​August 10 Press Conference Summary

Current COVID-19 Case Numbers in North Dakota: 7,713 total positive cases, 1,166 active confirmed cases, 6,434 recovered, 113 deaths
Speakers: Governor Burgum, Dr. Andrew Stahl - Interim State Health Officer, Kirsten Baesler-Superintendent of Public Instruction,

Focus: Assistance for business and education

• ND DPI has provided guidelines for school districts and boards to develop their own distance learning and restart plans
• New tool for distance learning – supplemental digital learning resources.
  • North Dakota Exact Path will be available to all ND K-12 students this school year. Can be used in person, by distance or in a hybrid setting.
  • Minot State University will be aiding ND paraprofessionals working in Special Education. Scholarships will allow these paraprofessionals to work toward a bachelor’s degree in Special Education. 

• Case Numbers and Statistics
  • COVID testing site information
  • 45 of 53 counties in ND have active COVID-19 cases
    • In ND testing numbers are up and positive rate is down. 37,976 tests completed in the last 7 days. 2.5% positive rate.
  • Burleigh/Morton County is still above the state average at 4.1%.
    • Burleigh-Morton COVID-19 Task Force – testing, prevention, contact tracing, support of isolation and quarantine, ongoing monitoring of individuals resources and vulnerable communities
  • Death rates are down and recovery rates up across the nation.
• Healthcare aspects
  • Treatment is getting better for people who are infected.
  • Longterm care
    • By the end of September, all visitors to long term care facilities should be able to get point of care tests that will let them know if they are safe to visit the facility within hours of testing.
  • #maskupnd public awareness campaign
    • Masks are a critical tool in the prevention of the spread of COVID-19.
    • It is also important to wear it correctly. Dr. Stahl covered proper mask techniques.
    • We should model proper mask use in front of our children.
  • Pilot project to plan and implement COVID-19 vaccination program.
    • ND was chosen to participate in pilot program along with Florida, California, Minnesota and the city of Philadelphia. 
• Business Resources
  • Commerce finalizing plan for ERG grants.
    • $66.4 million available for ND businesses.
    • Application window will open on August 12.
    • First come, first-served basis.
• Executive Order 2020-36.1 - Driver’s License renewal deadlines have been extended and will follow a phased schedule for renewing.