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Documenting North Dakota's path to recovery from the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020-2021

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North Dakota coronavirus coverage
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School reopenings in North Dakota
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Ballotpedia’s coverage of COVID-19 includes how federal, state, and local governments are responding, and how those responses are influencing election rules and operations, political campaigns, the economy, schools, and more.

This article contains a general timeline of noteworthy state government responses to the coronavirus pandemic since April 2020. It also includes details on three specific types of state responses to the pandemic:

Additionally, the article includes:


Response news updates

The following section provides a timeline of North Dakota's reopening activity beginning in April 2020. The entries, which come from our Documenting America's Path to Recovery newsletter, are sorted by month in reverse chronological order. The date shown is the day that we wrote about them in the newsletter. They appear exactly as they appeared in the newsletter.

June 2021

  • June 21: The state stopped participating in pandemic-related federal unemployment benefit programs on June 19. Gov. Doug Burgum (R) made the announcement May 10.

May 2021

  • May 11: On Monday, May 10, Gov. Doug Burgum (R) announced the state will stop participating in pandemic-related federal unemployment benefit programs starting June 12. North Dakota is one of seven states that have announced federal benefits will end by June 30 or earlier.

April 2021

  • April 28: On Tuesday, April 27, Gov. Doug Burgum (R) announced the state was expanding a joint initiative to vaccinate Canadian truck drivers that enter North Dakota to include drivers coming from the province of Saskatchewan. Burgum first announced the initiative on April 21 to provide vaccines to truck drivers from Manitoba.
  • April 26: On Friday, April 23, Gov. Doug Burgum (R) signed House Bill 1175. The law protects businesses and healthcare providers from civil liability lawsuits filed over COVID-19-related deaths or injuries. The law is retroactive to Jan. 1, 2020, and does not provide immunity from actions resulting from “reckless” or “intentional infliction of harm” or “willful and wanton misconduct."
  • April 23: On Thursday, April 22, the legislature voted to override Gov. Doug Burgum’s (R) veto of Hill Bill 1323, which prohibits statewide mask mandates. The House voted 66-27 to override the veto, while the Senate voted 32-15 to do the same. Burgum vetoed the bill on April 21. Under the law, local governments and public schools can still require masks.
  • April 22:
    • On Wednesday, April 21, Gov. Doug Burgum (R) announced he will end the statewide COVID-19 emergency declaration on April 30. Burgum first declared the emergency on March 13, 2020, and has extended it several times since then. When the emergency ends, the remaining COVID-19 executive orders will also terminate.
    • On Wednesday, April 21, Burgum vetoed House Bill 1323. The bill prohibits officials from mandating face coverings. The Senate passedthe bill 30-17 on April 6, while the House passed the bill 67-24 on April 12. Both the House and the Senate would need a two-thirds majority to override the veto.
  • April 19: On Friday, April 16, the North Dakota House of Representatives voted 85-3 to pass House Bill 1118. The bill requires the governor to call a special session of the legislature within one week of issuing a state of emergency. If the governor does not call a special session within one week, the state of emergency would automatically end after 30 days. The bill would also allow the legislature to extend or end a state of emergency during a special session. The Senate passed the bill 47-0 on April 12. It now goes to Gov. Doug Burgum (R).
  • April 13: On Monday, April 12, the North Dakota House of Representatives voted 67-24 to accept Senate changes to House Bill 1323, which prohibits statewide mask mandates. The House originally passed the bill 50-44 on Feb. 22. The Senate passed the bill 30-17 on April 7, but amended it to prohibit only state officials, including the governor, elected state officials, and the state health officer, from issuing a mask mandate. It left cities, counties, school districts, and businesses free to require masks. The bill now goes to Gov. Doug Burgum (R).
  • April 8: On April 7, the North Dakota Senate voted 30-17 to pass House Bill 1323, which would prohibit statewide mask mandates. The Senate added an amendment allowing local governments, businesses, and schools to require masks. If the House votes to accept the change, it will go to Gov. Doug Burgum (R) to sign. The House first passed the bill 50-44 on Feb. 22.

March 2021

  • March 29: All residents 16 and older are eligible to receive a coronavirus vaccine March 29.
  • March 22: On Friday, March 19, Gov. Doug Burgum (R) announced that the general public will become eligible to receive a coronavirus vaccine on March 29.

February 2021

  • February 23:
    • On Monday, Feb. 22, Gov. Doug Burgum (R) ended several coronavirus executive orders issued between March 25, 2020, and July 29, 2020. Among other things, the orders suspended the eligibility requirements for funeral directors applying for workers compensation and allowed state agencies to transfer surplus property, such as medical supplies and personal protective equipment, to other agencies.
    • On Monday, Feb. 22, the state House passed a bill 50-44 that would prohibit state and local officials from mandating masks. The bill now goes to the Senate.

