CSi Weather…

.TONIGHT…Mostly cloudy. Lows in the upper 50s. Southeast winds 15 to 25 mph.

.THURSDAY…Mostly cloudy. A 40 percent chance of rain showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs in the upper 60s. South winds 15 to 20 mph.

.THURSDAY NIGHT…Cloudy with a 50 percent chance of rain showers

and thunderstorms in the Jamestown area, 60 percent in the Valley City area.  Lows in the upper 50s. South winds 5 to 15 mph.

.FRIDAY…Mostly cloudy with a 50 percent chance of rain showers

and thunderstorms in the Jamestown area, 60 percent in the Valley City area.  Highs in the mid 70s. South winds 5 to 15 mph.

.FRIDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy. Lows in the mid 50s.

.SATURDAY…Mostly cloudy. A 40 percent chance of rain showers

and thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs in the upper 70s.

.SATURDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy. Rain showers and thunderstorms

likely in the evening, then chance of rain showers and

thunderstorms after midnight. Lows in the mid 50s. Chance of

precipitation 60 percent.

.SUNDAY…Partly sunny with a 30 percent chance of rain showers

and thunderstorms. Highs in the upper 60s.

.SUNDAY NIGHT…Partly cloudy with a 20 percent chance of rain

showers and thunderstorms. Lows in the upper 40s.

.MEMORIAL DAY…Mostly sunny. A 20 percent chance of rain showers

and thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs in the lower 70s.

.MONDAY NIGHT…Decreasing clouds. A 20 percent chance of rain

showers and thunderstorms. Lows in the lower 50s.

.TUESDAY…Mostly sunny with a 20 percent chance of rain showers

and thunderstorms. Highs in the upper 70s.

An active pattern looks to continue this weekend into early next

Week.

The best chances for thunderstorms are forecast Saturday into

Sunday.

Temperatures are expected to trend near to above

normal through the extended period.

Valley City,  (CSi)  The City of Valley City hosted a COVID-19 Response Briefing on May 20, at 5:30-p.m.

Each organization provided updates and information pertaining to recent developments in the COVID-19 community response.

City-County Health District Administrator Theresa Will said, Barnes County has tested 1,062 individuals, with four positives as of Wednesday, and zero active cases. Testing will be done at Maryvale this week, and at the Open Door Center, next week.

Immunizations are still be offered, by calling the office.

She reminded that for mass gatherings, social distancing dictates that 50 percent of the buildings square footage is only allowed to be occupied.  It’s preferable to hold large gatherings outdoors, avoid having buffets servings, and keep a guest book list, if contact tracing would be needing of those exposed to a possible positive case.

Those 65 years of age and older should not attend, being in the high risk category.

At that point in the news briefing, it was concluded, siting technical difficulties at the City Hall, location.

Mayor Carlsrud said the news briefing will be rescheduled for next Wednesday May 27 at 5:30-p.m.

The meeting airs live with replays on CSi TV 10 -The Replay Channel & CSi 68.   To view the briefing online, view it here at CSiNewsNOW.com or go to the CSi LiveStream at Facebook.

Bismarck  (CSi)  Governor Doug Burgum held another COVID-19 news briefing Wednesday afternoon at the state capital in Bismarck.

Burgum said the Wednesday news briefing was the 50th held, since the beginning of the pandemic.

He pointed out that the phase the state is in now, the state continues to manage risk factors, slowing the spread, and advancing tests, contact tracing, and targeted testing.

The Department of Health said Wednesday another 102 people have tested positive for the coronavirus since Tuesday, bring the total number of cases to 2,095. Cass County, which remains the epicenter of the state’s coronavirus outbreak, has 49 additional cases.

 

NDDoH

Posted Wed. May 20, 2020  11-a.m.

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

INDIVIDUAL WHO DIED WITH COVID-19

  • Man in his 60s from Cass County with underlying health conditions.
  • Man in his 70s from Cass County with underlying health conditions.
  • Man in his 80s from Cass County with underlying health conditions.
  • Man in his 60s from Cass County with underlying health conditions.

