CSi Weather….
TONIGHT…Mostly clear. Lows in the mid 20s. West winds 10 to 15 mph.
.THURSDAY…Sunny. Highs in the lower 40s. Northwest winds 10 to 15 mph.
.THURSDAY NIGHT…Mostly clear. Lows in the lower 20s. Northwest winds around 10 mph.
.FRIDAY…Sunny. Highs in the lower 40s. West winds 10 to 15 mph.
.FRIDAY NIGHT…Mostly clear. Lows in the mid 20s.
.SATURDAY…Mostly sunny. Highs in the lower 40s.
.SATURDAY NIGHT…Mostly clear. Lows in the lower 20s.
.SUNDAY…Mostly sunny. Highs in the upper 30s.
.SUNDAY NIGHT…Mostly clear. Lows in the lower 20s.
.MONDAY…Sunny. Highs in the lower 40s.
.MONDAY NIGHT…Partly cloudy. Lows in the upper 20s.
.TUESDAY…Mostly sunny. Highs in the mid 40s.
ND Covid Stats
Wed. Dec. 2, 2020
8:55-a.m.
Barnes County
New Positives: 5
Total Positives: 1047
Active: 107
Recovered: 922
Stutsman County
NEW DEATH 1
Man in his 70s
TOTAL DEATH 44
New Positives: 13
Total Positives: 2644
Active: 154
Recovered: 2446
More information pending from the NDDoH
COVID-19 Test Results
The results listed are from the previous day. Additional data can be found on the NDDoH website.
BY THE NUMBERS
5,709 – Total Tests from Yesterday*
1,153,230 – Total tests completed since the pandemic began
486 – Positive Individuals from Yesterday*****
80,135 – Total positive individuals since the pandemic began
9.24% – Daily Positivity Rate**
5,236 – Total Active Cases
-450 Individuals from Yesterday
918 – Individuals Recovered from Yesterday (788 with a recovery date of yesterday****)
73,933 – Total recovered since the pandemic began
301 – Currently Hospitalized
-18 – Individuals from yesterday
12 – New Deaths*** (966 total deaths since the pandemic began)
INDIVIDUALS WHO DIED WITH COVID-19
- Man in his 70s from Burleigh County.
- Man in his 80s from Burleigh County.
- Woman in her 70s from Cass County.
- Man in his 80s from Foster County.
- Man in his 80s from Grant County.
- Man in his 90s from Griggs County.
- Woman in her 80s from McLean County.
- Woman in her 50s from Ransom County.
- Man in his 80s from Stark County.
- Man in his 70s from Stutsman County.
- Man in his 90s from Walsh County.
- Woman in her 90s from Ward County.
COUNTIES WITH NEW POSITIVE CASES REPORTED TODAY
- Barnes County – 5
- Benson County – 2
- Bottineau County – 3
- Bowman County – 1
- Burleigh County – 112
- Cass County – 92
- Dickey County – 2
- Divide County – 1
- Dunn County – 4
- Eddy County – 3
- Foster County – 1
- Golden Valley County – 1
- Grand Forks County – 18
- Grant County – 1
- Hettinger County – 1
- Kidder County – 2
- LaMoure County – 5
- Logan County – 1
- McHenry County – 5
- McIntosh County – 3
- McKenzie County – 7
- McLean County – 11
- Mercer County – 8
- Morton County – 24
- Mountrail County – 1
- Oliver County – 1
- Pembina County – 4
- Ramsey County – 4
- Ransom County – 1
- Renville County – 2
- Richland County – 10
- Rolette County – 4
- Sargent County – 2
- Sioux County – 10
- Stark County – 18
- Steele County – 2
- Stutsman County – 13
- Towner County – 1
- Traill County – 2
- Walsh County – 15
- Ward County – 64
- Williams County – 19
* 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.
**Individuals who tested positive divided by the total number of people tested who have not previously tested positive (susceptible encounters).
*** Number of individuals who tested positive and died from any cause while infected with COVID-19. There is a lag in the time deaths are reported to the NDDoH.
**** The actual date individuals are officially out of isolation and no longer contagious.
*****Totals may be adjusted as individuals are found to live out of state, in another county, or as other information is found during investigation.
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.
Bismarck (CSi) The North Dakota Department of Health (NDDoH) held a press briefing at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 2 providing an update on the COVID-19 vaccine, held at the NDDoH Emergency Preparedness Building in Bismarck.
