FARGO, N.D. (AP) - Health officials have scheduled two days of drive-up COVID-19 testing in Fargo, which is North Dakota’s largest metropolitan area and the state’s biggest coronavirus hot spot.
Officials on Saturday reported 30 new cases of COVID-19 and one death in Cass County, which includes Fargo. The county has had a total of 572 cases, which is more than double any other county in the state. The man who died was in his 70s and had underlying health conditions, officials said.
More than 2,000 coronavirus tests were administered in North Dakota on Friday for the second straight day, with 46 of those coming back positive. The number of hospitalizations stood at 32 as of Friday and the state’s COVID-19 death toll stood at 24.
The actual number of infections in the state is thought to be far higher than the number of confirmed cases, because many people have not been tested and studies suggest that people can be infected without feeling sick.
The mass screenings are set for Sunday and Monday afternoons at the Fargodome and are reserved for the close contacts of people who have tested positive for COVID-19 and for essential workers.
Meanwhile, the North Dakota High School Activities Association finally decided to cancel spring sports, fine arts and other state contests because of the coronavirus - a decision that was made weeks ago in many other states.
The vote Friday by the group’s board of directors came after Gov. Doug Burgum’s order to keep schools closed and continue with distance learning for the rest of the academic year.
The move also put an end to hopes of completing the Class A boys and girls basketball tournaments and the Class B boys basketball tournament.
Board president Scott Privratsky cited social distancing guidelines by the Centers for Disease Control and said the “health and safety” of those involved was the key factor in calling off the events.
“This difficult conclusion did not come easy as we understand the huge sacrifices students have made,” Privratsky said.
For most people, the 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.
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Check out more of the AP’s coronavirus coverage at https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak
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