Valley City  (CSi)  The City of Valley City hosted a COVID-19 Response briefing Wednesday evening, at City Hall, closed to the public in observance of Social Distancing, providing accurate information.

Each organization provided updates and information pertaining to recent developments in the COVID-19 community response.

On hand were officials from City-County Health District, South Central Human Service Center, and Local Government:

 

City-County Health District, Administrator, Theresa Will said, the agency continues to serve clients by appointment, along with Homecare workers seeing clients.

She added at City/County Health District  has performed 67 COVID-19 tests, with two positives, who were tested outside Barnes County.

She said with symptoms two of those now, are the number to be tested.

She urged everybody to keep a contact journal, if in contact with people within six feet for more than ten minutes.  The agency continues to do fit testing of masks for essential care workers.  She encourages that people wear masks in public.  They also continue to partner with community resources.  The phone number is 845-8518.

She said Barnes County is well supplied with Person Protective Equipment.

Valley City Site Director for South Central Human Service Center Chelsea Modin outlined services provided, and pointed to social isolation that is occurring during the pandemic, and stress related to job loss, and disruption of routine. She encourages contact with friends, with skype, or other on line social media available, including virtual tours.  She added that those asking for triage, will be asked a series of questions, in order to determine the course of support.  The phone number is 701-253-6300.

Bill Carlblom – Barnes County Commission Chairman, Bill Carlsblom reminded citizens that the June 9 elections will be mail-in only.  Those needing assistance can call the county courthouse to make an appointment.  He said the sheriff’s office’s biggest concerns of lack of social distancing.

He added that with county rural roads, many are baricaided, and to leave those barriciades in place.  He added that the Barnes County Courthouse is not available on Friday’s, otherwise it is being staff, with no access to walk-ins, Call the courthouse with question or to set up an appointment to see a staff member.

Valley City Mayor Dave Carlsrud said, the perfect snow melt, as led to a good scenario in the water levels on the Sheyenne, and at Lake Ashtabula.  Unless a heavy rain event occurs the outlook for a non-flood event.

He reminded residents to fill out and submit the forms.

He noted stress on local business with restrictions, including on customers, noting business income is down, along with sales tax revenue. and urges residents to buy local in Valley City.  He pointed out that sales tax revenues go toward lowering property taxes.

He pointed out local assistance for businesses struggle with finances.

He added that North Dakota positive COVID-19 cases, continue to increase, and noted Cass and Clay Counties with high positives that poses a threat to those traveling there, and he recommends essential travel only.  Visit local businesses and then return home.

He recommends getting outside, and observe social distancing, even being outdoors.

He stresses the continuance of social distancing to slow the spread and flatten the curve of positive cases, as North Dakota has yet to see the apex of virus.

The briefing was shown live on CSi Cable 68, followed by replays and on CSi 10 The Replay Channel.