Coronavirus

Amid nursing shortage, Sanford Health’s resources stretched to capacity

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — COVID-19 cases in the region are surging during a critical shortage of nurses. Sanford Health Fargo’s vice president says the hospital is in crisis. Essentia Health’s resources are also being stretched to capacity. “The time is now to take some action,” said Sanford Medical Officer Dr. Doug Griffin on Tuesday. Griffin predicts Fargo is two to…

Parents rail against GF Schools’ mask mandate, one claims it’s against Nuremberg Code

GRAND FORKS, N.D. (KVRR) – After protesting the district’s mask mandate at Century Elementary School Monday morning, people get heated arguing against it at a Grand Forks school board meeting. Parents and others speaking called the requirement “adult level bullying.” One man compared the board’s actions to being against the Nuremberg Code of principles for human experimentation at the end…

Pet Connection: Meet Milano

She's one smart cookie.

Talk about a sweet deal. There’s not much on this earth that’s better than a brand-new puppy. In fact, one of the only things better is a well-behaved brand new puppy — something that’s not so easy to come by. This week, we found one for you. Her name’s Milano, and she’s an eight-month-old German Shepherd mix from 4 Luv…

West Fargo School Board approves mitigation measures based on COVID-19 infections

WEST FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – In a six to one vote, West Fargo School Board members approve a plan outlining steps to be taken if COVID-19 infection rates rise in schools within the district. Unlike Fargo and Moorhead Public Schools, West Fargo does not require masks. “Please don’t take our freedoms and our choices and our rights as parents. I…

Health experts say Pfizer vaccine getting full approval hasn’t changed vaccination rate much

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – Fargo Cass Public Health officials say they have not seen a significant rise in COVID-19 vaccinations since Pfizer was granted full FDA approval two weeks ago. Director of Public Health Desi Fleming says since the announcement was made, there has been a slight but very slow increase in vaccinations in Cass County. Fargo Cass is hosting…

ND Dept. of Health warns against taking horse drug for Covid-19

BISMARCK, N.D. (KVRR) – The North Dakota Department of Health is discussing the importance of approved Covid-19 treatments. Officials say treatments such as monoclonal antibody treatment helps aid in the reduction of viral load. They add the FDA has found enough evidence of effectiveness and safety for the treatment to be on the market, but has not gotten full approval….

Will the end of federal unemployment benefits help local businesses find workers?

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — Federal pandemic-related unemployment benefits are ending Monday. This comes as business owners across the Red River Valley continue to struggle with finding new workers. “I know every restaurant out there is hiring and we’re right alongside them, ” Great Plains Hospitality CEO Dan Hurder said. Hurder owns three restaurants and a catering business in both Minnesota…

Pet Connection: Meet Bandit

Quick, spot the cutie who's up for adoption this week!

If you’re looking for a boy who can steal your heart, boy do we have the deal for you this morning. Meet Bandit, the Catahoula leopard dog. Homeward Animal Shelter’s Heather Klefstad introduces us to the 6-year-old sweetie this morning. He’s a cuddler and up to date with all his vaccinations, neutered, and house trained. His striking red-colored spotted coat…

‘We just want a choice.’ Parents opposed to mask mandates in schools gather in Fargo

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – Parents and grandparents opposed to mask mandates in schools came together Tuesday evening in Fargo. They gathered at a private event titled “Show Faces For Freedom” and say they should be the ones making decisions related to their kids’ health, not school board members. “We’re not saying that we don’t want any masks or nobody can…

Delta Variant has hospitals reaching capacity as COVID-19 cases soar

"In the last few weeks we have experienced a very high number of patients as the Delta variant continues to spread."

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — Health officials are yet again warning of the severity of COVID-19 as cases across Cass and Clay counties continue to rise. “Given the urgency of our current situation we felt it necessary to update the community as we enter our fourth wave with the Delta variant changing the game,” Fargo Cass Public Health Director, Desi Fleming…