January 2021

  • January 19: The statewide mask mandate expired Monday, Jan. 18. Gov. Doug Burgum (R) said he would not renew the mandate on Friday, Jan. 15, citing the decline in COVID-19 cases across the state.
  • January 8: On Thursday, Jan. 7, Gov. Doug Burgum (R) issued an order easing coronavirus restrictions on restaurants, bars, and gatherings. Effective Jan. 8, restaurants and bars can operate at 65% capacity, with a total limit of 200 patrons.
  • January 5: On Monday, Jan. 4, Gov. Doug Burgum (R) announced he would shift the state’s COVID-19 risk designation on Jan. 8 from high to moderate, allowing bars and restaurants to operate at up to 65% of their normal capacity. Event venues will also be permitted to operate at 50% capacity.

December 2020

  • December 22: On Monday, Dec. 21, Gov. Doug Burgum (R) announced he was ending a statewide 10 p.m. curfew at bars and restaurants. Bars and restaurants are still limited to 50% occupancy.
  • December 10: On Wednesday, Dec. 9, Gov. Doug Burgum (R) announced he was extending coronavirus restrictions, including capacity limits on businesses, through Jan. 8. Burgum also said the statewide mask mandate would be in effect through Jan. 18.

November 2020

  • November 19: On Wednesday, Nov. 18, Gov. Doug Burgum (R) amended a previous executive order to allow high school sports practices and other extracurricular activities to resume on Nov. 30. The revised order does not affect competitions, which remain banned until Dec. 14.

October 2020

  • October 16: On Wednesday, Oct. 14, Gov. Doug Burgum (R) announced he would move 16 counties into the “high risk” category on Oct. 16 at 5:00 p.m. due to a spike in coronavirus cases. Bars, restaurants, and large venues in “high risk” areas are advised to cap capacity at 25% or 50 people in total.

September 2020

  • September 24: On Sept. 23, Gov. Doug Burgum (R) announced he was changing the risk level designation for 15 counties. Burgum reduced the risk level for three counties, moving them from green to blue on the state’s five-tiered risk-level system while increasing the risk-level for the other 12.
  • September 22: North Dakota Interim State Health Officer Dr. Paul Mariani announced that North Dakotans traveling internationally were no longer required to self-quarantine for 14 days after returning home.
  • September 4: On Sept. 3, Gov. Doug Burgum (R) announced that he was classifying eight counties as having a greater risk of COVID-19 spread under the state’s color-coded reopening system. Burgum reclassified the counties from green, or low risk, to yellow, meaning moderate risk. He also moved 13 counties to blue, which represents the lowest risk. Most of the state is classified green.
  • September 1: On Sept. 1, Gov. Doug Burgum (R) announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) approved the state’s application to participate in the Lost Wages Assistance program (LWA). The LWA allows eligible individuals to receive an additional $300 a week in unemployment benefits. President Donald Trump (R) signed an executive order on Aug. 8 allowing funds in the Lost Wage Assistance (LWA) program to be used to bolster state unemployment insurance programs.

June 2020

  • June 24: Group camping sites in state parks reopened on June 23. That same day, Gov. Doug Burgum (R) said several counties could advance to the fifth stage of the reopening plan sometime in July. The state is currently in the fourth stage of reopening.
  • June 8: Gov. Doug Burgum (R) signed an executive order on June 5 that modified restrictions on visitations to long-term care facilities, including nursing homes The order also allows visitations to resume in phases as outlined in the state’s Vulnerable Population Protection (VP3) Plan. Effective June 5, the state strongly encourages outdoor visitation by appointment with social distancing and personal protective equipment, including masks. Residents are urged to work with long-term care facility staff on appointments and details.
  • June 1: On May 29, officials in North Dakota announced that the state moved from “moderate risk” to “low risk” under Gov. Doug Burgum (R)’s “ND Smart Restart” plan. In this stage, “schools and businesses can reopen, and much of normal life can begin to resume. However, some physical distancing measures and limitations on gatherings will still be recommended to prevent transmission from accelerating again.” High-risk individuals are encouraged to limit their time spent in the community. In the “low risk” stage, employers are urged to develop flexible work environments, comply with social distancing measures, increase sanitation measures, and monitor employees for symptoms. Capacity for dine-in service at restaurants and bars is capped at 75 percent occupancy, and gaming and blackjack can resume with social distancing measures. Gatherings are limited to 75 percent occupancy for facilities, with a maximum of 500 people allowed.

