Fargo Cass Public Health (FCPH) continues to monitor and respond to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in partnership with the North Dakota Department of Health (NDDoH). On Friday, March 27, NDDoH reported the first death of a North Dakota resident due to COVID-19. The death occurred in a man in his 90’s from Cass County who had underlying health conditions and acquired COVID-19 through community spread, meaning the source of the infection was unknown. FCPH Director Desi Fleming says, “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the loved ones of the man who passed away.”
FCPH understands this announcement may increase health and safety concerns and reminds the community that the basic prevention measures to slow the spread of COVID-19 remain the same:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use 60% alcohol hand sanitizer
- Stay home when you are sick
- Avoid close contact with those who are sick
- Cover your cough and sneeze
- Disinfect frequently touched surfaces
Additionally, the community as a whole is urged to follow the practice of social distancing, which means deliberately increasing the physical space between people to avoid spreading illness. Staying at least six feet away from other people lessens the risk of exposure to COVID-19. Proper social distancing protocol also includes avoiding unnecessary shopping trips and travel, avoiding gatherings of more than 10 people, working from home and using take-out or drive-thru options for dining out.
Anyone experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 and needing to seek medical care should contact their healthcare provider before arriving at the clinic or office. This allows the provider necessary time to conduct the COVID-19 screening and provide further instruction, if necessary.
For questions related to COVID-19, the North Dakota Department of Health hotline is available seven days a week, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and can be reached at 1.866.207.2880.
FCPH also reminds the community to rely on credible sources of information related to COVID-19, including ND Response, North Dakota Department of Health North Dakota Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Visit www.FargoCassPublicHealth.com/coronavirus to learn more.