VALLEY CITY, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Barnes County’s fourth presumptive positive case of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has been identified. The individual is a woman in her 90’s who is self-isolating and recovering at home. The North Dakota Department of Health and City-County Health District are working to identify close contacts of the affected individual.

According to City-County Health District Administrator, Theresa Will “Public health and safety are our highest priority. Just one of our four total cases in Barnes County is considered active. It’s important that we remain committed to fulfilling our personal responsibility to help slow the spread, even when it’s the most difficult.”

City-County Health reminds the public that the best way to prevent being infected with the virus is to avoid exposure and practice proper hygiene, doing the following:
· Keep physical distance
· Contact your healthcare provider if you are sick
· Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
· Disinfect frequently used items and surfaces

For questions related to COVID-19, the public can call the North Dakota Department of Health hotline at 866-207-2880 from 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., 7 days/week or City-County Health Distract at 701-854-8518 from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday – Friday. Individuals experiencing a fever and symptoms, such as cough or difficulty breathing, should call their healthcare provider prior to going to the healthcare facility.