JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Officials with city and county health departments as well as different emergency services held a briefing Tuesday in Jamestown regarding COVID-19 precautions being taken locally.
Central Valley Health Unit Administrator Robin Iszler reported that as of Tuesday, there have been zero positive cases of COVID-19 in Stutsman County.
Iszler pointed out that meeting daily, this improves their ability to respond if and when COVID-19 is found in Stutsman County. She says they’ll continue to provide information to the public as these meetings and briefings occur.
Iszler added that they have also outfitted area agencies with masks.
Iszler says the WIC program has received federal waivers to help support new members. She says you can visit centralvalleyhealth.org to find out if you’re eligible for WIC services.
She added that residents are asked to monitor their symptoms if they feel like they are getting sick, but to ensure it’s not another sickness before wanting to be tested for COVID-19.
Iszler says more than 50 tests have been taken locally, but results were still pending for tests sent to outside labs.
Jamestown Fire Chief Jim Reuther says they have limited public access to their stations as of March 13th, but says they will be answering any phone calls. He says inspections have also been discontinued, unless they’re essential.
Reuther says with general fire calls, they’ll continue to respond as they always have.
Jamestown Police Chief Scott Edinger reminded residents that they have closed their lobby, but they continue to serve the city of Jamestown.
He added that masks and protection is still limited, so officers will use them sparingly. He says calls for service have actually reduced, which they’re appreciative of.
Andrew Barkey, EMS Operations Manager for Jamestown Area Ambulance, spoke on how their service is prepared to respond to cases of COVID-19 locally.
Berkey added that if those precautions need to be taken, it may take a few extra minutes for crews to arrive on scene. When they do arrive, Berkey encourages residents to wait inside and let responders come to you.
Stutsman County Sheriff Chad Kaiser thanked everyone so far for their patience and cooperation.
Kaiser added that their lobbies were also closed, but they continue to serve Stutsman County.
Jamestown CEO Mike Delfs and Dan Cramer with South Central Human Service Center also spoke. during the briefing.
Another briefing is scheduled for Friday, March 27th at 2:30 PM. We will have it streamed here on NewsDakota.com.
Watch today’s briefing below:
https://video.ibm.com/recorded/126137682