July 28 Press Conference Summary

Current COVID-19 Case Numbers in North Dakota: 6,141 total positive cases, 1,084 active confirmed cases (new high), 4,957 recovered, 100 deaths, 35 hospitalized
Speakers: Governor Burgum, Michelle Kommer-Commerce Commissioner,

Focus: What we are doing about rising numbers

• Formation of Burleigh-Morton Task Force to lead COVID-19 efforts
• Our actions can help to save others, 46 of 53 counties have a current active case
• Long-term care numbers are rising, but still low compared to the rest of the country

• Testing Update
  • 12,754 tests in the last week (first time tested).
    • Over 150,000 unique individuals have been tested.
    • The goal is to be able to conduct 8000 tests a day
  • 1 in 5 ND residents have received a COVID-19 test.
  • Positive tests are rising faster than the number of tests.
  • There are 19 testing sites in ND with plans to increase to 28. 
• Concerns about healthcare workers staying safe so that they can continue to provide care
• Business Resources and Relief Programs
  • PPP application deadline is August 8. Rules have been adjusted to be more friendly to businesses
  • Economic Resiliency Grants (ERG) administered by Commerce to help businesses fund costs associated with improvements that will help control the spread of COVID-19 and build consumer confidence.
  • $66.4 million available for ND business in ND who were viable prior to 3/1/2020 and financially affected by COVID-19
• Rent Bridge Program available
• Executive Orders
  • 2020-12.2 Executive Order extends WSI coverage to Direct Support Professionals
  • 2020-20.1 Executive Order suspends continuing ed requirements for nursing home administrators