Governor, State Health Officer extends mitigation measures

Released Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2020:

North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum and Interim State Health Officer Dirk Wilke today extended mitigation measures aimed at slowing the spread of the coronavirus and preserving hospital capacity as the state continues to see a significant number of COVID-19-related hospitalizations and deaths even as active cases decline.

A State Health Officer order requiring face coverings to be worn in indoor businesses and indoor public settings as well as outdoor public settings where physical distancing isn’t possible, has been extended to 12:01 a.m. Jan. 18. The amended order still includes exceptions for children under age 5, individuals with a medical or mental health condition or disability that makes it unreasonable to wear a mask, and religious services. The order took effect Nov. 14 and was originally set to expire Monday, Dec. 14.

Burgum has extended until 8 a.m. Jan. 8 an executive order that limits capacity for bars, restaurants and event venues to reduce COVID-19 transmission. The order has been in place since Nov. 16 and was originally set to expire Dec. 13.  

Under the amended order, all bars, restaurants and food service establishments remain limited to 50 percent of their licensed seated capacity, not to exceed 150 patrons, and are closed to in-person service between the hours of 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. Take-out, curbside and delivery will still be allowed during those hours, and North Dakotans are encouraged to take advantage and support local businesses. 

All banquet, ballroom and event venues remain limited to 25 percent of their maximum occupancy, not to exceed the ND Smart Restart capacity limits that were established with input from venues and local public health officials based on the size of the venue. Physical distancing and masks are still required for the safety of personnel and patrons.

North Dakota Department of Health COVID-19 Vaccine Updates

Released Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2020:

• The North Dakota Department of Health (NDDoH) provided an update today regarding its COVID-19 vaccination plan, including details surrounding distribution to priority groups.
• Vaccine distribution could begin in North Dakota as soon as the week of December 14.
• Two companies, Moderna and Pfizer, recently applied to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to authorize the vaccine for emergency use in the U.S.
• The first allocations of the two vaccines will go to health care workers and long-term care residents. Vaccine will be available from pharmacies, public health and private health care providers.
• For more information on North Dakota’s COVID-19 vaccine plan, visit  health.nd.gov/covidvaccine..

FULL RELEASE available at https://www.health.nd.gov/news/department-health-announces-update-covid-19-vaccine-plan-and-priority-groups-addresses-new-cdc.

State of North Dakota Executive Orders

Released Friday, Nov. 13, 2020:

• State Health Officerorder requiring face coverings to be worn in indoor businesses and indoor public settings, as well as outdoor public settings where physical distancing isn't possible.
  • Effective Nov. 14 through Dec. 13
  • Exemptions for children under 5, individuals with a medical or mental health condition or disability that makes it unreasonable to wear a mask
• Governor executive orderenacts the following mitigation strategies that go into effect Monday, Nov. 16, 2020.
  • All bars, restaurants and food service establishments are limited to 50 percent of their licensed seated capacity, not to exceed 150 patrons, and are closed to in-person service between the hours of 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. 
    • Take-out, curbside and delivery will still be allowed during those hours.
  • All banquet, ballroom and event venues are limited to 25 percent of their maximum occupancy, not to exceed new capacity limitsthat have been established with input from venues and local public health officials based on the size of the venue. 
    • Physical distancing and masks will be required for the safety of all venue personnel and patrons.
  • Playoff championship contests and performance events sponsored by the North Dakota High School Activities Association during the month of November may continue under NDHSAA requirements. All high school winter sports and other extracurricular K-12 school activities are suspended until Dec. 14. This also applies to all association, community and club sports for youth and adults. 

• College and intercollegiate activities must follow guidance from the North Dakota University System and their respective national organizations.

FULL RELEASE available at www.governor.nd.gov/news.