COVID-19 Daily Ticker: April 3-8

Friday, April 3

This day marked the end of the first 14 days of following recommendations from the Center for Disease Control regarding COVID-19. There were 14 new cases recorded today, including the first case in Eddy County. A total of 173 positive cases had been confirmed.

Monday, April 6

On Monday, 18 out of 426 tests came back positive. Gov. Burgum stated that North Dakota ranks in the Top 10 when it comes to COVID-19 testing per capita. Our state has among the highest testing rates and has maintained the lowest positive case counts (see lower chart at right). He also praised the widespread implementation of preventative practices by North Dakotans. This includes installing plexiglass “sneeze guards,” wearing gloves and masks in public and, taping off 6 foot distances to guide customers. Burgum said he has no intention of enforcing the use of masks at this time. However, the CDC recommends that individuals wear a mask when among the public, and he encourages people to do so.

An Executive Order was issued that requires individuals who test positive for COVID-19 to self-isolate for no less than 14 days. All household members of someone who has tested positive also must self-isolate for no less than 14 days. According to Burgum, this is the “most effective way of separating those who have been exposed in order to protect those who are not.”

Tuesday, April 7

As of Tuesday, there were 1,431,706 cases of COVID-19 worldwide with 82,080 deaths; 302,150 have recovered. The number of U.S. cases eclipsed 400,000 Tuesday, with 12,854 deaths recorded and 21,674 recoveries.

Gov. Burgum issued four executive orders today:

• Suspending pesticide applicator permits

• Give school districts flexibility to conduct mail-in ballots only for special elections

• Extended the winter grade fuel cut off date to May 20

• Suspended requirement that school districts conduct written performance reviews for administrators and teachers who have been in service for more than 3 years. This helps schools manage their workload and prioritizes the needs of students and their families. Does not prohibit schools from conducting those reviews, but does suspend the mandate.

Two new cases were confirmed, bringing the total to 237 total positives. The positive rate for the state remains at 2.4%. According to Jodi Hovdenes, Vice President of Patient Services at CHI St. Alexius Carrington Health, staff had completed 29 tests for COVID-19 at its facilities; 27 were negative and two were pending results.

Gov. Burgum waived the mandatory one week waiting period for unemployment. On April 6 alone, a total of 2,666 unemployment claims were filed. This brings the total to 40,458 claims since March 16. Self-employed or contract workers qualified for unemployment benefits as of April 4, and a total of 2,568 had filed such claims.

Wednesday, April 8

Operation Drive Inn implemented widespread testing in areas that had no confirmed cases of COVID-19. The NDDoH tested 367 individuals in Amidon and 368 in Gladstone. There were three positive cases identified in each town. Half of the people that tested positive had NO symptoms. At least one individual was in close contact with a person who had underlying health conditions.

Executive orders made on this day removed the requirement that the Public Service Commission hearings be held in physical locations. Instead their hearings will be conducted virtually, and all parties can participate without traveling. Land Board meetings are also able to be held virtually.

Amendments were made to the travel quarantine. On Tuesday Minnesota was added to the CDC list of widespread COVID-19 states. People commuting to and from N.D. for essential supplies and services are exempt. People engaging in outdoor activities along the border are also exempt from the quarantine.

Dr. Fauci of the National Institute of Health noted that North Dakota’s current orders are “functionally equivalent” and “totally compatible” to the stay-at-home orders of larger states.