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Dakota Download Governor Burgum's Weekly Update - March 13, 2022

Pandemic response shifts toward endemic status as COVID-19 trends improve

As COVID-19 trends continue to improve, Gov. Doug Burgum announced Thursday that the State of North Dakota is preparing for a shift toward an endemic status in the future.

“In North Dakota, we have used a common-sense, data-driven approach to protecting the vulnerable, preserving individual freedoms and saving lives and livelihoods throughout the pandemic. We’ve provided information in innovative ways so that each individual has access to resources and education to make informed decisions about their health,” Burgum said. “As we prepare to shift into a new phase and learn to live with this virus, we have resources and tools that were not available two years ago. Research, vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, antivirals and at-home test kits have changed what we know about the virus and how we respond in our communities.”

After a peak of cases in late January due to the omicron variant, North Dakota has seen a steady and significant decrease in both active cases and hospitalizations. Compared with January, the number of new COVID-19 cases in February declined by 73%, hospital admissions decreased by 50% and deaths decreased by 11%.

“With the continued decrease in active cases, hospitalizations and deaths due to COVID-19 in North Dakota, we believe it is time to plan the transition toward an endemic phase with this virus,” said State Health Officer, Dr. Nizar Wehbi. “Endemic COVID-19 does not mean that the virus is gone. The virus is still in our communities, but we now have more tools and therapeutics to fight the virus and protect our vulnerable population and maintain hospital capacity.”

The World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic in 2020, and North Dakota confirmed its first case on March 11, 2020. A pandemic occurs when there is an increase in cases of a disease across the globe. An endemic occurs when the disease is present but there are no large shifts in case counts and the patterns of infection become more stable.

As the state shifts toward endemic status, North Dakota National Guard support for COVID-19 operations in the state will end March 17, marking 736 consecutive days of response by the Guard. This will conclude the largest and longest state mobilization in the history of the North Dakota National Guard, with Soldiers and Airmen contributing over 133,000 personnel days to the pandemic response and supporting approximately 467,000 tests and over 100,000 vaccines.

“I’m extremely proud of the leadership, cooperation and professionalism of the men and women of the North Dakota National Guard and the Department of Emergency Services during this two-year effort combatting the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann, North Dakota adjutant general. “Their commitment to the whole-of-government approach in supporting the citizens of our state during this emergency is nothing less than remarkable.”

“As we shift operations toward an endemic status, we thank the National Guard and the Department of Emergency Services for the incredible support they provided throughout the pandemic,” Burgum said. “From testing and vaccinations to providing additional capacity at the state lab, the work of the National Guard enhanced our response across the state, and we are grateful for their assistance, service and lifesaving work.”

Over the last month, North Dakota has made at-home COVID-19 tests available for pick up at locations across the state. The availability of at-home tests empowers North Dakotans to make informed decisions about their health without having to go to a public testing site or clinic.

Wehbi said the state is maintaining its response capacity and capability to be prepared in case of another surge or new variant.

“Just to remind all our citizens: If you are sick, stay home. People might consider adding a few at-home COVID-19 tests to the medicine cabinet, having them on hand to test if they have been exposed or have symptoms. Vaccination remains the first line of protective defense against the virus, and being up-to-date on immunizations is important,” Wehbi said.

For more information about COVID-19 in North Dakota, including information about vaccination and at-home testing, and resources for businesses, visit www.health.nd.gov.

Burgum: Ban on Russian energy imports is the right move, but more domestic production needed

Governor joins Congressman Armstrong in inviting President Biden to see firsthand how North Dakota can help nation reach energy independence

Gov. Doug Burgum on Tuesday released the following statement after President Joe Biden announced a ban on the import of Russian oil, liquified natural gas and coal to the United States.

“Banning Russian energy imports is the right step for the United States, our allies and the Ukrainian people suffering at the hands of Putin’s armed forces, which are funded with income from Russian oil and gas sales,” Burgum said. “The time is long overdue for the Biden administration to unleash U.S. oil and gas production and reduce global reliance on Russian energy. Turning to authoritarian regimes with weak environmental protections such as Venezuela and Iran to fill the supply gap is not the answer. American energy powerhouses like North Dakota stand ready to restore energy independence in the United States, because energy security, national security and global stability are one and the same.”

