COVID-19

2020 ‘pretty terrible year’ for North Dakota oil industry

BISMARCK, N.D. – North Dakota’s top oil regulator says 2020 will be known for the rapid collapse of crude prices in the spring, leading to dismantled rigs and idled wells. State Mineral Resources Director Lynn Helms called it “a pretty terrible year for the industry.” Oil companies filed for bankruptcy and thousands of people in North Dakota’s oil patch lost…

President Trump Ends The Wait, Signs $900 Billion COVID Relief Package

WEST PALM BEACH, FL — A last-minute holiday gift out of Florida: President Donald Trump has signed a $900 billion pandemic relief package that will deliver long-sought cash to businesses and individuals. He was spotted earlier in the day on the golf course where he spent much of his holiday. It was learned that he planned to sign the bill…

COVID-19 rapid testing available at Hector International Airport

Testing helps identify asymptomatic passengers and removes them from the transmission train

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — Beginning Saturday, December 26th, the North Dakota Army National Guard will be providing rapid COVID-19 tests for passengers arriving at Hector International Airport. Tests will be self-administered by travelers and results will be ready approximately 15 minutes following the test. North Dakota Army National Guard representatives will be available one hour prior to the first arriving…

Fundraiser started for North Dakota Indigenous communities amid pandemic

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — The pandemic has taken a toll on everyone, but some are feeling the impact more than others. Broken infrastructure, chronic disease and limited health care are just some of the issues that have long faced Native communities. Adding a pandemic into the mix means those who were already vulnerable become even more so. “Even early on…

Sanford Health updates on COVID-19 vaccine distribution

The major health system talked over a Zoom call

FARGO, N.D.- Sanford Health is giving us new details on the COVID-19 vaccine. Sanford says it will continue to see rollouts of the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines through the end of the month and into the new year. Healthcare workers are still being vaccinated as the first part of its plan. Out of the health care system’s almost 10,000 employees,…

First week of COVID-19 immunizations has wrapped up in North Dakota

The state has received 21,000 total doses, with 7,800 from Pfizer and 13,200 from Moderna

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — 8,463 of vulnerable North Dakotans, including health care workers and people living in long term care facilities, have received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. “So far, things are definitely going as expected. We still have to get to additional priority groups, but so far I think the first week went well,” says North Dakota…

Thousands of Minnesotans have received COVID-19 vaccine

MINNESOTA (KVRR) — Minnesota health officials report nearly 3,000 health care workers in the state have received their first dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. The state received 48,000 doses last week with the final doses expected to arrive on Friday. Minnesota Department of Health Infectious Disease Division Director Kris Ehresmann says 94,800 doses of the Moderna vaccine are expected…

FBI warns of potential COVID-19 vaccine scams

As the vaccine starts to be distributed, scammers might take advantage of the opportunity

MINNEAPOLIS- As the COVID-19 vaccine becomes more available, the FBI is warning people to be on the lookout for scammers. They could come in phone calls, emails and texts. The FBI says scammers might ask you things like paying out of pocket for the vaccine, putting your name on an early access list and even trying to sell or ship…

Vaccine distribution begins for Fargo area first responders

FARGO (KVRR) – Beginning this week, Fargo Cass Public Health plans to administer 300 doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine to people in eligible priority groups, as identified by the North Dakota Department of Health. Vaccine recipients include people employed in fire departments, EMS and law enforcement. Members of area fire departments, including Fargo and West Fargo, along with EMS…

ND bars & restaurants to open under extended hours starting Tuesday

BISMARCK, N.D. – Gov. Doug Burgum has signed an amended executive order allowing bars and restaurants to open at normal hours starting at 8:00 AM Dec. 22 “as active cases and hospitalizations due to COVID-19 have decreased in North Dakota.” Those businesses have been closed to customers indoors from 10:00 PM to 4:00 AM since Nov. 16th. However, bars and restaurants must…