Bismarck (CSi)  Governor Doug Burgum held another News Briefing on Monday afternoon in Bismarck, with State Superintendent Kirsten Baesler and Department of Human Services (DHS) Executive Director Chris Jones to discuss the latest developments regarding COVID-19 in North Dakota.

https://www.facebook.com/ndhealth/videos/897944143993355/

COVID-19 Positive Test Results for March 23, 2020 

The North Dakota Department of Health (NDDoH) Monday confirmed two additional cases of COVID-19 – a woman in her 30s in Burleigh County and a man in his 70s in Walsh County – bringing the state’s official total to 32 positive cases.

The woman had been in close contact with a known positive case, and the man’s case was still under investigation. Burgum said a third positive result Monday in North Dakota was reported by a Fargo-area health care provider that had sent roughly 300 samples to a national lab; that positive result was not yet reflected in the NDDoH figures.

The state has tested 1,440 individuals from 48 of North Dakota’s 53 counties. Four individuals are hospitalized.

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.

He cautioned North Dakota not to become complacent that the numbers may not increase at a faster rate.  It does give North Dakota officials additional time to prepare for more cases, that could be weeks away.

He asked residents to maintain Social (Physical) Distancing of six feet or more apart.

123 individuals are trained for contact tracing, from positive cases.

With childcare he said 132,000 North Dakotans are under the age, of five and with parents unemployed they are taking children out of childcare, creating an income crunch for childcare workers.

“We want to 1) protect the health of children, families and child care workers, 2) provide child care for essential worker households and 3) sustain the child care sector as an industry that’s essential to every business in North Dakota’s economy,” Burgum said. “We will need a fully functioning child care system when this pandemic is over and our economy gets back on track.”

The North Dakota Department of Human Services (DHS) and Governor’s Office will work with stakeholders over the next few days to finalize the guidelines, which will modify operating practices, prioritize essential workers and create financial support mechanisms. The final guidelines will be announced no later than 4 p.m. Thursday, March 26, with the intent they be implemented by Monday, March 30.

Questions about the process and guidelines may be directed to Jessica Thomasson, DHS director of community inclusion, at jthomasson@nd.gov.

Chris Jones from the Department of Human Services:

The North Dakota State Hospital remains open.

The North Dakota Department of Human Services and the 19 human service zones, formerly called county social service offices, have closed their administrative offices to the public but are continuing to provide vital human services. Department staff who work in the counties and human service zone offices and team members are continuing to provide all services by working on-site or remotely to practice social distancing.

This announcement applies to NDDHS central office divisions and human services zones (formerly county social service offices). Watch for additional information about regional human service clinics.  Human service zone office information is online at www.nd.gov/dhs/locations/countysocialserv/.

State School Superintendent Kirstan Baesler said the state student assessments testing is being waived regarding  all federal mandated assessments.  ACT makeup testing is now scheduled to be held in June or July this year.

Burgum said the North Dakota Grocers Association reports concerns about the availability of toilet paper remains good, with the items made in the U.S. or Canada.  The association asks consumers not to over buy for the purpose of hoarding.

Unemployment claims continue to climb, with 2224 claims made last weekend.

Over 7,000 state government workers continue to work from home, with internet connection issues being addressed and resolved.

In closing, Burgum said he’s optimist about the current Coronavirus fight, and for North Dakotans to keep courage up and help each other out.

In other state updates, on Monday

The North Dakota Department of Transportation has  completed deep cleaning and repairs at rest area facilities across the state. All rest areas are now open to the public, except the Crary location on ND Highway 2. This location is expected to be open later Monday.

The North Dakota Housing Finance Agency (NDHFA) is encouraging households facing financial difficulties because of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) to notify their mortgage loan servicer or landlord if they are unable to make their mortgage or rent payment.