Speakers included: Molly Howell, Immunization Director; Dr. Paul Carson, Director of the NDSU Center for Research Immunization and Education; Dr. Christie Massen, Chief Laboratory Officer.
It was pointed out that, COVID-19 positive cases in North Dakota have declined this past week, however the number of hospitalizations have increased, impacting health care professionals, facilities, and families.
With the approaching Christmas holiday, it’s recommended to celebrate virtually, and to go on line to do shopping, along with continuing with safe guidelines.
Dr. Paul Carson, Director of the NDSU Center for Research Immunization and Education on the phone from Fargo, said two vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna, are likely to be approved for emergency distribution, soon, with they being 95 percent affective against the virus, showing prevention of the most severe cases of COVID-19. He said both showed no significant health complications from receiving the vaccine.
He said the approval from the FDA is under a federal emergency, which allows a fast track approval. He added the vaccines are being reviewed externally, for safety and effectiveness for release to the public.
Side effects are termed ‘mild’ and includes a fever, headache, fatigue, and a sore arm at the injection site, generally lasting one to two days, stemming from the body ramping up immunity to the virus. Each vaccine requires two doses about three to four weeks apart.
The goal is to have 70 percent of the population vaccinated, to contain the spread of COVID-19.
Molly Howell, NDDoH Immunization Director said, the vaccine will be available in North Dakota about mid December, and will be administered, following health workers education. The vaccines will be limited at first, to 6800 doses of the Pfizer vaccine, and then 13,000 doses of the Moderna vaccine. The first people getting the vaccines, will be healthcare workers, longterm care workers, police, teachers, child care providers, those 65 years old and over, and others at high risk, including health risks they have currently have such as diabetes. Thrifty White Drug is among the pharmacy to handle the distribution.
Permanent records of each person’s dose will be kept in State Health Department records.
She said the vaccines require either being frozen or refrigeration, and will be stable for about seven days before needing to be disposed of.
She added that individuals also need to have flu shots.
She also explained CDC new guidelines for a shortened period of quarantining for those exposed to the virus, under certain criteria for the person exposed. It involves being tested or retested.
More information is available at the State Health Department web site.
Dr. Christie Massen, Chief Laboratory Officer, said around one million lab tests have been performed at the State Health Department lab, since the start of the pandemic. She added that most results are available within 24 to 48 hours, allowing positive tested individuals to quarantine sooner.
Rapid Testing is also available with results within 15 minutes, and those asymptomatic testing negative are asked to be retested, by the traditional tests.
Valley City (VCPS) Valley City Public Schools Superintendent Josh Johnson explains new guidelines from the CDC and the effects on Valley City Public Schools.
In his latest news release, Superintendent Johnson said:
“We learned that the Center for Disease Control has approved and released new guidelines for quarantined individuals (see news link attached from CNBC below). VCPS is excited to learn more from our local health team and the North Dakota Department of Health on how this will decrease the number of school days that our students and staff are in quarantine and away from school.
When we learn more and have been approved to make this official change at Valley City Public Schools, a communication will be shared with all of you. We know that many of you, right now, will be impacted by this change and will be anxiously awaiting news from our school district. We will do our absolute best to expedite this change while continuing to focus on the overall health and safety of our students.”
Josh Johnson
Superintendent
Valley City Public Schools
(701) 845-0483
- The CDC still recommends a 14-day quarantine “as the best way to reduce the risk of spreading Covid-19.”
- However, the quarantine can end after 10 days if the person has not developed any symptoms and after just seven days if the asymptomatic person also tests negative for the virus, the CDC’s Dr. Henry Walke said.
- Public health specialists have been awaiting the change with “delighted anticipation,” said Dr. Bill Schaffner, an epidemiologist at Vanderbilt University.
Jamestown (Chamber) Members of the Jamestown Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors held a ribbon cutting ceremony for Jamestown Regional Airport for the completion of the Terminal Apron Rehabilitation Project. The $1.3 million project was federally funded. Both the prime contractor and sub-contractor for the project are locally owned and operated. Therefore, the impact of this project does not just improve the terminal apron infrastructure of the airport, but it also brought $1.3 million of construction business into the community were the economic impact will be multiplied. Congratulations to the Jamestown Regional Airport on this amazing project that will benefit our community for years to come.