May 2020

  • May 26: Gov. Doug Burgum (R) issued an executive order on May 22 lifting restrictions on several industries and calling for businesses to comply with guidelines developed in the state’s “Smart Restart” plan. The order applies to salons, tattoo studios, massage services, health clubs and athletic facilities, bars and restaurants, and movie theaters. All of the businesses are “strongly encouraged to adopt and rigorously follow” industry-specific standards. Guidelines include limiting capacity to maintain social distancing and encouraging face coverings for employees working closely with the public. The order also allows state facilities such as the Capitol building to reopen June 1. State employees working remotely can begin returning to work in consultation with their supervisors.
  • May 18: On May 15, Gov. Doug Burgum (R) announced recommended guidelines for large venues to reopen in phases. The guidelines call for arenas and stadiums to operate at 50% capacity, up to 250 people, and with food service complying with mandatory protocols for restaurants and bars.
  • May 14: On May 11, Gov. Doug Burgum (R) announced that public and private schools in North Dakota could reopen starting June 1 for summer programs, though schools are not required to. Under the order, child care programs, summer school classes, and college admissions testing can resume. The order also does not prohibit schools from offering summer distance learning options.

April 2020

  • April 29: Gov. Doug Burgum (R) released the ND Smart Restart protocols. These guidelines will apply to businesses in the state beginning May 1, when the phased reopening of the state’s economy will begin.


Vaccine distribution

This section contains a table of quick facts on the state’s vaccine distribution plan and a timeline of noteworthy events, including updates on vaccine availability for new groups of individuals, changes to state distribution plans, and much more. If you know of a noteworthy story we are missing, please email us at editor@ballotpedia.org.

The North Dakota Department of Health released a distribution plan on October 16, 2020.

Quick facts

North Dakota state vaccination plan quick information
What governing entities are responsible for vaccine allocation and distribution?[1] Mass Immunizaton Group
Where can I find a quick breakdown of phases in my state? COVID-19 Vaccine Priority Groups
Where can I find the distribution plan? Distribution plan
When was the plan first released to the public? October 16, 2020
When was the plan most recently updated? December 11, 2020
Where can I find answers to frequently asked questions? COVID-19 Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find data related to the coronavirus in my state? Coronavirus Cases
Where is the state health department's homepage? North Dakota Department of Health
Where can I find additional information about the state's vaccine distribution? The COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Plan in North Dakota - AARP

Timeline

  • April 27, 2021: North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum (R) announced the state was expanding a joint initiative to vaccinate Canadian truck drivers entering North Dakota to include drivers coming from the province of Saskatchewan. Burgum first announced the initiative on April 21 to provide vaccines to truck drivers from Manitoba.[2]
  • April 20, 2021: North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum (R) announced a joint vaccine initiative with the government of Canadian province Manitoba to provide free vaccines to long-haul truckers traveling into North Dakota.[3]
  • March 29, 2021: North Dakota residents 16 and older became eligible to receive a coronavirus vaccine.[4]
  • March 22, 2021: North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum (R) announced that the general public would become eligible to receive a coronavirus vaccine on March 29.[5]


School reopenings and closures

See also: School responses in North Dakota to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic

Schools in North Dakota were closed to in-person instruction on March 16, 2020, and remained closed for the remainder of the 2019-2020 academic year. The state allowed schools to start reopening on June 1, 2020. The timeline below lists statewide responses we tracked.

  • June 29, 2021: At the end of the school year, Burbio reported all schools were in-person in North Dakota.[6][7]
  • Sept. 10, 2020: At the beginning of the school year, Burbio reported a majority of schools were in-person in North Dakota .[8][9]
  • May 11, 2020: Gov. Doug Burgum (R) announced that schools in North Dakota could reopen starting June 1 for summer programs, though schools were not required to. Under the order, child care programs, summer school classes, and college admissions testing could resume. The order also did not prohibit schools from offering summer distance learning options.[10]


  • May 1, 2020: Burgum announced that schools would remain closed for in-person instruction for the remainder of the academic year. Prior to the announcement, schools were closed indefinitely.[11]
  • March 19, 2020: Burgum announced that the statewide school closure was extended indefinitely.[5]
  • March 15, 2020: Burgum ordered all schools in the state to close for one week, effective March 16.[12]

Statewide travel restrictions

See also: Travel restrictions issued by states in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020-2021


Does North Dakota have restrictions on travel? No. The quarantine requirement for out-of-state visitors ended May 8, 2020.[13]

More information can be found at North Dakota Tourism.

Timeline

  • May 8, 2020: Mylynn Tufte, the State Health Official, issued an amended confinement order which requires only international visitors to North Dakota to self-quarantine for 14 days.[14]
  • March 28, 2020: State Health Official Mylynn Tufte issued an order directing people traveling to North Dakota from another country or from a state classified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as having widespread COVID-19 outbreak to self-quarantine for two weeks. Certain essential workers were exempt.[15]


Statewide mask requirements

See also: State-level mask requirements in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020


North Dakota's mask order became effective on November 14, 2020, requiring individuals to wear masks in indoor public spaces and outdoors when social distancing could not be practiced. The order was allowed to expire on January 18, 2021.



