VALLEY CITY, N.D. (CCHD) – There are two additional cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Barnes County. The individuals are female, one in their 40s and one in their 80s, with sources of exposure still under investigation by the North Dakota Department of Health. These newly confirmed cases bring the county total to thirty, four of which are considered active.

“One question we’ve been getting is related to testing and retesting,” said Theresa Will, Administrator for City-County Health District. “After any North Dakotan receives their first test, subsequent tests are classified as serial tests. This type of testing is essential to a comprehensive testing strategy,” added Will.

According to the ND DoH, serial tests, also known as retests, have played an important role in identifying positive COVID-19 cases in ND since late March. The ND DoH reported 124 new positive cases on Friday, July 24, 47 of which came from serial tests.

City-County Health District reminds the public that detailed information about North Dakota’s COVID-19 response, including active case trend lines, can be found 24/7 at health.nd.gov/covid19dashboard. Follow City-County Health District on Facebook for Barnes County updates or call 701-845-8518.