Local News

Healthcare workers ‘concerned about direction’ ND is heading with COVID-19

In part because of lack of healthcare staffing, but also because of people who don't do their part to slow the spread.

NORTH DAKOTA – While North Dakota continues to lead the nation in positive COVID-19 cases per capita, we are lacking in healthcare staffing. Especially in rural communities. “Some of our public health units only have three to five employees and so trying to do all of the same things as a large public health unit and provide appropriate response within…

Pandemic puts strain on local hospitals as they reach full capacity

"We are having very high case numbers both in the hospital and in the community and we continue to rise exponentially."

FARGO, N.D. – Scenes like medical professionals working to save lives in the middle of a pandemic are happening every day in our community “We are not doing well here in North Dakota. We are having very high case numbers both in the hospital and in the community and we continue to rise exponentially,” Sanford Medical Director for Infection Prevention and…

East Grand Forks High School moved to distance learning

EAST GRAND FORKS, Minn. – The East Grand Forks School Board voted 5-1 to move high school students to full time distance learning for two weeks beginning November 23rd. Superintendent Mike Kolness and Polk County Public Health Director Sarah Reese also wanted the middle school to move to distance learning. The school board voted 3-3 on that motion. You can…

Minnesota virus cases climb above 7,000 for first time

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported more than 7,000 new cases of the coronavirus and 39 deaths. Thursday’s case total shattered the single-day record set just last week by more than 1,000 cases as the virus continues its unrelenting spread throughout the state. Minnesota’s total cases since the start of the pandemic reached 200,000 on Thursday, and nearly…

St. Cloud prison locked down as COVID-19 cases surge

St. Cloud State PrisonST. CLOUD, Minn. – The state prison in St. Cloud has been locked down because of a surge in coronavirus cases. Minnesota Department of Corrections spokeswoman Sarah Fitzgerald says that there are 335 current cases of COVID-19 among the 623 inmates in the Minnesota Correctional Facility in St. Cloud. Nearly 60 staff members were also out with…

Doc says North Dakota hospital capacity dwindling

Dr. Avish NagpalFARGO (KVRR/KCND) – The Medical Director for Infection Prevention and Control with Fargo’s Sanford Hospital says it’s time to end excuses and own-up to the pandemic we are facing. Dr. Avish Nagpal says the situation is dire as hospital capacity across North Dakota is dwindling as the number of COVID-19 cases surge in all areas. “Even though we…

Jamestown approves mask mandate

JAMESTOWN, N.D. – The City of Jamestown has approved a coronavirus mask mandate. Face coverings will be required in all indoor and outdoor environments where people are exposed to non-household members and when social distancing isn’t possible. Some exceptions include those with medical conditions or disability, young children, and those eating or drinking. Council member Dave Schloegel said he was in…