North Dakota Department of Health Monitors Novel Coronavirus
BISMARCK, N.D. – The North Dakota Department of Health (NDDoH) continues to provide surveillance to more quickly identify people infected with coronavirus (2019-nCoV). The NDDoH has received notifications from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding people arriving in North Dakota from China and is actively monitoring these individuals daily.
There have been no cases of 2019-nCoV reported in North Dakota and no individuals classified as a person under investigation. So far in the United States there have been 13 people reported to be infected. No one has died in the United States and there has been no ongoing community transmission. The only person-to-person transmission in the United States has been among close household contacts.
“As part of a coordinated approach between federal, state and local partners, we conduct risk assessments on all people who have returned from China and actively monitor them for symptoms of illness,” said Kirby Kruger, director of the NDDoH Division of Disease Control.
As of today, three people in North Dakota are being actively monitored and are voluntarily practicing social distancing, which means they’re staying away from people other than immediate family members.
“During this process, the individuals will stay out of public places and will be checked on every day to monitor for illness,” said Kruger. “These individuals are cooperating completely with the state Health Department.”
“Monitoring travelers allows us to be quick to prevent spread and contain the disease,” said Kruger. “Our goal is to quickly identify possible cases and take the appropriate public health actions to protect the general public.”
In general, the risk for infection for people in the United States remains low. Likewise, the risk remains low for people who are traveling to other parts of the world or through airports in the United States.
The CDC has issued a Level 3 travel warning for all of China. This means that people should avoid nonessential travel to this province. The U.S. State Department has issued a Level 4 travel advisory warning people not to travel to China.
Crime Free Multi-Housing Training for Landlords and Property Managers
MOORHEAD – The next Crime Free Multi-Housing training class will be held over the course of two Tuesday evenings, March 3 and 10, from 5-9 pm. You must attend both evenings to receive your certificate of completion. Class will be held at the Law Enforcement Center located at 911 11 Street North. See the class agenda for topics covered.
This training is open to all property managers and landlords of Moorhead rental property and is free of charge. Property managers and landlords who attend this training will learn about spotting drug activity, crime prevention through environmental design, fair housing, applicant screening methods, evictions and legal issues facing landlords. Interested participants can register online or contact Leann Wallin at 218.299-5143. There are a limited amount of spots remaining for this class, so don’t delay getting registered, especially if you are a new landlord who must take this class to be in compliance with our rental registration requirements (see notation below).
Note to new landlords: Pursuant to Section 9-7-3G of the City of Moorhead Rental Registration Code, all new rental registration applicants shall submit proof that they have completed crime free multi-housing classroom training within ninety (90) days of registering a rental property.
MSUM Hosts Second Annual Speak Up Event
MOORHEAD – Minnesota State University Moorhead students will host the second annual Speak Up Event Wednesday, Feb. 26, with a social at 6:30 p.m. and the mainstage event beginning at 7 p.m. in Weld Hall Glasrud Auditorium on the MSUM campus. Speak Up is free and open to the community.
The 2020 event theme is “connection.” Eight speakers will each give a 10-minute talk, challenging the audience to think differently about connection. Speakers will share a project or an idea they are passionate about while relating it to the theme. The event will also feature student and faculty artists, musicians, poets, and performers.
Speakers were selected through an application process to share their original ideas and experiences. The audience will learn and laugh throughout the evening as they hear from six students, one faculty member, and one community member.
President’s Day closings
Moorhead City offices will be closed on Monday, February 17 in honor of Presidents Day.
There will be no garbage pickup on Monday. Monday’s route (both garbage and recycling if this is your recycling week) will be picked up on Tuesday, February 18, 2020.
Community Easter Cantata Rehearsals Begin
BARNESVILLE – Rehearsals for the Barnesville Area Community Easter Cantata Choir will begin on Thursday, February 27, 2020, at 7:00 PM at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Barnesville. Practices will be held on Thursday evenings at 7:00 PM and Saturday mornings at 9:00 AM. Performances are planned for March 29, April 2, and April 5, times and locations to be announced. The choral will be under the direction of Julie Jerger and accompanied by Sharon Fangsrud. All area singers are encouraged to join.