City and county governments in the Fargo-Moorhead and Cass County area are working together with state and local health officials to monitor the spread of and response to COVID-19.
At a collaborative briefing streamed live on social media, each mayor stressed the importance of “preparedness, not panic.” West Fargo Mayor Bernie Dardis says these communities have come together many times over the years in responses to floods and other disasters – and this will be no different. Moorhead Mayor Johnathan Judd says his city has a command team in place much like flood response teams, and that they are preparing to overcome the pandemic. Fargo Mayor Tim Mahoney said the same, and urged the public to work together and practice social distancing to combat the spread of the virus. They all say
Health officials with the North Dakota Department of Health, Sanford Health and Essentia Health are recommending the public avoid any gatherings of more than 10 people, and that at those gatherings a distance of six feet apart from each other is recommended. They are also discouraging any discretionary travel – only go where you need to go, and prepare to stay isolated at home for the next 14 days. They say they are preparing for scenarios at any stage, and feel confident to meet the challenge of addressing the spread of COVID-19. They are also implementing new visitor policies at all their facilities - one immediate family member who will be screened can visit at a time. Elective and routine check-ups may be postponed, or telemedicine may be used.
Any patients who experience symptoms such as a dry cough, fever and shortness of breath are encouraged to call their primary care provider or nurse hotline. They will be screened over the phone before being told to come in, or be directed to a drive through testing site. At present time, testing for COVID-19 takes between three and five days to come back. There are currently adequate supplies available for patients who will require screening and tests.
The North Dakota Department of Health is leading the response to the pandemic and encourages the public to monitor their website for factual information, or the websites of their health systems.
Websites – www.ndhealth.gov, www.cdc.gov, www.coronavirus.gov, www.sanfordhealth.org, www.news.sanfordhealth.org.
Hotlines – North Dakota Department of Health: 1-866-207-2880; 7am to 10pm.
Essentia Health : 1-833, 494-0836; 24 hours a day.
Sanford Health: 701-234-5000; 24 hours a day.
