COVID-19 pandemic in North Dakota
{{Short description|none}}
{{use mdy dates|date=March 2020}}
{{Infobox pandemic
| name = COVID-19 pandemic in North Dakota
| width =
| image = North Dakota National Guard (49827543336).jpg
| image_size =
| image_upright =
| alt =
| caption = COVID-19 testing in Fargo
| disease = COVID-19
| virus_strain = SARS-CoV-2
| location = North Dakota
| first_case = Ward County
| arrival_date = March 11, 2020
| origin =
| confirmed_cases = 100,757 (March 11)
| recovery_cases = 89,582
| deaths = 1,485
| total_ili =
| website = {{URL|https://www.health.nd.gov/coronavirus}}
| hospitalized_cases = 3,561 (cumulative)
92 (current)
}}
The COVID-19 pandemic in North Dakota is an ongoing viral pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a novel infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The state reported its first case on March 11, 2020.{{COVID-19 pandemic sidebar}}
Out of the 49 counties with positive cases of COVID-19 in North Dakota, Burleigh and Cass lead the state for highest number of positive COVID-19 cases, with Burleigh totaling 13,695 and Cass county with 19,969.{{cite web|author=North Dakota Health|date=2021-01-01|title=North Dakota Coronavirus Cases|url=https://www.health.nd.gov/diseases-conditions/coronavirus/north-dakota-coronavirus-cases|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201206184639/https://www.health.nd.gov/diseases-conditions/coronavirus/north-dakota-coronavirus-cases|archive-date=2020-12-06|access-date=2021-01-02|website=health.nd.gov|publisher=North Dakota Health|language=en}}{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=2020-05-19|title=Tracking COVID-19: Latest update as of Tuesday morning and what we're covering next|url=https://www.inforum.com/lifestyle/health/6497357-Tracking-COVID-19-Latest-update-as-of-Tuesday-morning-and-what-were-covering-next|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200523003150/https://www.inforum.com/lifestyle/health/6497357-Tracking-COVID-19-Latest-update-as-of-Tuesday-morning-and-what-were-covering-next |archive-date=May 23, 2020 |access-date=2020-05-19|website=INFORUM|language=en}} In October 2020, North Dakota had the highest rate of COVID-19 cases of any U.S. state or nation in the world, although this had been attributed in part to extensive testing.{{Cite web|last=Griffith {{!}}|first=Michelle|title=If North Dakota was a country, it would have the world's worst confirmed COVID-19 outbreak, one analysis shows|url=https://www.grandforksherald.com/newsmd/coronavirus/6727167-If-North-Dakota-was-a-country-it-would-have-the-worlds-worst-confirmed-COVID-19-outbreak-one-analysis-shows|access-date=2021-11-20|website=Grand Forks Herald|date=October 21, 2020 |language=en}}
North Dakota had early success in 2021 administering COVID-19 shots,{{Cite web|last=Yeo|first=Patricia Kelly|title=How the Dakotas are successfully rolling out COVID vaccines — and 2 major lessons for larger states|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/dakotas-acing-vaccine-rollout-lessons-for-other-states-2021-1|access-date=2021-11-20|website=Business Insider|language=en-US}}{{Cite web|title=Most successful vaccine rollouts in US: 4 state strategies|url=https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/pharmacy/most-successful-vaccine-rollouts-in-us-4-state-strategies.html|access-date=2021-11-20|website=www.beckershospitalreview.com|date=January 13, 2021 }} but as of September 4, North Dakota ranked 45th among the 50 U.S. states in the proportion of fully vaccinated residents.{{Cite web|date=2021-09-04|title=In poorly vaccinated North Dakota, tale of east and west|url=https://apnews.com/article/health-coronavirus-pandemic-north-dakota-c1ff302d3c7e9a47beca14e62237d176|access-date=2021-11-20|website=AP NEWS|language=en}}
Timeline
= March 2020 =
On March 11, the state's first case of COVID-19 was confirmed in Ward County.{{cite news|title=North Dakota health officials confirm 4 more cases of COVID-19; 2 in Burleigh County|language=en|work=Bismarck Tribune|url=https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/health/north-dakota-health-officials-confirm-more-cases-of-covid-/article_b1a73e22-7c7f-5cad-ad6c-3ea850e6bea2.html|access-date=20 March 2020}} Governor Doug Burgum declared a state of emergency on March 13, stating that the government would follow guidance issued by the CDC, and did not have plans to immediately close schools.{{cite web|last1=SISK|first1=AMY R.|last2=NICHOLSON|first2=BLAKE|title=Burgum declares state of emergency in North Dakota; K-12 schools to remain open|url=https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/education/burgum-declares-state-of-emergency-in-north-dakota-k-12-schools-to-remain-open/article_37044ce1-355e-5e3f-912e-83b49ec03f61.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201129142514/https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/education/burgum-declares-state-of-emergency-in-north-dakota-k-12-schools-to-remain-open/article_37044ce1-355e-5e3f-912e-83b49ec03f61.html|archive-date=2020-11-29|access-date=2020-05-19|website=The Bismarck Tribune|date=March 13, 2020 |language=en-US}}{{Cite web|date=2020-03-14|title=North Dakota Declares State Of Emergency For Coronavirus|url=https://www.kvrr.com/2020/03/13/north-dakota-declares-state-of-emergency-for-coronavirus/|access-date=2020-12-23|website=KVRR Local News|language=en-US}} That day, the Standing Rock Sioux and Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa tribes began restricting access to their reservations.