Bismarck  (CSi)  Gov Doug Burgum held his daily COVID News Briefing, Thurs at the State Capital in Bismarck.

ND Dept of Health Joint Information Center press briefing with Governor Doug Burgum 4/30

ND Dept of Health Joint Information Center press briefing with Governor Doug Burgum 4/30Briefing will begin at approximately 3:30pm CT

Posted by North Dakota Department of Health on Thursday, April 30, 2020

 

He was joined by Senator Kevin Cramer to discuss the Main Street Lending Program and Department of Human Services Executive Director Chris Jones to outline protections for vulnerable populations.

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

COUNTIES WITH NEW POSITIVE CASES REPORTED THURSDAY

  • Burleigh County – 1
  • Cass County – 21
  • Grand Forks County – 7
  • Pembina County – 2
  • Stark County – 3

 

BY THE NUMBERS

27,460 – Total Tested (+1,924 individuals from yesterday)

26,393 – Total Negative (+1,890 individuals from yesterday)

1,067 – Total Positive (+34 individuals from yesterday)

85 – Total Hospitalized (+3 individuals from yesterday)

30 – Currently Hospitalized (+2 individuals from yesterday)

458 – Total Recovered (+21 individuals from yesterday)

19 – Total Deaths (+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 said, a record number of people are hospitalized, adding a good availability of ventilators, and the availability of hospital beds, is also good.

He added the number of recovered people is climbing.

Burgum reminded residents as ND Smart Restart reopenings begin on Friday, that the virus is still present, adding that the customer is responsible to join the business owners in being safe, and courteous to the owner, such as wearing a face mask, and social distancing, as in restaurant table space, and availability.  He urges if people are sick to stay home, and observe hygiene practices.  ndresponse.gov has more information.

COVID-19 testing will continue this weekend at various locations.   He said as of Thursday, no state run correctional facility has reported a positive case.

Department of Human Services Executive Director Chris Jones outlined protections for vulnerable populations.  The information is available at ndresponse.gov

The Vulnerable Population Protection Plan includes limiting congregate housing visitations.

With housing, federal housing dollars are being targeted, and home heating assistance, and rental assistance, is available, along with providing shelter for the homeless.  Mortgage and rental payment support is also available.

U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer spoke to discuss the Main Street Lending Program.

But, before that, he noted that the North Dakota Department of Human Services has expanded access to telehealth services to provide medically-necessary behavioral health services to vulnerable North Dakotans during the COVID-19 pandemic. Telehealth services are offered by the department’s eight regional behavioral health clinics and four satellite clinics in the state. Each clinic offers behavioral health services focused on chronic disease management and behavioral health crises services.

North Dakota leads the nation in loans, secured, under the Payroll Protection Program.

With the Main Street Lending Program, Cramer said the Federal Reserve on Thursday expanded the program, enabling borrows and businesses more flexibility in financing.

North Dakota Ag-Commissioner Doug Goehring said, the ethanol industry is getting boost from the Bank of North, noting that a backstop guarantee is in place. His office’s website has more information.

Burgum said with behavior health, a new app is available, “COVID Coach,” from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, that accesses mental health resources for all residents.

With the 2020 census, North Dakota response is at 54 percent.  North River, North Dakota residents has a 100 percent response.  October 31, 2020 is the new deadline date to respond.

Burgum  praised North Dakotans for stepping up and signing up for the Workforce Coordination Center (WCC) to help in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The WCC was created to serve emergency workforce needs in support of health care providers, industries and agencies affected by COVID-19.

He said, “In just under a month, more than 750 North Dakotans have answered the call to help their state through this COVID-19 pandemic. Burgum stated. Although we have not needed to utilize all Workforce Coordination Center registrants yet, we are truly grateful for those who have expressed their willingness to serve.”

Burgum added that the WCC has done an incredible job engaging individuals to help with the COVID-19 pandemic. The WCC will continue seeking individuals willing to help so the state is prepared to respond robustly as the pandemic progresses.

The WCC is currently looking for individuals with experience in the following sectors:

  • Nurses – both RNs and LPNs
  • Medical Laboratory Scientists and Technicians
  • Laboratory Administrative Support and Data Entry
  • Contact Tracing Staff – including, but not limited to, those with a background in Public Health and Medical Services
  • Information Analyst Positions for epidemiology and statistical modeling