Jamestown  (CSi)  Central Valley Health District held a COVID-19 Joint News Briefing Tuesday August 18.  The full News Briefing online below,  CSi 67, and CSi TV 10.

The meeting replays on CSi Cable 67 and CSi TV 10 The Replay Channel, and here at CSiNewsNow.com and at Facebook.com/TheReplayChannel.

Speaking were:  Representatives from: Central Valley Health District, City of Jamestown, Jamestown Public Schools, University of Jamestown, Jamestown Chamber of Commerce, Jamestown Fire Department, and Jamestown Mayor Dwaine Heinrich presented the city updates.

Central Valley Health District, Unit Administrator Robin Iszler said, the Stutsman County COVID-19 Stutsman County positive cases as of Tuesday afternoon, are 130, with 124 recovered, and three deaths reported. She added that residents need to stay vigilant in continuing to slow the spread of the virus, including wearing face masks, practice social distancing, and frequent hand washing.  She said the Stutsman County COVID-19 positives have trended downward.

She expects continued partnering with the North Dakota National Guard in holding drive through testing events.  The CVHD goal is to have weekly drive through testing on Fridays.  Those testing for the first time should pre-register on line at testreg.nd.gov.

She said anyone testing positive will be notified in person.  Those testing negitive have the option of being notified by E-mail or by text message.

Robin said that CVHD will have flu shots when the vaccine becomes available, with drive up inoculations this fall.

She reminded parents to have their children immunized before going back to school.

Jamestown Public Schools Superintendent Robert Lech said, he’s appreciative of the cooperation of parents, in planning for back to school.  He said the updated plans are at the Jamestown Public Schools web site for reference, with the four instructional options that were put in place relative to the current situation with the virus in the community, not entirely based on the North Dakota risk level, currently in the “green,” or low risk category.     Grades K-5 will have in classroom learning while grades 6-12 will have the hybrid plan in place.The goal is to maintain health and safety for students and staff.  Face masks in school buildings will be required.  He said student/family options include a virtual learning, similar to last school year’s distance learning program.  He pointed out changes in Jamestown Middle School traffic flows and student drop off and pick up, location changes along with,  pedestrian, traffic flows, all designed to improve safety.

 

University of Jamestown President Dr. Polly Peterson said, the residential on campus component began with planning earlier this year, in April.  International students have moved in and the rest are moving in now.

Instruction options will allow in classroom and instruction of class material  remotely, and interactive with classroom instruction.

The  housing on campus has been filled, including UJ Place with 811 students living on campus.

UJ classes start on Monday August 24, 2020.  Classrooms, housing, lunchrooms and activities  have made changes, for safety.  Students will be allowed to eat outside, while the weather permits. Indoors, several changes have been made to allow for social distancing, concerning table arrangements along with other plans. Sports schedules have been adjusted, with teams playing this fall under their conference plans, and schedules. Postseason play will be in March, April and May of 2021, under NAIA guidelines.

Those students who may have been tested COVID-19  positive will have separate accommodations off campus.

She added at this time (Tuesday)  no UJ students have tested COVID-19 positive.

She pointed out that all students, and staff will wear face masks, inside and and mostly outside while on campus.

She reminded residents that the UJ Block Party is canceled this year, to help stop the spread of the virus.

 

Jamestown Area Chamber of Commerce, Executive, Emily Bivens recapped and updated federal programs and phases as they pertain to businesses, and employees.  She pointed out applications and deadlines for various programs, are available at the state website. NDresponse.gov  She said $60,000 has been accumulated in the Chamber’s Give Get Grow campaign matching funds, to help stimulate the Jamestown, and Stutsman County economy affected adversely during the pandemic.

 

Jamestown City Fire Department Chief Jim Reuther said, routine  inspections are being performed.

He said businesses in some cases have some blocked entrances and exits, which must be opened during business hours, and includes restroom access.

 

Jamestown Mayor Dwaine Heinrich, thanked Central Valley Health for working with the entire community during the pandemic.  He said city government is running as usual.  The City Hall doors remain locked to walk-ins.  Call City Hall to make an appointment to visit at 252-5900.

He said City Council meetings are accessible to the public.

He added that Frontier Village traffic has been “light,” but noted several out of state license plates of visitors, and that visitation has been better than expected.

Mayor Heinrich said the Jamestown Civic Center remains closed to walkers.

He said the city has modified liquor ordinances and outdoor seating to accommodate the hospitality industry.

He said clusters and spikes in COVID-19 positive cases may be anticipated, but the healthcare industry is prepared to handle it.

Mayor Heinrich asks residents to take the virus seriously, and continue to wear face masks, and practice social distancing and the safe measures, to control the spread of COVID-19.

Another COVID-19 Stutsman County Response news briefing will be held in September with the date and time to be announced.