COUNTIES WITH NEW POSITIVE CASES REPORTED TODAY

  • Burleigh County – 3
  • Cass County – 49
  • Grand Forks – 2
  • Morton County – 23
  • Nelson County – 1
  • Richland County – 2
  • Stutsman County – 1
  • Stutsman County Total 17
  • Traill County – 18
  • Walsh County – 1
  • Ward County – 1
  • Williams County – 1


BY THE NUMBERS

72,003 – Total Number of Tests Completed* (+2,105 total tests from yesterday)

 

59,200 – Total Unique Individuals Tested* (+1,469 unique individuals from yesterday)

57,105 – Total Negative (+1,368 unique individuals from yesterday)

2,095 – Total Positive (+102 unique individuals from yesterday)
Please note that after investigation a previously reported case from Cass County was from out of state.

6.9% – Daily Positivity Rate

 

142 – Total Hospitalized (+7 individuals from yesterday)

38 – Currently Hospitalized (+8 individuals from yesterday)

1,302 – Total Recovered (+33 individuals from yesterday)

49 – Total Deaths (+4 individual from yesterday)

 

* Note that this does not include individuals from out of state and has been updated to reflect the most recent information discovered after cases were investigated.

For descriptions of these categories, visit the NDDoH dashboard.

Burgum said North Dakota continues to provide data on cases, to keep residents informed.

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 pointed out that so far the number of positive cases show 60 percent are men, and 40 percent women.

Cass and Grand Forks Counties still have the largest number of active cases.

Traill County’s positive numbers are increasing at a faster pace than previously.  Burgum said increased testing is showing a jump in individuals that are positive with the virus, affecting the daily numbers of positives counted.

Burgum announced that North Dakota will launch a new smartphone application using exposure notification technology developed by Apple and Google and made available today to public health agencies to assist with COVID-19 contact tracing. The app, named Care19 Exposure, is expected to be available within the next two weeks. 

 In addition to the new app, North Dakota will continue to offer its existing Care19 app, which will be rebranded as Care19 Diary. The existing app, launched for iPhone on April 7 and for Android on April 21, now has more than 33,400 users in North Dakota. Data is collected anonymously in both applications, and participation is always voluntary. 

Burgum said,North Dakota is excited to be among the first states in the nation to utilize the exposure notification technology built by Apple and Google to help keep our citizens safe.  The Care19 Exposure app will help us improve contact tracing and continue our ND Smart Restart by notifying people who may have been exposed to COVID-19, reaching the greatest number of people in a way that protects their privacy. As we respond to this unprecedented public health emergency, we invite other states to join us in leveraging smartphone technologies to strengthen existing contact tracing efforts, which are critical to getting communities and economies back up and running.

The Care19 Exposure app will use the Bluetooth proximity technology provided in the joint Apple/Google exposure notification solution. When an individual is identified as COVID-19 positive, they can consent to allow notifications to be sent anonymously to close contacts so they can take the appropriate actions. The existing Care19 app is a memory aid that uses GPS location data to help users who test positive for COVID-19 recall where they’ve visited in the last 14 days to assist in the contact tracing process. 

Those called by the health department will be asked questions concerning contacts outside of the positive person.  Personal information remains anonymous.

He said the race and ethnicities  are requested, to track  certain demographics in positive cases.

He added that frontline workers are among those who  need to be specifically identified, along with minorities, being more vulnerable to COVID-19.

With behaviorial health, he noted the 500 tests were conducted this week at the State Hospital in Jamestown, and noted safety measures to halt the spread including screenings of new patients, and staff members.

With workforce, he said the State Health Department has a number of job openings that are listed on their web site, and NDresponse.com

He recognized college students who have transitioned from on campus to distance learning, many of whom are interning at the state lab.

 

 

In other state news…

The North Dakota Parks & Recreation Department announces the opening of the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center and Fort Mandan on May 21.  In alignment with the North Dakota Smart Restart Campaign, the building will be open Tuesday-Sunday from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm until further notice to allow for additional deep cleaning. Visitors are asked to keep a six-foot distance from other visitors during their visit.

Additionally, state parks will be opening comfort stations, concessions buildings, and administration office by May 22. Customers should be prepared for limited services to these facilities as well as capacity limitations. The department is encouraging visitors to continue to purchase daily and annual permits online before visiting to limit face to face interactions.