Burgum also sent a letter to President Biden Tuesday, echoing Congressman Kelly Armstrong’s invitation to the president to visit the Bakken region of North Dakota to see firsthand how clean, efficient, domestic oil production can help move the nation toward energy independence and enhance national security.

Burgum reaffirms North Dakota’s support for Ukraine in phone call with consul general of Ukraine in Chicago

Gov. Burgum on Tuesday reaffirmed North Dakota’s support for the Ukrainian people in a phone call with Serhiy Koledov, consul general of Ukraine in Chicago.

Burgum noted that North Dakota has many residents who can trace their ancestry to Ukraine.

“All North Dakotans are standing in solidarity with you and your country,” he told Koledov. The governor proclaimed a day of prayer for the people of Ukraine on March 2, and North Dakota residents have held several demonstrations in support of the Ukrainian people as they defend against attacks by Russian armed forces.

In other shows of support, North Dakota is moving to divest from its investments with Russian exposure, Burgum noted, including successfully pulling out of Gaz Capital, which is 50% owned by the Russian Federation. The governor also has called on the Biden administration to unleash U.S. oil and gas production to reduce global reliance on Russian oil and gas exports, the top source of income for the Russian government.

Koledov was appointed consul general of Ukraine in Chicago in July 2020, serving an 11-state area including North Dakota.

Burgum statement on retirement of longtime state Sen. Ray Holmberg of Grand Forks

Gov. Burgum released the following statement Monday after state Sen. Ray Holmberg of Grand Forks announced that he will retire from the Legislature when his current term ends Nov. 30. Holmberg has served in the Senate since Dec. 1, 1976, and is currently the longest-serving member of the Legislature in consecutive terms.

“For more than 45 years, Sen. Ray Holmberg has been a dedicated advocate for the citizens of District 17 and all North Dakotans, delivering strong leadership and highly effective representation,” Burgum said. “As chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee for the past 10 legislative sessions, Ray has conservatively steered state and federal dollars to some of North Dakota’s most impactful programs and infrastructure projects. He has been a true statesman of the Legislature, with his eloquent floor speeches, his razor wit and his willingness to work together to solve our biggest challenges and seize our greatest opportunities. We are deeply grateful for Ray’s exceptional service to the state of North Dakota and its citizens.”

Burgum congratulates Happy Hooligans on 23rd Air Force Outstanding Unit Award

Gov. Burgum congratulated the North Dakota Air National Guard’s 119th Wing, known as the Happy Hooligans, on receiving the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award (AFOUA) for the 23rd time during a recent ceremony at Hector Air Base in Fargo, N.D. The ceremony also included recognition of the Outstanding Airmen of the Year.

The AFOUA is awarded by the secretary of the U.S. Air Force to numbered units of the active duty Air Force, U.S. Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard that have distinguished themselves by exceptionally meritorious service or outstanding achievement, including successful involvement with combat operations or exposure to hostile actions by an opposing foreign force.

“Congratulations to the members of the North Dakota Air National Guard’s 119th Wing as they celebrate an incredible 23rd Air Force Outstanding Unit Award,” said Burgum, commander-in-chief of the North Dakota National Guard. “Whether serving in support of U.S. commanders overseas or here at home, we can always count on the Happy Hooligans to excel in their assigned missions and instill pride among North Dakotans.”

Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann, North Dakota adjutant general, placed the streamer representing the award on the 119th Wing’s colors, and commended the Hooligan Airmen for their exceptional service and mission accomplishment.

“It’s a privilege to be with the Happy Hooligans as you celebrate this latest recognition by the U.S. Air Force,” said Dohrmann. “Since the North Dakota Air National Guard was established in 1947, you’ve continued to excel while accepting the challenges of changes in aircraft and missions. Last year the 119th Wing safely deployed 120 Airmen in support of overseas missions, all while continuing to successfully support other federal and state missions here at home."

Registration for the Governor's Summit on Innovative Education is now open!

The event will continue to focus on innovative instructional best practices to personalize learning, as well as other community-derived solutions to best prepare young people for the 21st century economy and citizenship.

Reserve your seat today at the link below: