Hospital, city leaders issue urgent appeal against COVID outbreak

FARGO, ND (Valley News Live) – Hospitals and city leaders on Metro FM have issued an urgent appeal regarding the COVID outbreak in the region.

Executives from Essentia, Sanford, Fargo Cass Public Health and metropolitan cities are discussed critical hospital capacities, staff shortages, treatments and an urgent call to use mitigation strategies like vaccine and masking.

Sanford Vice President Dr Doug Griffin said the hospital’s capacity was at its peak, and even with all of their efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19, the number of cases is still on the rise. .

Essentia chief medical officer Dr Richard Vette is telling the public not to trust monoclonal antibody treatments. He said North Dakota received 400 treatments this week and all have been used. He said the state health department would ration treatment on a case-by-case basis.

West Fargo Mayor Bernie Dardis said leaders in the region have come together and decided it is time to call on the public to act. In a phone conversation after the meeting. Dardis told Valley News Live the reason he didn’t issue a city-wide mask warrant was because he said vaccinations were the most effective tool to prevent the spread of the disease. virus.

Fargo Mayor Tim Mahoney said the possibility of a mask warrant was not on the table and his biggest concern was getting more people vaccinated. He said the September 24 call to action comes after an increase in pediatric cases and local hospitals are no longer able to accept transfers.

“It’s a cry for help from our health care system. Please, please make our community handle this virus with a good mood, and do not overwhelm our nurses, our staff who care for you. Said Mayor Mahoney.

Cass County Commission Chairman Chad Peterson spoke directly to those who are not vaccinated.

“I appeal to you directly to remove Facebook, Instagram and Twitter,” said Peterson, “Look at the numbers. I know you will be fine if you catch COVID and there is a good chance that you will be fine if you catch COVID. I don’t worry about you, I never worried about you … I worry about the 10, it’s a real number by the way, 10 people to whom you will give it before even t ‘realize that you are sick. “

Sanford and Essentia officials said their staff were tired and overworked, and said it was time for the community to take action and get vaccinated.

You can watch the full public briefing on COVID-19 here.

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