For more information about what to expect during your visit, please call or email before your visit.  The department would also like to remind park visitors to follow the CDC’s recommendations on social distancing and personal hygiene while visiting their properties.

The mission of the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department is to offer a diversity of recreation opportunities and sustainably manage resources.

The State Historical Society of North Dakota announces the opening of most state historic sites on May 23. In alignment with the North Dakota Smart Restart Campaign, the agency will open all interpretive centers except the Ronald Reagan Minuteman Missile State Historic Site near Cooperstown and the State Museum in Bismarck. The missile site will open June 15.

 

To allow for proper social distancing, sites will operate at reduced capacity. Touchable exhibit components will remain closed, and site tours may be limited for visitor and staff safety. The agency would also like to remind visitors to follow the CDC’s recommendations on social distancing and personal hygiene while visiting state historic sites.

 

State Historic Sites Hours

  • Camp Hancock, Bismarck: Grounds are open daily, but buildings are closed.
  • Chateau de Mores, Medora: Daily, 8:45 a.m.-noon and 1 p.m.-5:30 p.m. MT. Closed noon-1 p.m. for cleaning.
  • Former Governors’ Mansion, Bismarck: Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Saturday-Sunday, noon-4 p.m.
  • Fort Abercrombie, near Fargo: Daily, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
  • Fort Buford and Missouri-Yellowstone Confluence Interpretive Center, near Williston: Daily, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and daily, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
  • Fort Totten, near Devils Lake: Daily, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
  • Pembina State Museum: Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
  • Ronald Reagan Minuteman Missile Site, Cooperstown: Opening June 15: daily, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
  • 1883 Stutsman County Courthouse, Jamestown: Wednesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
  • Welk Homestead, near Strasburg: Thursday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
  • North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum, Bismarck: Closed until further notice

Unstaffed state historic sites including Double Ditch Indian Village, Huff Indian Village, Menoken Indian Village, Fort Clark, Fort Rice, and Whitestone Hill offer free outdoor opportunities to explore trails and historic landmarks. Double Ditch Indian Village also includes a canoe/kayak launch area.

The State Historical Society of North Dakota manages 57 historic sites and museums. For a full list of state historic site summer updates, visit history.nd.gov/historicsites.

The North Dakota State Library has partnered with libraries across the state to provide a virtual Statewide Summer Reading Kickoff via Facebook. The event will run from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm daily the week of June 1, and will feature crafts, activities, and Storytime from some of your favorite librarians.

More information will be announced on the State Library’s Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/NDStateLibrary).

The North Dakota State Library will also be providing Beanstack, an online platform for libraries to use in their summer reading programs. Kids, teens, and adults will be able to use it to register for their local summer reading program online and keep track of how many books or minutes they’ve read.

 

Jamestown  (Chamber)    Members of the Jamestown Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors held a ribbon cutting ceremony for Sapphire Gallery, a new business in Jamestown.  This business is located at 109 1st St W in Jamestown.

Businesses qualify for a ribbon-cutting ceremony if they open, move, remodel, are under new ownership or change their name.  For more information, contact Emily Bivens by emailing: director@jamestownchamber.com or call the chamber at 701-252-4830.

 

Carrington   A news release from the Foster County Fair Board, announced that the 2020 Foster County Fair has been cancelled.

The News Release States:

“It is with heartfelt disappointment that we announce the cancellation of the Foster County Fair on June 17-20, 2020. After countless conversations and meetings, we feel unable to meet the necessary safety standards for hosting large group gatherings. It is our hope to host a community event later in the summer. We remain dedicated to the 4H program and will assist in any way we can during this time. Thank you for supporting the Foster County Fair throughout the years.”

Foster County 4H Council President Jory Hansen states:

“It is the hope of the Foster County 4H Council to host an achievement day later in the summer. We want to find a way to recognize the unique talents and hard work of our local 4Hers. We will release more details as they become available.”

