November 9 Press Conference Summary

Current COVID-19 Case Numbers in North Dakota: 55,458 total positive cases, 10,865 active confirmed cases, 43,949 recovered, 644 deaths
Speakers: Governor Burgum

Focus: Risk Level Increase and Hospitals at capacity with COVID & non-COVID patients

• Our hospitals are under enormous stress.
  • The growth of these cases has caused hospitals to suspend elective surgeries and implement their surge plans.
    • Individuals should continue to seek regular outpatient care and reduce urgent and non-emergent services in hospitals
    • Follow public health protocols (Physical distance/ masks/hand hygiene) to reduce the spread.
  • Today, about 80% of our hospital capacity is taken up by non-COVID patients and 20% for COVID patients, but our hospitals are at capacity.
  • Average length of (hospital) stay is now under 7 days.
• Capacity includes both beds and staff. Both are stressed.
  • State Health Officer Order allowing asymptomatic COVID positive healthcare workers may work in COVID units.
  • EMTs and Advanced EMTs and Paramedics will be hired by the Department of Health to help with testing missions throughout the state.
• Chris Jones will be holding daily stand up meetings among management teams from the major hospital organizations in North Dakota.

 
Additional points of note:

• Cases
  • March 11 first case. It took 7 months to get to 5,000 cases and 3 weeks later we were at 10,000.
    • Transmissible moments can take place before symptoms show.
  • Active cases in people over 65 has risen dramatically
• New Risk Levels - ENTIRE STATE = SAME LEVEL

• Additional testing using BinaxNOW tests to get people back to work sooner.

Other issues covered: Think ahead and be careful leading up to Thanksgiving if you plan to get together with family. Get your flu shot. Behavioral health assistance is available. Veterans Day is Wednesday.
 
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