Positive virus tests mount after North Dakota plant outbreak

FARGO — A coronavirus outbreak at a northeastern North Dakota wind turbine plant has ballooned to 110 cases in early testing and one city official said Saturday he expects a “prolonged battle” to control the spread.

An uptick in cases at the LM Wind Power facility in Grand Forks led to the drive-thru screening Thursday of 424 people, which included close contacts of infected workers, other household members and employees who have not shown symptoms, Gov. Doug Burgum said. All but 52 of those tests have been completed by the state lab.

“The good news is we've only had one hospitalization so far among LM Wind Power employees who have tested positive,” Burgum said.

Another mass testing will likely be held within a week, he said. There are nearly 900 employees at the facility and the governor said “it's safe to assume" the outbreak "was widespread within the plant.”

Read more: https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/health/positive-virus-tests-mount-after-north-dakota-plant-outbreak/article_f11a5390-de62-58b8-b3bc-efce9f4d36bd.html