Jamestown  (CSi)  Another  local  response COVID-19 briefing for Jamestown and Stutsman County was held Tuesday afternoon Mar 31, 2020.  Central Valley Health District Administrator  Robin Iszler said, even though at this time (on Tuesday) no one has been tested positive, yet, for COVID- 19, the coronavirus is likely in the Jamestown community, but has not yet been found.

Speakers included from:  Central Valley Health District, The Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy, Jamestown Regional Medical Center. The Jamestown Ministerial Association, the Jamestown Salvation Army, and The City of Jamestown.

She also related the governor’s travel quarantine executive order: “All individuals traveling back to North Dakota from international locations and states in the U.S. that have been classified as having widespread disease by the CDC. must quarantine immediately upon reentry to the state of North Dakota and for a period of 14 days.”

If anyone would like to make homemade masks, to contact CVHD, for a pattern, at 701-252-8130.  One agency in Jamestown had indicated the need for masks.

She said May to early June is the likely time frame the pandemic and emergency measures  will be needed and precautions should be taken.

JRMC CEO Mike Delfs said that 35 tests were performed at the hospital and none positive.

He said the hospital has six ventilators, with three dedicated to hospital surgeries if need.

He said supplies are in good shape, and monitored  daily.

Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy, pharmacist Matt Perkins said, the lobby is open, with limited access, with prescriptions available at the drive through, curbside pick up, or mail.     Credit or Debit cards may also be used. They plan to stay open through the pandemic.

The Medicine Shoppe is NOT testing for COVID-19.

Jamestown Salvation Army Major Judy Lowder said, it still open with the regular services, with limited access to the lobby, and one person per family at a time, and no children.

Donations are welcome of cleaning supplies, and other items regularly kept in supply.

The Jamestown Salvation Army’s phone number is 701-252-0290.

On behalf of The City of Jamestown, Mayor Dwaine Heinrich thanked the organizers of these news briefings in getting the word out from organizations and unities, with important information.

He reminds residents to social distance, and discourages people from congregating in stores and leave children at home.

He said information on the Forgivable  loan program for small business is on the U.S. Chamber of Commerce web site.

On another topic, he said the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has informed him that the expected combined releases from the Jamestown and Pipestem Dams this spring will be 750-cfs, well below a flood threat.  He said that compares to 1200 cfs last fall, when sandbagging was required in some areas of the city.

 

Representing the Jamestown Ministerial Association, Pastor Eric Weber from St. John’s Lutheran Church said, virtual church services and radio and T.V. Services are substituting for in church services.  He said churches are in touch with their congregation through  E-Mails as well.  He says plans are developed for funeral services regarding social distancing.

The meeting was shown live on CSi Cable 67, followed by replays.

The next meeting is planned for Friday April 3, 2020 at 2:30-p.m.