In this together: President Wynne joins mayor, Altru president in news conference

UND’s president offered range of insights during press conference with mayor and Altru’s president

Friday’s press conference from the City of Grand Forks featured three physicians, all three of whom are at the helm of some of the city’s most critical institutions.

UND Interim President Joshua Wynne, along with Mayor Michael Brown and Dr. Steven Weiser of Altru Health Systems, spoke directly to the community in saying “we are together in this fight” against the coronavirus pandemic.

All three emphasized the guidelines that have been widely published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and public health departments across the country: maintain social distancing outside of the home, wash hands often and stay home when you’re sick.

Dr. Wynne took part in the press conference to share recent news coming from the University, including the decision to move all summer courses to remote instruction, and to ensure UND is working to not just teach students and conduct research but also serve the community.

‘Proud members of the community’

“Faculty have been contacted by various entities, including state and local health departments,” Wynne said. “And we’re providing assistance and support to those efforts to deal with this COVID-19 challenge.

“We’re proud to be members of the community; we’re working hard with our community partners; and we’re working hard on campus, although campus is now convening virtually.”

News had broken earlier Friday that a member of the UND community had contracted the virus. Working through the health department, Wynne said, the individual’s contacts were being traced and the workplace in question was decontaminated.

Wynne also made clear that the University has a vetted pandemic plan that will remain flexible to the present situation and allow the UND to stay open.

“As of today, there are six confirmed cases in Grand Forks County,” Brown said. (Editor’s note: As of April 5, the number of confirmed cases has increased to 11)

In responding to questions posed by the Grand Forks Herald, Brown also said a shelter-in-place order for the city could be coming if community spread accelerates.

“Stay tuned,” the mayor remarked.

Acting in best interest

Wynne was prompted to speak on what led to the cancellation of summer orientation, and other in-person campus events, while other institutions have yet to make such announcements.

It was an opportunity for the interim president to call upon both his insights as a physician and the fact that UND is in close communication with peer institutions across the state as the situation develops. Wynne specifically mentioned his near-daily communication with NDSU President Dean Bresciani regarding campus-level decisions.

“I’m proud that UND has been at the forefront of emphasizing the importance of physical distancing,” Wynne said. “We were proactive rather than reactive in trying to limit the amount of direct contact we’ve had on campus, and we believe that it is in the best interest of students, faculty and staff.”

Citing the exponential increase of cases in cities such as New York City, Wynne said UND will continue to be aggressive in trying to flatten the curve – to do things that limit the number of cases, but also stretch the time period over which new cases occur.

“If we do that, we’ll limit the drain on our partners, such as Altru, by slowing the rate of new cases,” he added. “When there’s a choice, we’re going with what’s in the best interest of our community.”

Wynne also commented on public concern about the spread of COVID-19 through water systems.

“There is not great worry in the public health community that it can be spread in that way,” he said. “I would follow up this comment with the emphasis that people can, via physical distancing, minimize risks from the spread of the virus through the air, and for each of us to wash our hands for at least 20 seconds with warm, soapy water, particularly if you’ve been out in public.”