June 16 Press Conference Summary

Current COVID-19 Case Numbers in North Dakota: 3,124 total positive cases, 330 active confirmed cases, 2,720 recovered, 74 deaths
Speakers: Governor Burgum

Focus: Risk remains, mass testings, longterm care facilities update
 
Additional points of note:

• We have built hospital, testing, and contact tracing abilities that leave us in a good position to handle COVID-19.
• ND Dept of Health materials have been translated into 8 different languages for immigrant populations
• Upcoming testing events – complete screening questionnaire
  • Fargo testing at the Fargodome every Thursday and Friday for the next 2 weeks
  • Bismarck Wednesday, June 17 in the Northwest lot of the Capitol
  • Minot on June 19 at the State Fairgrounds
  • Grand Forks TBD
• Longterm care
  • 19 positive cases in residents in the last 14 days. Zero new cases in 7 of the last 14 days.
  • 152 of 218 entities have met the gating criteria to enter the first phase of the Smart Restart for Long Term Care facilities.
    • Working on ways safe visitation can occur.
    • Augusta Place (Long Term Care facility in Bismarck) will pilot a testing project to test family members who would like to visit family who are residents.
• SBA is re-opening EIDL program portal and introducing EIDL Advance to help businesses with financial needs.
• PPP Flexibility Act passed to offer more flexibility to those who have received PPP. More info available ND Department of Commerce *SPECIAL* Business Briefing- Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act, hosted by Greater North Dakota Chamber 

Other issues covered: There are areas of the US experiencing exponential spread of the virus, No deaths since June 11. Hospitalizations are at the lowest number in a month, 8 locations across the state to offer testing and shelter to homeless people, www.projectrenew.nd.gov has resources for dealing with secondary traumatic stress, Bismarck (9th) and Fargo (3rd) best cities to live in according to Business Insider Magazine, some efficiencies of state government have been found with employees working from home.
 
 
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