Health

Minnesota’s Coronavirus Case Count Jumps as Testing Ramps Up

MINNEAPOLIS (AP)–The Minnesota Department of Health has reported another big jump in coronavirus cases as the state ramps up its testing capacity. The agency says 463 more Minnesotans have tested positive–a new one-day high–to raise the state’s total to 4,644. That total includes 138 new cases in Nobles County of southwestern Minnesota. State and private labs combined to complete 2,915…

North Dakota Reports 42 New COVID-19 Cases

CASS COUNTY, N.D.–The North Dakota Department of Health has reported 42 new COVID-19 cases since Tuesday. The counties reporting new cases include Burleigh, Cass, Grand Forks, McKenzie, Stark and Stutsman Counties. The total number of positive cases in the state has reached 1,033. Of those cases, 28 people are currently hospitalized, 437 have recovered and 19 people have died. Cass…

WATCH LIVE: City of Fargo Hosts COVID-19 Press Briefing

FARGO, N.D.–The City of Fargo is hosting a COVID-19 press briefing to provide an update on the pandemic. Speakers at the briefing will include: · Director of Fargo Cass Public Health Desi Fleming · Clay County Public Health Administrator Kathy McKay · Essentia Health Chief Medical Officer Dr. Richard Vetter · VP and Medical Officer of Sanford Fargo Dr. Doug…

Volunteers Needed at Clay County Congregate Care Facilities

Volunteers will be given the option to work in COVID-19 positive units, non-COVID-19 units or both.

CLAY COUNTY, Minn.–Clay County Public Health is looking for volunteers to help in congregate care facilities. Certain facilities are currently experiencing staffing shortages for licensed RN’s, LPN’s and CNA’s, food services, laundry, housekeeping, one-on-one support and administrative support. Volunteers will be given the option to work in COVID-19 positive units, non-COVID-19 units or both. Anyone interested is asked to sign…

Vitalant Seeking Convalescent Plasma Donors

BISMARCK, N.D.–Vitalant and the North Dakota Department of Health are asking anyone who previously tested positive for COVID-19 to donate plasma. The plasma from previously infected individuals is being used as an investigational treatment for COVID-19 patients. NDDoH field medical officer Dr. Joan Connell says, “There have already been a few cases in North Dakota where convalescent plasma treatment has…

Breckenridge sisters make face masks to support Sanford Health Employee Crisis Fund

Piper, Ava and Finley Jaehning say they have already made about 400 face masks

BRECKENRIDGE, Minn. — While many people are using this time of social distancing to relax, Piper, Ava and Finley Jaehning have been hard at work. The three sisters have found a way to do their part in helping others through the pandemic by breaking out the sewing kit and putting their skills to good use by making face masks. “My…

MN State Sen. wants everyone at long-term care facilities to get a coronavirus test

SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Since Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announced a partnership with the University of Minnesota and Mayo Clinic, the state has double testing to two thousand per day. Chair of Minnesota’s Senate Family Care and Aging Committee, Republican State Senator Karin Housley of St. Mary’s Point, calls on Walz to implement guidelines for widespread testing at long-term care…

VP Mike Pence doesn’t wear mask during tour of Mayo Clinic

ROCHESTER, Minn. – Vice President Mike Pence tours Mayo Clinic to see how doctors are treating the coronavirus. Pence visited with people who recovered from Covid-19 and are donating plasma. The hope is the antibodies from the patients will help defeat the virus in those getting a transfusion. Pence thanks the clinic for what he says leading on this treatment….

WATCH LIVE: Gov. Burgum to Discuss ND Smart Restart Operating Guidelines

BISMARCK, N.D.–Gov. Doug Burgum is holding a press briefing at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday to provide an update on the COVID-19 pandemic and the new standard operating procedures for businesses. Burgum will be joined by Commerce Commissioner Michelle Kommer who will help explain ND Smart Restart guidelines. The industries being allowed to open with specific guidelines include restaurants and bars,…