ND COVID-19 Case (updated)

Doug Barrett | Mar 12, 2020 AT 8:16 am

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The North Dakota Department of Health (NDDOH) today confirmed the state’s first presumptive case of novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in a Ward County resident.

Governor Doug Burgum says “we have been planning and preparing for this since January, and our top priority remains the health, safety and well-being of all North Dakotans,” Burgum said. “With the North Dakota Department of Health and its partners at the state, local and federal levels, we are working together to stay on top of this rapidly evolving situation.”

“We encourage citizens to be prepared and not panic – to base their actions on facts, not fear,” Burgum added. “North Dakotans should take this virus seriously, stay informed and follow recommendations for reducing the spread of COVID-19, including washing hands frequently and staying at home when they are sick.

Prior to becoming ill, the individual who tested positive for COVID-19 had traveled out of state where he had contact with a person who has since tested positive for the disease. The Ward County man, who is in his 60s, has not been hospitalized and is currently self-isolating and recovering at home. The public health investigation is ongoing.

As the NDDOH awaits confirmation testing from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), team members are working to identify people who may have come into close contact with the individual in order to prevent further spread of COVID-19.

The NDDoH has tested 27 individuals for COVID-19. Twelve tests came back negative, and results for 14 tests are still pending.

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Millions of sports fans will be banned from N-C-A-A tournament games because of coronavirus. The decision to proceed with games without fans came down Wednesday.

Here in Grand Forks the N-C-H-C has already implemented a restrictive attendance policy for this weekend’s Quarterfinal Hockey Series between U-N-D and C-C.

U-N-D Athletic Director Bill Chaves says it will be strange not to see 12-thousand fans in the stands but he supports the decision. The NCHC says the move was made for the safety and well-being of student athletes…coaches…staff…media…and fans.

The R-E-A is expected to announce a ticket refund policy today.

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For questions related to COVID-19, the public can call the NDDoH health hotline at 866-207-2880 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. Individuals who need medical advice should contact their health care provider.







Posted By Doug Barrett Doug Barrett is one of the most heavily awarded broadcasters in North Dakota. As a strong voice of balance and integrity in the news, Barrett ‘s three decade long broadcast history with KNOX is dominated by excellence.