North Dakota virus update shows low numbers of tests, cases

BISMARCK, N.D.  — North Dakota health officials on Sunday confirmed 45 new positive COVID-19 cases and one new death due to the coronavirus, reflecting what have been typically low weekend numbers.

The state lab processed 2,116 tests in the last day, for a 2.6% positivity rate. More than 402,000 residents have been tested since the start of the pandemic.

The COVID Tracking Project reports there were about 148 new cases per 100,000 people in North Dakota over the past two weeks, which ranks 49th in the country for new cases per capita. One in every 1,123 people in North Dakota tested positive in the past week.

The update increased the total number of positive tests to 99,277. The death toll stands at 1,438.

Hospitalizations rose by one, to 40, with eight patients currently being treated in intensive care units. The state’s hospital tracker shows there are 29 staffed ICU beds and 322 staffed inpatient beds available across North Dakota.

The state did not receive some expected vaccine shipments on Tuesday or Thursday due to severe winter weather elsewhere. Health officials said they are expecting deliveries to resume Monday.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death.