Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883
Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883
Posted June 5, 2020
On Wednesday, June 10, there will be a FREE community testing event for COVID-19, organized by Lake Region District Health Unit. Anyone 18 years of age and older interested in participating should arrive at the Eddy County Fairgrounds between 3 and 6 pm. Enter the fairgrounds from the west gate. This testing event is not limited to Eddy County residents, so anyone in the area who wants to be tested is welcome to participate. The organizers have asked that a participant complete a short intake form prior to arriving at the site. The form is available for download here: https://www.newrockfordtranscript.com/home/cms_data/dfault/pdfs/misc/2020-06-01.pdf
There is also good news today out of the Lutheran Home of the Good Shepherd. As of June 4, LHGS met the North Dakota Smart Restart Guidelines to enter Phase 1 of reopening to visitors. This is a crucial moment for not only residents, but also their families and friends, as they will be able to reconnect in person for the first time in months.
Per the guidelines, LHGS is allowing outdoor visitation, as long as social distancing and hygienic protocols are followed, for the next 14 days. LHGS administrator Kim Jensrud explained that visiting parties "must wear masks and keep a distance of six feet." Those making plans to visit their loved ones should contact the nurse in the resident's unit prior to their visit, to ensure that the resident is able to go outside and that adequate spacing is available. Jensrud noted that residents "will also start communal dining and small group activities" during this phase. Explaining future plans, Jensrud continued by stating that "when entering Phase 2, residents will be allowed one visitor at a time. This phase will also require appointments and restricted visitation times. In Phase 3, the facility could possibly fully reopen, with guidelines for visitors and vendors."
This announcement followed the results of the third round of COVID-19 testing that occurred at LHGS on Wednesday, June 3. All residents, tenants and staff tested negative. Further, there are no active cases in Eddy County, and the two residents, one tenant and employee who tested positive previously have all recovered. LHGS will continue to follow the guidelines set by the North Dakota Department of Health ensure the safety of residents and employees. This involves retesting of all staff, residents and tenants every 14 days.