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — The North Dakota Republican Party is questioning the eligibility of the Democratic candidate for insurance commissioner. The GOP said Travisia Martin appears to have voted in Nevada in November 2016 and was a resident of that state then. Martin said she moved to North Dakota in 2015 and worked as a traveling critical care respiratory specialist. She said she also owned a home in Nevada at the time and considered herself a resident of both states. Martin said she did vote in Nevada in 2016 but not in North Dakota. She said she claims only North Dakota residency now.

PHOENIX (AP) — A North Dakota construction company favored by President Donald Trump has received the largest contract to date to build a section of Trump’s signature wall along the U.S.-Mexico border. U.S. Sen. Kevin Cramer of North Dakota confirmed Wednesday that the award went to Fisher Sand and Gravel Co., which was investigated by the Department of Defense Inspector General after receiving a separate $400 million contract last year. Cramer said the company will build 42 miles of border wall through “really tough terrain in the mountains” in Arizona. Cramer said the company offered the lowest price for the project. He did not know how many companies bid.

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — The North Dakota Game and Fish Department says a fungus that affects bats caused the death of little brown bats in the western part of the state. The agency said Wednesday that the bats died of white-nose syndrome. Early this month, the Southwest District Health Unit in Dickinson contacted the Game and Fish Department about dead bats found in Medora. Six were submitted to the National Wildlife Health Center in Madison, Wisconsin, and the bats all tested positive for the fungus that causes white-nose syndrome, a deadly disease of hibernating bats. Officials say it’s the second time the fungus has been detected in North Dakota but the first documented deaths in bats in the state attributed to white-nose syndrome.

In world and national news…

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A new poll finds that strong concerns about a second wave of coronavirus infections is reinforcing widespread opposition among Americans to reopening public places. The new survey from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research finds that 83% of Americans are at least somewhat concerned that lifting restrictions in their area will lead to additional infections. About 54% say they are very or extremely concerned that such steps will result in a spike of COVID-19 cases. The poll also found about a third of Republicans are very or extremely concerned about the possibility of additional infections, compared to three-quarters of Democrats.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-HOUSEHOLD IMPACT

Survey shows effect of virus on food scarcity, rent payments

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — More than 10% of households in a survey last week said they couldn’t get enough of the food they needed. The Household Pulse Survey released Wednesday also showed that almost a quarter of respondents said they had trouble paying their rent or mortgage. The survey was released by the U.S. Census Bureau and five other federal agencies. It shows that 40% of respondents said last week they had delayed seeking medical care as a result of the coronavirus pandemic and almost 100% of respondents with kids in school had their education disrupted by school closures, transitions to online learning or having parents teach at home.

AP-US-MED-VIRUS-OUTBREAK-REOPENING-GUIDANCE

US health officials quietly release more reopening guidance

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. health officials have quietly released more reopening guidance that was created more than a month ago but initially shelved. The guidance discusses different steps organizations can take as they reopen from closures aimed at stopping the coronavirus’s spread. On Sunday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention placed the information in a 20-page appendix to a document previously posted on its website. As with other recently released guidance, religious organizations were not included. Instead, the document has advice for childcare facilities, schools, camps, mass transit systems, restaurants, bars and other businesses.

AP-US-VIRUS-OUTBREAK-CUTTING-HAIR

3 barbers ticketed for cutting hair at Michigan Capitol

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Police have ticketed three people for cutting hair during a protest outside the Michigan Capitol, where about a dozen barbers and hair stylists are defied stay-at-home orders to give free hair cuts. About 350 people attended Wednesday’s demonstration organized by the Michigan Conservative Coalition to protest the orders imposed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to curb the spread of the coronavirus. Three barbers have been cited for disorderly conduct after being warned by state police. The cases were referred to the state attorney general. The penalty is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail, a $500 fine, or both.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-TRUMP-VOTING

Trump threatens funds for states easing voting in pandemic

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump says he wants to hold up coronavirus funding for Michigan and Nevada because the states are trying to make it easier to vote during the outbreak. Trump falsely said Michigan was sending absentee ballots to all its voters. After hours of criticism, he corrected that to say Michigan was sending out absentee ballot “applications.” That’s a step Republican election officials in several other states have taken during the pandemic. Trump also threatened Nevada, which has actually mailed ballots to all its voters for a June 2 primary.