The airport also purchased $997, 000 of new snow removal equipment, which well help clear the airfield as soon as possible after a winter weather event to keep departures and arrivals on schedule.
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.
Valley City (VC Chamber) The Valley City Area Chamber of Commerce invites the community to join them in downtown Valley City on December 3rd, for a Hometown Christmas.
The Chamber’s Event Coordinator, Tracey Compson says, although we can’t have a parade of lights this year, we can have Christmas spirit. Head downtown and do some Christmas shopping, enjoy some goodies and see all the Christmas lights in the windows of our businesses.
- Most businesses open until 8pm so you can get some Christmas shopping done!
- Enjoy discounts and treats at various places!
- Dutton’s will do virtual Santa photo’s. Bring your own photo or have one taken!
- Register to win in the 12 Days of Christmas!
- Get a jump start on viewing the Snowmen for the Tour Of Snowmen!
Jamestown (CSi) Stutsman County Veterans Service Officer, David Bratton says, The VA is addressing COVID-19 issues.
On Wednesday’s Wayne Byers Show, he said, the VA is partnering with federal officials for the COVID-19 vaccinations, phased in, with VA frontline individuals receiving vaccinations first followed by VA enrolled veterans, in accordance with protocols established by the CDC.
The VA reports that the Coronavirus has now killed over 5,000 Veterans. In North Dakota at last reports, 157 veterans have been infected by the virus, 700 have recovered and 70 deaths reported in total with North Dakota and Minnesota, veterans.
The VA looking for volunteers for COVID clinical trials www.va.gov/coronavirus-research
In other notes, David added that the VA now has bill co-payment options online www.pay.gov/public/home
He pointed out that the Burleigh County Van still shut down due to COVID-19.
Stutsman County Veteran Service Office is located in the lower level of the Law Enforcement Center, in Jamestown, with the office closed to the public.
Call 701-252-9043 to arrange an appointment, to meet in person in the LEC Lobby.
The office is open Monday-Friday, 8-a.m. to noon, and 1-p.m., to 5-p.m.
Bismarck (CSi) – Gov. Doug Burgum will present his 2021-2023 executive budget proposal to the 67th Legislative Assembly at 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 3, in the House chamber of the state Capitol, 600 E. Boulevard Ave., Bismarck.
A link to the budget address livestream will be available at www.governor.nd.gov. Those interested in watching the address are encouraged to follow the livestream, as in-person access to the House chamber will be limited due to COVID-19 protocols.
FARGO, N.D. (AP) — Fargo city commissioners are planning to provide assistance to local businesses impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, beyond what is available at the state and federal level. Commissioners will look at a number of possibilities to assist bars, restaurants, retail and other businesses that could include waiving next year’s liquor license fees, adjusting utility bills and property tax reductions. City Strategic Planning Director Jim Gilmour says at least 30 Fargo businesses have closed so far during the pandemic. That includes seven hotels and 19 restaurants and breweries that have not renewed licenses required by the city.
BISMARCK, N.D. – The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality (NDDEQ) was notified Tuesday, Dec. 2, of a produced water release from a buried pipeline in McKenzie County. The pipeline is operated by BNN North Dakota, LLC.
The incident occurred about a mile southwest of Arnegard. The estimated release volume is 4,300 barrels of produced water and one barrel of crude oil, impacting agricultural land.
Produced water is a by-product of oil production. It is typically carried from an oil well by pipeline or truck to a disposal site, where it is injected back into the ground for permanent storage.
Personnel from the NDDEQ have inspected the site and will continue to monitor the investigation and remediation.
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Attorneys for Wisconsin’s governor are calling President Donald Trump’s attempt to overturn the state’s election results an “assault on democracy.” Democratic Gov. Tony Evers filed a response to Trump’s lawsuit with the Wisconsin Supreme Court late Tuesday. The state’s highest court is weighing Trump’s request to disqualify more than 221,000 ballots in Wisconsin’s two heaviest Democratic counties. Democrat Joe Biden defeated Trump by a 2-to-1 margin in those counties on his way to a 20,682-vote win statewide. Trump is not challenging any ballots in the state’s other 70 counties, the majority of which Trump won.
