North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum issued a mask mandate on Friday as coronavirus cases continue to surge across the country.
The mandate will require masks to be worn inside businesses, indoor public spaces, and outdoor public spaces when it’s not possible to socially distance. It will remain in effect until Dec. 13.
“Face coverings are the most cost-effective way to limit the spread of the virus if you are unable to physically distance,” Burgum, a Republican, said. “Wearing masks when around others is our path to economic freedom and to a faster return to our normal lives.”
As our COVID-19 situation changes, we must change with it. Tonight, we announced four measures designed to reduce the rampant spread of infections in our communities, protect our vulnerable, ensure hospital capacity and keep schools & the economy open. pic.twitter.com/Chrifpyedh
— Gov. Doug Burgum (@DougBurgum) November 14, 2020
The only exceptions to the mask mandate will be for religious services and children younger than 5 years old.
The governor also restricted dining beginning next week, with restaurants and bars to be limited to 50% capacity and closed for dine-in services between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. Takeout, curbside dining, and delivery are still allowed during those hours.
Event venues will also be capped to 25% capacity, and high school winter sports and other extracurricular K-12 school activities will be suspended until Dec. 14.
Burgum’s announcement comes shortly after the United States surpassed 10 million cases of COVID-19. North Dakota has had over 60,000 cases and over 700 deaths.
The governor’s rules also come after he issued an order to let healthcare staff who test positive for the virus to continue caring for COVID-19 patients.
The American Nurses Association opposed the move, saying it further put people at risk of contracting the virus.
“We know that even asymptomatic people can still spread the virus, so while everybody’s going to do the best they can, the reality is there is the potential they could spread it,” Cheryl Peterson, ANA’s vice president of nursing programs, told CBS News. “You’re still in common areas. You still have to walk the hallways. You still have to be in an elevator.”
