The North Dakota Department of Health (NDDoH) has created a ‘COVID-19 Risk Assessment Survey’ for those who have COVID-19 symptoms and are unsure whether they should seek medical care. The survey will also allow residents to identify close contacts, which are defined as people you’ve been within 6 feet of for more than 15 minutes. The survey will aid the NDDoH in better understanding what symptoms individuals present at onset of illness and will assist the department in contact tracing efforts. Only individuals who later test positive will receive a follow-up call from the NDDoH.
Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough and shortness of breath. Symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 days after exposure.
While COVID-19 testing is on-going and the number of positive cases in N.D. continues to increase, the basic prevention measures have not changed:
- Practice good hygiene by thoroughly washing hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use 60% hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your face.
- If you are not feeling well and have fever or respiratory symptoms, stay at home. Contact your healthcare provider if you need guidance on whether to seek medical care.
- Avoid people who appear to be sick.
- Cough or sneeze into your sleeve.
- Follow guidelines for social distancing by avoiding groups of more than 10 people, and staying close to home if you are a non-essential worker. Also avoid unnecessary shopping, travel and other outings.
Residents are also encouraged to contact the NDDoH COVID-19 hotline with questions. The hotline number is 1.866.207.2880 and is active from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week.