Noteworthy lawsuits

See also: Lawsuits about state actions and policies in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020-2021

Ballotpedia has not covered any noteworthy lawsuits in this state. Click the link above to see noteworthy lawsuits filed in response to the coronavirus pandemic in other states.

Officials and candidates diagnosed with or quarantined due to coronavirus

See also: Government official, politician, and candidate deaths, diagnoses, and quarantines due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020-2021

The table below lists officials or candidates who have been diagnosed with or quarantined due to coronavirus. The most recent announcements appear first.

Name Office Date Status
David Andahl Candidate, North Dakota House of Representatives District 8 October 5, 2020 Andahl died from complications related to COVID-19.[16]
Jeff Hoverson North Dakota House of Representatives District 3 November 8, 2021 Hoverson announced on November 8, 2021, that he tested positive for COVID-19.[17]
Gerald VandeWalle North Dakota Supreme Court May 25, 2020 court officials said VandeWalle had tested positive for coronavirus and was receiving medical treatment.[18]
Kelly Armstrong (North Dakota) U.S. House North Dakota At-large District March 27, 2020 Armstrong announced that he would self-quarantine for two weeks after returning to North Dakota from Washington D.C.[19]
Terry Wanzek North Dakota State Senate District 29 January 18, 2021 Wanzek announced that he had tested positive for coronavirus.[20]
Ray Holmberg North Dakota State Senate District 17 December 10, 2020 Holmberg announced that he had tested positive for coronavirus.[21]



Paths to recovery by state

To read about other states’ responses and recoveries, click one of the links below:

Other state government responses

To view previous coverage areas, including changes to 2020 election dates and policies, initial stay-at-home orders, coronavirus-related legislation, and much more, click a state in the map below.

https://ballotpedia.org/Government_responses_to_and_political_effects_of_the_coronavirus_pandemic,_2020_(STATE)

General resources

The chart below shows coronavirus statistics from countries across the world. The information is provided by Real Clear Politics.

Click the links below to explore official resources related to the coronavirus outbreak.

See also

Footnotes

  1. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named section7
  2. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named ND427
  3. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named AZ420
  4. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named ND329
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 KXNet, "K-12 Schools in North Dakota to remain closed," March 19, 2020
  6. ↑ Burbio rated North Dakota's in-person index at 100. To read more about Burbio's school opening tracker, click here. To read more about Burbio's methodology, click here.
  7. ↑ Burbio, "Burbio's K-12 School Opening Tracker," accessed Oct. 8, 2021
  8. ↑ Burbio rated North Dakota's in-person index between 60-80. To read more about Burbio's school opening tracker, click here. To read more about Burbio's methodology, click here.
  9. ↑ Burbio, "Burbio's K-12 School Opening Tracker," accessed Oct. 8, 2021
  10. ↑ The Hill, "North Dakota to reopen school facilities for summer programs," May 12, 2020
  11. ↑ NBC New York, "Cuomo: New York Schools Closed Rest of Academic Year, Daily Deaths Hit New Low," May 1, 2020
  12. ↑ The Bismarck Tribune, "Governor orders K-12 schools shut down due to coronavirus threat," March 15, 2020
  13. ↑ Department of Health, "STATE HEALTH OFFICER CONFINEMENT ORDER RELATING TO DISEASE CONTROL MEASURES TO PREVENT THE SPREAD OF 2019-nCoV/COVID-19 PURSUANT TO NORTH DAKOTA CENTURY CODE 23-01-05(12)", May 8, 2020
  14. ↑ Department of Health, "STATE HEALTH OFFICER CONFINEMENT ORDER RELATING TO DISEASE CONTROL MEASURES TO PREVENT THE SPREAD OF 2019-nCoV/COVID-19 PURSUANT TO NORTH DAKOTA CENTURY CODE 23-01-05(12)", May 8, 2020
  15. ↑ North Dakota Department of Health, "Tufte orders quarantine for individuals traveling from international locations or select states," March 28, 2020
  16. ↑ The New York Times, "David Andahl, 55, Dies; Elected Posthumously in North Dakota," November 16, 2021
  17. ↑ WZFG The Flag, "ND representative Hoverson tests positive for COVID-19," November 8, 2021
  18. ↑ AP, "Former North Dakota chief justice tests positive for COVID," August 6, 2020
  19. ↑ Say Anything, "Plain Talk: Congressman Armstrong Says He’ll Self-Quarantine After Returning to North Dakota From the Washington D.C. “Petri Dish”," accessed on April 6, 2020
  20. ↑ Jamestown Sun, "COVID-19 diagnosis forces Wanzek to remote participation in Legislature," January 18, 2021
  21. ↑ KVRR, "North Dakota state senator tests positive for COVID-19," December 10, 2020
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