October 1 Press Conference Summary

Current COVID-19 Case Numbers in North Dakota: 22,218 total positive cases, 3,690 active confirmed cases, 18,272 recovered, 256 deaths
Speakers: Governor Burgum; Kirby Krueger – Department of Health; Molly Howell – Department of Health.

Focus: Change in contact tracing quarantine policy. 

• If infected person and close contact were wearing masks. Close contact will not be required to quarantine.
• Infected person will still need to self-isolate.

• Infection Rate: 14-day rolling average infection rate 6.98%
• • No changes in county risk levels this week.
  • North Dakota is receiving 14,000 rapid test kits. 15 minutes results with 97% accuracy.
• Business Impacts
  • State unemployment sits at 5% - 6th in the nation.
  • Dept of Commerce ERG success helping build consumer confidence
• Health Impacts
  • Governor urges people to wear masks, practice social distancing, and good hygiene.
  • Department of Health is urging people to get their FLU shot before Halloween.
    • This will free up capacity if a vaccine is ready this winter and FLU symptoms mirror those of COVID-19.