Jamestown  (CSi)  Central Valley Health District held a COVID-19 Joint News Briefing Tuesday December 8.  The full News Briefing replays on CSi 67.

From Central Valley Health District Unit Administrator, Robin Iszler outlined plans for vaccinations. She said the week of December 13, 2020 6,825 doses of the Moderna vaccine will be available, to referral hospital in Fargo and Bismarck.

The week of December 20, 20,000 doses will be available to JRMC, Public Health

The week of December 27 15,000 vaccine doses will be available to long-term care residents and staff.

She said initially those facilities will be notified for vaccinations, from a prepared list.

She the prioritization is established by the State Health Department.

On another topic she said that the week of December 14 CVHD will hold COVID every day testing at the Jamestown Civic Center, from 10-a.m. to 12 noon, using the Rapid Testing, BiNaxNow. Negative tests will be followed up by the traditional testing.

During Christmas week the Civic Center testing will be on December 22 from 10-a.m., to noon.  Daily testing resumes on New Year’s week.

CVHD will continue to work with the University of Jamestown on testing students.

She added that the North Dakota mandatory mask mandate is scheduled to end on December 14 unless extended by state officials.  However, she said the City of Jamestown mask mandate will remain in affect until the end of the extended Emergency Order, until further notice.

She said positive test results have increased, with more testing being performed.

She pointed out the CVHD has flu shots available available including home visits when necessary.

From NDDoH Jennifer Schmidt explained the previously announced changes in quarantining including household contacts of a positive person, and other close contacts requirements.

From Jamestown Public Schools, Dr. Robert Lech said,  the school district has generally seen decreases in positive COVID-19 cases, with a slight uptick this week, but fewer than anticipated.  The “High Water,” mark of positive cases this semester occurred the week of November 13.

He said, the Jamestown Public Schools website has update COVID-19 impacts on the school district update every Friday, plus an information video on the site.  He said the Review Team meets regularly to give recommendations to the school board, with the currently learning plan outlined at the school board meeting to continue.

 

From the University of Jamestown,  President, Dr. Polly Peterson said UJ officials are pleased with the way the semester has been going during the pandemic, with most sports on schedule, and the performing arts events being shown virtually.

January 11, 2021 marks the start of in person campus instruction.  Spring semester is as planned, along with spring break.

Graduation is planned for May 2021 with virtual and live ceremonies.

She said 2,000 COVID-19 tests have been given to students and staff this semester, in conjunction with CVHD and, and partnering with JRMC.

From Jamestown Regional Medical Center,  Trisha Jungles Chief Nursing officer outlined safe measures for the public to take during the pandemic.   She said JRMC can be trusted to handle everyday health initiatives, during the pandemic, with many safety measures in place, including mandatory masking and screening patients on the phone before coming to JRMC.  The two germ zapping robots, continue to help with sanitizing.

 

From Sanford Health,  Jon Lillejord said the Clinic is open for appointments, and video visits can be set up.  Those positive cases  coming into the clinic, have a separate area for screening, and the waiting room is physically distanced.  COVID Testing is at the 5th Avenue Clinic, in Jamestown for Sanford Clinic patients.

With the vaccine, general public vaccinations are several weeks if not months away and NO waiting list is being established.