Eddy County Public Information Officer COVID-19 update

Governor Doug Burgum and North Dakota’s interim state health officer, Dr. Andrew Stahl, have announced a public awareness campaign called “Mask Up ND”. This campaign encourages residents to use the #MaskUpND when they share photos of them wearing masks. The website https://www.health.nd.gov/maskupnd has more information on the campaign.

Dr. Stahl is encouraging residents to properly wear masks by:

Washing your hands before putting on your mask.

Putting it over your nose and mouth and secure it under your chin.

Try to fit it tightly against the sides of your face.

Making sure you can breathe easily.

As people are searching online sources for information on COVID-19 they need to be aware that there are many websites that are being used to steal personal information or for monetary gain. Please remember to never give out your personal information such as your social security number or banking information. Please visit https://ndresponse.gov/covid-19-resources/covid-19-cyber-threats for more information.

If you are in need of face shields, you can contact Gateway to Science through this website https://gatewaytoscience.org/need-ppe/. They will add you to their database and connect your organization with their provider network. You may be asked to cover the cost of materials since the demand for PPE has been very high and the funds are limited.

School is starting in many communities this week and next week. The North Dakota Department of Public Instruction has some information on guidance for COVID-19. Their website is https://www.nd.gov/dpi/familiescommunity/nddpi-updates-and-guidance-covid-19.

Project Renew of North Dakota offers a program called Parents Lead. This program provides support for parents in promoting the behavioral health of their children. This program has the following services that will help parents and children during this pandemic:

• Back to School during a Pandemic

• Teleworking with Kids at Home: Finding Balance

• Creating Calm during the COVID-19 Pandemic

• Getting Movement in during the COVID-19 Pandemic

• COVID-19 Pandemic Changes: Your Adult Child Moves Home

• How to Talk to Kids if a Family Member Becomes Seriously Ill with COVID-19

Please visit the website http://www.parentslead.org/COVID-19 for information.

Eddy County Community Cares, a suicide prevention and awareness group, will meet on Monday, August 24 and Tuesday, September 8 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the shelter to the west of the pool. All are welcome!

The Eddy County Community Cares Fifth annual Lights of Hope event, to remember those lost to suicide, is Sunday, September 13 from 4 p.m.-6 p.m. Everyone will meet at the gazebo at 4 p.m., and anyone who wants to go on a memorial walk around town can leave from there. After the walk, there will be a release of butterflies in memory of the people that have been lost to suicide, and in awareness of the people who are suffering from depression. There will also be some refreshments during the event. Contact Mindy Meier or Karen Omoth with any questions.

Please remember to keep social distancing, using hand sanitizer, hand washing and wearing a mask. The Eddy County Courthouse and Public Health Office are now recommending that anyone who enters the buildings wear a mask.