Bismarck (CSi) Gov Burgum held his COVID 19 News Briefing on Weds.  Comments start 19 minutes into video,  scroll forward.  Stats below.

https://www.facebook.com/ndhealth/videos/630722927512032/

He was joined by Commerce Commissioner Michelle Kommer and Homeland Security Director Cody Schulz.

Health officials have announced 24 cases of COVID-19 cases,the largest single-day increase in cases of the coronavirus in North Dakota.

Governor Burgum said of those three individuals are under the age of 20.

NDDoH

Wed. Apr 15, 2020

11-a.m.

Positive COVID-19 Test Results
Results listed are from the previous day.

POSITIVE TEST RESULTS

  • Male age 10-19 from Cass County, community spread
  • Man in his 50s from Cass County, community spread
  • Woman in her 20s from Cass County, community spread
  • Man in his 50s from Cass County, close contact
  • Man in his 40s from Cass County, community spread
  • Woman in her 60s from Cass County, under investigation
  • Male age 10-19 from Cass County, under investigation
  • Man in his 20s from Cass County, community spread
  • Woman in her 70s from Cass County, under investigation
  • Man in his 40s from Cass County, under investigation
  • Man in his 30s from Cass County, under investigation
  • Woman in her 40s from Cass County, under investigation
  • Man in his 40s from Grand Forks County, community spread
  • Man in his 30s from Grand Forks County, under investigation
  • Woman in her 50s from Grand Forks County, community spread
  • Woman in her 30s from Grand Forks County, community spread
  • Man in his 40s from Grand Forks County, community spread
  • Man in his 20s from Grand Forks County, community spread
  • Man in his 40s from Grand Forks County, community spread
  • Male age 10-19 from Grand Forks County, under investigation
  • Man in his 40s from McKenzie County, close contact
  • Man in his 40s from McLean County, under investigation
  • Man in his 40s from Mountrail County, under investigation
  • Man in his 20s from Mountrail County, under investigation

 400 tests are backlog, at the state lab, due to technical issues.

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

 

BY THE NUMBERS

11,317 – Total Tested (+401 individuals from yesterday)

10,952 – Negative (+377 individuals from yesterday)

365 – Positive (+24 individuals from yesterday)

44 – Hospitalized (+2 individuals from yesterday)

13 – Currently Hospitalized (+0 individuals from yesterday)

142 – Recovered (+4 individuals from yesterday)

9 – Death (+0 individual from yesterday)

 

For descriptions of these categories, visit the NDDoH dashboard.

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.

Burgum spoke about the business restrictions previously implemented to slow the spread of COVID-19.  He said the restrictions set to expire on April 20, 2020 have been extended ten days, to April 30, 2020.    because the state is not safely in a position to lift them.  He pointed out the number of positive cases on the rise.  The April 30 date, may or may not  be extended.

A Grand Forks wind turbine manufacturing facility halted production after an outbreak among employees there. LM Wind Power declined to say when or how many workers have tested positive. The company says it has temporarily halted production to disinfect and clean the facility that employs about 900 workers.

Burgum said the restrictions in place have helped in keeping the positive numbers relatively low including social distancing, and good hygiene practices, staying home if sick, covering coughs and sneezes, avoiding social gatherings of more than ten people, and other practices, including limiting or halting visitations to healthcare facilities and nursing homes. It also includes restrictions limiting business access.

The North Dakota Smart approach to reopening businesses and other facilities, include, widespread rapid testing, robust contact tracing, protections for the most vulnerable, and being prepared for a second spike in positive cases, plus other protections in the work places, including employees wearing masks.

A new blood testing, using a finger prick looks to be more accurate in testing for those currently infected, and indicates past positives in individuals.

With a commerce update, concerning ND Smart Restart was North Dakota  Commerce Commissioner Michelle Kommer.  Highlights included a background of what has been accomplished to support businesses.  She updated the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program and how to access it. For businesses, the Payroll Protection Program has so far issued 8,232 loans.

She reminded business to access NDResponse.gov for more information, on loans and other commerce related information, including links to resources.  Plus SBA.com.  She said ndchamber.com is also available to businesses.

Burgum added that the March state revenues showed revenues in tax collections were ahead of projections.

With water and flood protections he pointed out that the state is monitoring the flood update.

Homeland Security Director Cody Schulz., noted flooding concerns, and an increase in flood insurance policies issued, an 18 percent increase, this year. He pointed out Wednesday’ road closures due to water either closing or creating water over the roadway.

He pointed out that the Jamestown and Pipestem Dam releases have been increased as snow melt from the north continues to enter the reservoirs.

Burgum pointed out the website, behavioralhealth.nd.gov is a good source of support, including for people struggling with emotions and information concerning suicide prevention.  The National Suicide Prevention support phone number is 1-800-273-8255.

With unemployment, over 51,000 regular claims have  been filed, between March 16, 2020 and Wednesday, April 15, 2020, in addition to claims under the pandemic unemployment.  Burgum says those approved for pandemic jobless claims are starting to be paid out, in addition to regular unemployment claims.