Deaths rise as cases decline in North Dakota

Although active cases continue to decline, deaths in the state have showed no sign of slowing down. Only six days into the month, 36 people have died of COVID-19, contrasted with 411 deaths in November and 295 in October. Throughout the pandemic, 1,013 North Dakotans have died.

Six deaths were reported Sunday — three men and three women — from Burleigh, Cavalier, Grant and Stutsman counties. The number of people currently hospitalized due to COVID-19 is 305, with 48 in the ICU. Only 12.60% staffed beds are available in North Dakota. North Dakota currently ranks sixth in the country for death rates according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Cass, Burleigh and Ward counties continue to report the highest number of cases in the state. Cass County added 164 cases, while Burleigh County, which includes Bismarck, reported 80 new cases. Ward County recorded 35 additional cases Sunday.

Neighboring Morton and Stark counties now have 211 and 174 active cases, respectively. Grand Forks County documented 413 cases, while Williston’s Williams County recorded 177 total cases.

Billings County has no active cases at the moment.

Ward County has the highest number of deaths, with 144 dead of COVID-19. Cass County trails close behind with 135 residents, as well as 129 in Burleigh County and 70 in Morton County.

Slope, Golden Valley, Billings and Adams counties have had no COVID-19 deaths.