1 more death, 40 new cases of COVID-19 in North Dakota

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) - Health officials said Monday another person has died from the coronavirus in North Dakota and 40 additional people have tested positive for COVID-19.

The latest victim was a woman in her 80s with underlying health conditions. She was from Cass County, as were 37 of the people who most recently tested positive.

A total of 54 people have died from the virus in North Dakota where total positive cases have now reached 2,457.

Health officials say 154 people have been hospitalized since the outbreak began, with 41 currently being cared for at hospitals.

The state Department of Health says the testing lab experienced a recent malfunction of two pieces of equipment, so 82 positive results have been considered inconclusive and the individuals have been asked to retest. The malfunction has been corrected and has not impacted lab processing, officials said.