Mask Mandate in effective startng Mon Nov 9, 2020, for a least 30 days.

Valley City  (CSi)  The Valley City Commission met  in Special Session Friday at noon, to discuss the COVID-19 pandemic.  All members were present.

The meeting was shown on CSi Cable 68 followed by replays, and virtually on zoom, and phone access, as members of the public are not permitted in the Commission Chambers due to COVID-19 and as allowed in ND Executive Order 2020-16.

Has announced on Thursday by Governor Doug Burgum, the Barnes County COVID-19 Risk Level is changed (Effective Nov. 6, 2020 at 5-p.m.) from Yellow Moderate, to Orange High Risk Level.

High Risk definition:  (orange): 25% occupancy with a cap of 50 people (changed from non-essential businesses closed); encourage businesses to require face coverings.

On Oct. 21, 2020, Valley City Mayor Dave Carlsrud signed Emergency Order 2020-05 implementing a Mask Plan for the City of Valley City in accordance with the ND Smart Restart guidelines.

Click here to view the Emergency Order 2020-05

At Friday’s Special Session, the Valley City Barnes Commission, meeting

Mayor Carlsrud updated the Orange Risk Level description.  He also pointed out the increase in COVID-19 positive cases recently in Barnes County.

He said the purpose of Friday’s meeting was evaluate the situation and where to go from here.

Mayor Carlsrud said Williston has shut down all large group events.

Commissioner Bishop said church services should be addressed, concerning percentage of attendance, adding masks in restaurants and bars need to be addressed.

Dr. James Buhr said masks should be required in bars and restaurants.

City County Healh Administrator, Teressa Will pointed out, when riding in a vehicle with people not in a household to mask up, along with mask wearing by all employees including city and county employees .  She said not to have meals with people outside your immediate contacts.

She pointed out that people go in and out of daycare facilities, are not wearing masks and can spread the virus.  She said health officials will be going door to door handing out masks and hand sanitizers.

Valley City Public Schools Superintendent Josh Johnson said students are getting the virus from parents, but continue to see low positive numbers in the school population. Students in quarantine have increased because of household contacts. No changes with the  educational plan because of the new risk level and will closely monitor the situation along with City-County Health District office. Johnson credits the students and staff member for helping contain the spread of this virus in the school district.

VCSU President, Dr. Alan LaFave said, as of 9-a.m. Friday, there were 12 active positive cases, including with VCSU numbers, six on campus, five off campus, and one employee in quarantine.

He added with close contacts,  11 individuals are quarantined, with 38 off campus, and an employee.

90 VCSU students will not be coming back to school, after Thanksgiving Break, and learning on line.

Commissioner Magnuson said early testing and getting test results back sooner, is imperative.

Commissioner Gulmon suggested implementing a mask mandate.

Commissioner Magnuson said early testing and getting test results back sooner, is imperative.

Teressa Will pointed out testing result that were taken on a Monday have been coming back on Wednesday.  She said delayed results can mean a positive person can still be out in the community spreading the virus, before they results have come back.

Magnuson said re-education may be needed on staying home when sick and frequent hand washing.  He added the state needs to add staff to have contact tracing stepped up as before.

Dr. Buhr suggested that the Valley City Area Chamber of Commerce become involved in promoting informational items on protocols.

Terresa Will said she will assist in changing capacity numbers from 50 to between 20 and 50.

Sharon Buhr said a mass media campaign is needed for masking up and requested dollars from the city.

City Commissioners voted 4-1 to implement a mask mandate, with Commissioner Erickson voting in opposition.  He said he doesn’t like to be told what to do.  No penalties are in effect concerning not wearing a mask, at this time.

The votes to form a large group event committee, and to close bars and restaurants  at 11-p.m. also passed, and in effect for 30 days.

All mandates take effect on Monday November 9, 2020.

City employees will be masked when circulating within the building.

Mayor Carlsrud requested cost estimates on the programs.

Also approved on the Friday agenda, a Raffle Permit for the Art Club Valley City High School.

The meeting was shown live on CSi Cable 68 followed by replays.

 

 

Previously…

Valley City (CSi)  The Valley City Commission will meet  in Special Session Friday at noon, to discuss the COVID-19 pandemic.

Members of the public are not permitted in the Commission Chambers due to COVID-19 and as allowed in ND Executive Order 2020-16. Members of the public may view the meeting online https://zoom.us/j/98487551097 or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799) Webinar ID: 984 8755 10

The meeting will be shown live on CSi Cable 68 followed by replays.