is false cures, masks purchases and medical equipment.

He said never click on those links, in spam E-Mail or give out any person information.

He said to give wisely, and make sure a donation to a charity is legitimate.

Burgum added that a new Executive Order allows local school boards to hold elections this year by mail in only, and eliminates the requirement to have one physical polling location.

The North Dakota Grocers Association asks customers to observe social distancing while shopping in stores, using sanitizing stations when available, and avoid social gatherings in stores, all to limit the spread, of COVID-19.  Some stores offer free delivery of groceries.

With unemployment claims, 2806 were filed Wednesday, bringing the total to 30,047 claims since March 16, 2020.

North Dakota Medicaid will hold a third webinar on Friday, April 3, from 1 to 2 p.m. Central Time, to provide updated information and answer Medicaid-related questions concerning Medicaid services and COVID-19. North Dakota Medicaid providers, advocacy organizations and other stakeholders are invited to participate.

The webinar will be available through Skype video conference at https://bit.ly/39DEQPT. Attendees can join from any computer or mobile device. The webinar will be recorded and available for later viewing on the department’s website at www.nd.gov/dhs/info/covid-19/program-policy.html.

The meeting will begin with an update on a disaster Medicaid state plan amendment submitted to the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to temporarily amend the existing Medicaid state plan due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Department officials will also discuss online resources available for providers and members. Other webinar topics include updates on provider enrollment and Medicaid temporary eligibility policies.