June 10 Press Conference Summary

Current COVID-19 Case Numbers in North Dakota: 2,941 total positive cases, 386 active confirmed cases, 2,282 recovered, 73 deaths
Speakers: Governor Burgum, Dr. Joan Connell- ND Dept of Health Field Medical Officer

Focus:  Underlying health conditions make all people more vulnerable to COVID

• Deaths from COVID-19 - 14% over 70 years of age 24% over 80 years of age (both groups with underlying conditions). 
• If you have multiple underlying conditions, this can make you more vulnerable regardless of your age. This is reason for the VP3 Plan 

Additional points of note:

• Still in top 5 states in the nation in testing. Drop off in demand of people who want to be tested
  • Surveillance testing – for asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic testing can help with re-opening.
  • City of Fargo holding 2 testing events June 10 & 11 in west parking lot of the Fargodome. Similar events planned for Bismarck, Minot, and Grand Forks soon. If you plan to participate, complete the pre-test questionnaire
• Update on the testing of Long Term Care residents and employees
• Importance of regular immunization for children. Rates have fallen during the pandemic. Immunizations are available at no charge information available on free immunizations 
  • Difficult to differentiate between flu and COVID without testing. So it is important to get a flu shot

Other issues covered: By donating blood at Vitalant, you can also have your blood tested for COVID-19 antibodies, Behavioral Health-Recognizing the signs and symptoms of stress are important so you can get help at Project Renew, ND Heritage Center reopening, good turnout for primary election mail-in ballots
 
Tuesday will be the weekly briefing going forward.
 
LINK to VIEW