Stutsman County remains free of confirmed cases of the coronavirus, according to Robin Iszler, unit administrator for Central Valley Health District.
The rate of testing for the coronavirus by medical providers in Stutsman County is about 7.5 tests per 1,000 residents or about 150 tests. However, the statistics are based on where the test was performed and not the residence where the person lives or works, Iszler said.
Iszler said statistically, there were about as many counties with a higher rate of testing as counties that had performed fewer tests. Stutsman County is among the most populous states in North Dakota where there have been no confirmed cases of coronavirus.
"It proves that some of our measures are working," she said. "There are likely asymptomatic cases out there and we need to continue our social distancing to keep them from spreading."
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As part of the social distancing protocol, Jamestown Parks and Recreation Department closed all playgrounds, shelters, restrooms and the skate park it operates in Jamestown. Jamestown Parks and Recreation will also not put nets up on the tennis courts it operates as a way to limit the gathering of people in the parks.
The announcement was made by Scott Edinger, Jamestown chief of police, during his presentation at the press briefing. Edinger added that people are encouraged to use the trails and open areas of the parks while practicing social distancing.
Jamestown Mayor Dwaine Heinrich said the situation in Jamestown is not similar enough to issue a shelter in place order as was given in Fargo and West Fargo Tuesday.
"I don't believe we are there," he said. "... I wouldn't go there without the concurrence of the City Council."
Emily Bivens, executive director of the Jamestown Area Chamber of Commerce, advised businesses to go to its website for information on programs available to aid businesses.
David Klein, executive director of Great Plains Housing, said his agency was dealing with communications difficulties caused by the coronavirus.
"It is a challenge to work with clients and landlords without making direct contact with anyone," he said.
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