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JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Stutsman County along with several other counties has been increased to the Moderate Risk Level by Governor Doug Burgum.

In the latest COVID-19 press briefing, Burgum announced he would be increasing the risk level for some counties that had a higher population and were “trending in the wrong direction.”

Burgum added that there were yellow counties that he said were coming close to being increased to the High Risk category. These included Barnes, Benson, Burleigh, Morton, Stark, and Williams counties, which were all above the 10% positivity rate.

He says in some counties with higher population, they’ve encouraged them to create their own task force to help slow and prevent the spread of COVID-19.

In this context, Burgum says it comes down to local leadership and individuals to do their part in stopping the spread in their respective cities, towns, and counties.

Locally, Central Valley Health Unit Administrator Robin Iszler says with Stutsman County’s daily positivity rate being above 5%, they expected to see a risk level increase.

Iszler says the change to yellow will cause some businesses and organizations to adjust their operations.

Iszler says at this time, there is already a group of leaders in the community that are working to advocate and help prevent the spread of the disease. She says as always, you can take steps to ensure you and those around you remain safe.

You can visit ndresponse.gov to get the latest COVID-19 information.