In sports…
Jamestown (UJ) University of Jamestown has announced that
Mason Walters of the University of Jamestown is this week’s GPAC/Hauff Mid-America Sports men’s basketball player-of-the-week. Walters, a sophomore from Jamestown, North Dakota, posted back-to-back double-doubles in helping Jamestown to a pair of road wins last week. He scored 13 points and grabbed 20 rebounds in a win over Hastings, one board away from the all-time UJ record. Walters followed that up with 20 points and 12 rebounds in a win over Doane while also blocking three shots. He currently leads the NAIA with seven double-doubles.
Walters is currently averaging 24.3 points and and 13.5 rebounds for the 6-2 Jimmies, who are back in action Tuesday night at Presentation (S.D.) College.
UJ also announced that the accolades keep coming in for Hannah DeMars.
In addition to being named this week’s GPAC/Hauff Mid-America Sports women’s basketball player-of-the-week, DeMars added NAIA National Player of the Week honors to her resume on Tuesday.
DeMars, a sophomore from Grand Rapids, Minnesota, scored a career-high 39 points in Jamestown’s 90-81 win at Doane. Her 39 points were the second-most in a game by a UJ player in school history and currently tied for the NAIA high this season. In addition, she posted a pair of double-doubles, averaging 30.5 points and 12 rebounds in the two games.
DeMars is averaging 22.2 points and 8.6 rebounds per game for the 4-2 Jimmies.
Jamestown is back in action with an exhibition game at Presentation (S.D.) College Tuesday at 6 p.m., then return to GPAC action on Saturday at Mount Marty (S.D.)
In world and national news..
(AP) Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin are urging Congress to approve COVID-19 relief funds without further delay, though Democrats continued to attack a decision by Mnuchin to allow five Fed lending programs to expire during the pandemic. In his most direct comments so far, Powell told the House Financial Services Committee on Wednesday that it’s “very important” for Congress to provide economic support. New funding would serve as a “bridge” for the economy to get from the current environment in which virus infections are spiking, to next year when vaccines should be widely available, Powell said. Powell said, “We are trying to get as many people across that bridge as we can.” Powell said.
LONDON (AP) — Britain has become the first country in the world to authorize a rigorously tested COVID-19 vaccine and could be dispensing shots within days. It’s a historic step toward eventually ending the scourge that has killed more than 1.4 million people around the globe. In giving the go-ahead for emergency use of the vaccine developed by drugmaker Pfizer and Germany’s BioNTech, Britain vaulted past the United States by at least a week. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is not scheduled to consider the vaccine until Dec. 10.
(AP) U.S. health officials say staying home for the upcoming winter holidays is the best way to stay safe and protect others. But for those who ignore that advice, COVID-19 testing before and after trips is an option. Many Americans didn’t follow CDC guidance against traveling over Thanksgiving so the agency announced the testing option during a Wednesday news briefing. They said even if few people became infected while traveling, that could still result in hundreds of thousands of new infections. The advice includes reducing non-essential activities for a full week after travel or for 10 days if not tested afterward.
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — A federal appeals court has ruled that a lower court judge wrongly blocked the implementation of North Carolina’s latest photo voter identification law with her legal injunction last year. Wednesday’s unanimous opinion by a panel of the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals decided District Judge Loretta Biggs erred by declaring the 2018 requirement was tainted by racial bias largely because a previous voter ID law had been struck down on similar grounds. Both were approved by the Republican-controlled legislature. The opinion doesn’t mean the voter ID requirement can be carried out now because an injunction is still in place in state court.
WASHINGTON (AP) — Arizona Democrat and former astronaut Mark Kelly has been sworn into the Senate. Kelly defeated Republican Sen. Martha McSally in last month’s election. By taking office, Kelly has narrowed GOP control of the Senate to a 52-48 advantage. That won’t do much to weaken Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s control of the chamber. But it does set the stage for the two runoff Senate elections in Georgia in January. If Democrats win both of those races, they will control the 50-50 chamber because Vice President-elect Kamala Harris would cast tie-breaking votes.
IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — A Democratic congressional candidate in Iowa who trailed by six votes after a recount says she will forgo further legal challenges in the state and appeal directly to the U.S. House of Representatives for further review. Rita Hart’s campaign had until Wednesday to contest the election under Iowa law following Monday’s certification of results in which Republican Mariannette Miller-Meeks was declared the winner of the closest House race in decades. Hart’s campaign said the quick timeline for a contest in Iowa would not allow enough time to review the ballots, including thousands of unexamined undervotes and overvotes. Instead, the campaign says Hart will file a challenge with the House under the Federal Contested Elections Act in coming weeks.
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