July 8 Press Conference Summary

Current COVID-19 Case Numbers in North Dakota: 3,971 total positive cases, 439 active confirmed cases, 3,447 recovered, 85 deaths, 26 hospitalized
Speakers: Governor Burgum, Michelle Kommer-Commerce Commissioner

Focus: Getting tested assures you that you are safe to be around others

• Please take advantage of multiple testing opportunities.
• Working with health care providers on making sure that people can get a test if they request it.
  • If you are denied testing call 866-207-2880 between 8am and 5pm Monday to Friday
• Email and text message for people with negative test is now available, 
• There has been a resurgence of positive COVID-19 tests across the US.
  • Almost 70,000 tests completed in the last three weeks 
  • 14 day rolling average is up to 1.4% positives
  • Burleigh County currently has 128 active cases, which is the most in the state
• Locations to get tested 

 
Additional points of note:

• Reviewed federal economic assistance that has been provided.
  • $930 million of the $1.25 billion of federal assistance to ND has been allocated to various programs.
  • Economic Resiliency Grant (ERG) to be administered by ND Dept of Commerce overview by Michelle Kommer -
    • Designed to cover gaps in federal programs and inspire consumer confidence.
    • Learn more on Business Briefing call on Thursday at 11:00am
  • PPP deadline has been extended to August 8.
• New Executive Order 2020-08.02 reinstates work search and job contact requirements for Unemployment Insurance (UI).
  • Additional $600 per week in UI is set to expire July 31.
• ND State Lab is part of an effort to study samples of COVID-19 to learn more about the disease through genetic sequencing. 

Other issues covered:  There is an interest in traveling to places like ND for summer vacation because of our low incidence of COVID-19, Behavioral Health assistance
 
Next Press Conference on Tuesday at 3:30pm
 
Link to view