Gov Burgum’s Tues COVID -19 News Briefing

Bismarck  (CSi)  Gov Doug Burgum held his weekly COVID – 19 News Briefing Tues afternoon at the state capital in Bismarck.

He said over the past six days the positive testing rate has improved, with numbers going down.

He pointed out the cooperation with entities in stepping up the number of tests, statewide.

He said the North Dakota “team” has taken a balanced approach in opening up the economy while supporting halting the spread of the virus, through increased testing, and contact tracing efforts.

Burgum added that North Dakota testing continues seven days a week.

He urged residents stay on guard with taking precautions to limit the spread of the virus while relaxing guidelines at businesses concerning allowing more customers in stores.

Positive COVID-19 Test Results Released on Tues. Jun 16, 2020
Results listed are from the previous day.

COUNTIES WITH NEW POSITIVE CASES REPORTED TODAY

• Burleigh County – 9
• Cass County – 9
• Grand Forks County – 1
• McLean County – 1
• Morton County – 1
• Ransom County – 1
• Walsh County – 1

BY THE NUMBERS

135,691 – Total Number of Tests Completed* (+1,797 total tests from yesterday)

88,651 – Total Unique Individuals Tested* (+875 unique individuals from yesterday)

85,527 – Total Negative (+852 unique individuals from yesterday)

3,124 – Total Positive (+23 unique individuals from yesterday)

1.3% – Daily Positivity Rate**

200 – Total Hospitalized (+3 individuals from yesterday)

26 – Currently Hospitalized (-5 individuals from yesterday)

2,720 – Total Recovered (+37 individuals from yesterday)

74 – Total Deaths*** (+0 individuals from yesterday)

This is the longest stretch of no deaths, since April this year.

Burleigh and Morton Counties continue to be monitored, due to increased positive testings recently.

He pointed out 1700 people were tested in Fargo last Thursday and Friday.

FREE COVID-19 TESTING will be open to the general public on Wednesday, June 17, from 9am to 6pm. Outdoor drive-up testing will take place in the State Capitol’s NW parking lot.

The Stutsman County Testing will be on Thursday June 18, 2020 10-a.m., to 2-p.m., at the Stutsman County fairgrounds, use the North Entrance.

Thurs and Friday this week, addition mass testings will occur in Fargo, and continue the next two weeks.

Minot and Grand Forks will also have upcoming testing.

He said those living with or in regular contact with the vulnerable population should be tested, even if they feel well.

With long term care facilities, he said residents have been protected from the spread of the virus at the onset by restricting visitation and target testing in those facilities.

Every resident and staff member in long term care will be tested for a second time.

Outside visitation at those facilities has been relaxed, however certain guidelines are being maintained, including social distancing, and good hygiene practices.  If positive testing of residents and staff members shows negative numbers, inside visitation will be allowed.

Family members can be tested and if negative can take part in inside visitation, for a one week period.  The pilot program has been established at a facility in Bismarck.

Homeless shelters have been established in major cities in the state, with COVID-19 testing being performed and virus protective measures are in place.

The SBA has reopened programs to distribute additional federal funds, including low interest loans, and loans that become grants.

NDresponse.gov has more information, on that, and paycheck protection plan updates.

Projectrenew.nd.gov is the web site for those experiencing secondary traumatic stress.  Call 701-223-1510.  Fee confidential crisis counseling is also available through the program.

On Tuesday the North Dakota State Hospital announced it has modified its campus visitation policy to allow family members and friends to visit loved ones who are receiving behavioral health services.

Under the modified policy, family members and friends can visit patients during regular business hours, by appointment only, in designated rooms. All visitors must wear masks at all times and maintain safe social distancing while on campus. Patients in the hospital’s quarantine unit will need to wait 14-days before they are eligible for visitation.

State Hospital Superintendent, Dr. Rosalie Etherington says, “Even though we are now allowing on-campus visits, we are not letting our guard down against the spread of COVID-19,” said Dr. Rosalie Etherington, the hospital’s superintendent. We remain focused on following the health and safety precautions we implemented from day one. Our top priority is protecting the health and well-being of our patients and staff.”

Etherington said activities are slowly transitioning to a new normal on the State Hospital campus.

She says, “Our contractor has resumed the work participation program for our transitional living residents, and the on-site treatment mall is now open and offering activities and services for patients.”

During the past month, the State Hospital conducted two COVID-19 testing events of patients and staff. Nearly 1,000 tests were administered by the hospital’s 20-person testing team of nurses, infection control specialists, administrators and other key team members. Also, all new admissions continue to be screened and tested for COVID-19.

On March 13, the hospital announced visitor restrictions to limit transmission of the coronavirus. Patients have been able to communicate with family and friends by phone, computers or other electronic devices.

For more information on the North Dakota Department of Human Services response to COVID-19, visit www.nd.gov/dhs/info/covid19/index.html. For details about the state’s COVID-19 response, visit www.ndresponse.gov.