North Dakota’s COVID death rate is highest in the world, with 1 in 1,000 residents dead

One in 1,000 North Dakota residents have died from covid-19.

The state faces one of the worst coronavirus outbreaks as it grapples with a shortage of healthcare workers. As of Tuesday, November 17, 769 of the estimated 762,000 residents of North Dakota had died after testing positive for covid-19, including 615 deaths from covid-19 and 118 deaths where covid-19 was not the primary cause . Death certificates were still pending for the remaining 36. Depending on state law, it can take up to 10 days from the date of death.

North Dakota currently has the highest daily death rate – 18.2 deaths per 1 million people – of any state or country in the world, according to a recent analysis conducted by the Federation of American Scientists. Czechia, a country in Europe, came second with 18 deaths per 1 million people and South Dakota followed closely with 17.4 deaths per 1 million people. The statistics are from a seven-day period ending November 15.

Nearly 66,000 people have tested positive for covid-19 in North Dakota, according to state records. North Dakota’s average 7-day test positive rate was 14.9% at the time of publication, down slightly from the 18% recorded earlier this week.

On November 9, Republican North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum ordered asymptomatic healthcare workers to stay on the job despite testing positive for covid-19. The decision – taken as hospitals were reaching capacity – has angered doctors and nurses who say the decision has put lives at risk.

About a week later, on November 14, Burgum issued a statewide mask warrant as the virus continued to spread rapidly. Under the order, signed by Dirk Wilke, the interim state health worker, face masks are now required in indoor public spaces, including businesses, and outdoor public spaces where the 6-foot social distancing not possible. Citizens suffering from a health problem or a disability, religious services and children under 5 are exempt from the rule.

“The most effective weapon against COVID-19 is wearing a mask. It is a simple, but essential tool to help protect our loved ones and slow the spread,” Wilke said.

Burgum has also signed a series of other covid-related ordinances to curb the spread, including limiting bars and restaurants to 50% capacity and suspending all high school sports until December 14.

“Our situation has changed and we have to change with it,” Burgum said. “We believe in North Dakotans. We believe in the power of individual responsibility. And we need individual responsibility more than ever to slow the spread of COVID-19.”

Newsweek has contacted North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum for further comment.