JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Local health officials say they are prepared for COVID-19, or the Coronavirus, when it inevitably reaches North Dakota.

In a recent press conference by North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum and other state officials, it was reported that it is highly likely COVID-19 will spread to North Dakota.

“Right now our focus is preparation, not panic,” Burgum said. “State agencies are working together with key federal and local partners to prepare and respond. North Dakotans are encouraged to take steps to keep themselves and their loved ones healthy. Child care facilities, schools, universities, businesses, individuals and communities will play a key role in reducing the impact of COVID-19 on North Dakota.”

Locally, Central Valley Health says they have been keeping up to date with health officials and the virus. Unit Administrator Robin Iszler says they will use previously made disease prevention plans.

Iszler says something that separates this disease from others is there currently aren’t any vaccines prepared.

Iszler says this just means precautions need to be taken to protect our homes and people from the spread of Coronavirus.

Director of Health Promotion Shannon Kaiser says they’re taking advantage of social media to share more information concerning the virus.

The North Dakota Health Department is encouraging people to refrain form purchasing masks, as misuse of masks may increase the risk of getting COVID-19 due to mishandling. Additionally, purchasing masks take needed masks away from frontline health care providers.

Iszler added that calling ahead to a provider while sick may also help prevent the spread.

Other ways to prevent spread include avoiding contact with other people, washing your hands often with soap and water, covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue, and cleaning frequently touched surfaces and object.

Symptoms of the COVID-19 include fever, cough and shortness of breath. The symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 days after exposure. Reported illnesses have ranged from people with little to no symptoms to people being severely ill and dying.

You can find more information by visiting centralvalleyhealth.org.

Listen to a full Let’s Talk About It with Robin Iszler and Shannon Kaiser below: