JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Jamestown Mayor Dwaine Heinrich says the COVID-19 risk increase for Stutsman County should only be temporary as case numbers continue to decline from a recent surge.

Since the pandemic began, there have been 499 total positive COVID-19 cases in Stutsman County. The surge reached its peak in Stutsman County at 161 active cases on September 12th. Since then, it’s been on a decline, sitting at 67 positive cases as of Wednesday, September 23rd.

Because the county is above a 5% positive rate, it was decided to increase the COVID risk for Stutsman County.

“I was contacted by Governor Doug Burgum’s office in regards to the risk increase for Stutsman County,” Mayor Heinrich stated. “I believe for the most part, residents of Jamestown have followed proper protocol and have worn a mask when they cannot social distance.”

When it comes to the spread, Mayor Heinrich says the increase appears to have not come from casual day to day contact, but rather large group settings and gatherings.

“This includes institutions and large gatherings,” he pointed out. “Not those visiting the grocery store or other similar businesses.”

Heinrich added that they encourage people to continue wearing a mask, use hand sanitizer, and continue doing all the appropriate things to prevent the spread. He says if residents can continue to take those safety precautions, they’ll continue seeing the active numbers reduce.

Stutsman County was increased to the Moderate Risk level on Wednesday by Governor Doug Burgum.