{{cite web|last=SISK|first=AMY R.|date=2020-03-11|title=North Dakota coronavirus news, March 11: Care facilities restrict visitors|url=https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/health/north-dakota-coronavirus-news-march-11-care-facilities-restrict-visitors/article_42eca49e-0f77-5b3e-91dc-ee0241ad2190.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729024430/https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/health/north-dakota-coronavirus-news-march-11-care-facilities-restrict-visitors/article_42eca49e-0f77-5b3e-91dc-ee0241ad2190.html|archive-date=2020-07-29|access-date=2020-05-19|website=The Bismarck Tribune|language=en-US}} On March 15, Governor Burgum announced that K-12 schools would be closed for at least a week from March 16–20 as a cautionary measure.{{Cite web|last=Turley|first=Jeremy|date=2020-03-15|title=North Dakota to close K-12 schools for 5 days starting Monday|url=https://www.grandforksherald.com/news/education/5000471-North-Dakota-to-close-K-12-schools-for-5-days-starting-Monday|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200316084541/https://www.grandforksherald.com/news/education/5000471-North-Dakota-to-close-K-12-schools-for-5-days-starting-Monday |archive-date=March 16, 2020 |access-date=2020-12-23|website=Grand Forks Herald|language=en}}
On March 17, the state government confirmed four more cases, including two in Burleigh County, one in Cass County, and one in Ward County, for a total of five in the state. All five were people who had recently traveled outside North Dakota. On March 18, the state confirmed two new COVID-19 cases had emerged from Morton County which were the first confirmed cases of community spread in the state.{{Cite web|title=UPDATED: Two cases of COVID-19 in Morton County are North Dakota's first confirmed cases of community spread|url=https://www.health.nd.gov/news/updated-two-cases-covid-19-morton-county-are-north-dakotas-first-confirmed-cases-community|access-date=2020-05-19|website=Department of Health|language=en|archive-date=July 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200701213819/https://www.health.nd.gov/news/updated-two-cases-covid-19-morton-county-are-north-dakotas-first-confirmed-cases-community|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web|last=staff|first=Bismarck Tribune|title=North Dakota coronavirus news, March 18: Norsk Hostfest canceled|url=https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/health/north-dakota-coronavirus-news-march-18-norsk-hostfest-canceled/article_28eb29ef-6ad6-5cd6-b8d0-a6cb9602b9e2.html|access-date=2020-05-19|website=Bismarck Tribune|date=March 18, 2020 |language=en}} On March 19, eight new cases were confirmed in Burleigh and Morton counties.{{Cite web|last=staff|first=Bismarck Tribune|title=North Dakota coronavirus news, March 19: State facilities access restricted|url=https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/health/north-dakota-coronavirus-news-march-19-state-facilities-access-restricted/article_482cf266-662b-5e1c-a453-9faf227bdffb.html|access-date=2020-05-19|website=Bismarck Tribune|date=March 19, 2020 |language=en}}{{Cite web|title=State health officials confirm eight additional cases of COVID-19 in North Dakota, make changes to testing prioritization|url=https://www.health.nd.gov/news/state-health-officials-confirm-eight-additional-cases-covid-19-north-dakota-make-changes|access-date=2020-05-19|website=Department of Health|language=en|archive-date=July 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200701213732/https://www.health.nd.gov/news/state-health-officials-confirm-eight-additional-cases-covid-19-north-dakota-make-changes|url-status=dead}} On March 20, 11 new cases were confirmed in Ramsey, Morton, Burleigh, and Pierce counties.{{cite web|author=The Bismarck Tribune staff|title=North Dakota coronavirus news, March 20: Bismarck mayor tests negative|url=https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/health/north-dakota-coronavirus-news-march-20-bismarck-mayor-tests-negative/article_45de3540-0bd4-51db-9c56-43a0bd95827b.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729030945/https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/health/north-dakota-coronavirus-news-march-20-bismarck-mayor-tests-negative/article_45de3540-0bd4-51db-9c56-43a0bd95827b.html|archive-date=2020-07-29|access-date=2020-05-20|website=bismarcktribune.com|date=March 20, 2020 |publisher=The Bismarck Tribune|language=en-US}}{{cite web|title=COVID-19 Positive Test Results March 20, 2020|url=https://www.health.nd.gov/news/covid-19-positive-test-results-march-20-2020|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201201101454/https://www.health.nd.gov/news/covid-19-positive-test-results-march-20-2020|archive-date=2020-12-01|access-date=2020-05-20|website=Department of Health|language=en-US}}
On March 21, Burgum signed an executive order to allow COVID-19 testing to be conducted at pharmacies, and to provide emergency refills of prescriptions.{{Cite web|title=Burgum signs executive order to help slow spread of COVID-19, expand testing locations|url=https://www.governor.nd.gov/news/burgum-signs-executive-order-help-slow-spread-covid-19-expand-testing-locations|access-date=2020-12-23|website=North Dakota Office of the Governor|language=en}} On March 25, an executive order was issued to expand worker's compensation coverage to first responders and health care providers who contract COVID-19.{{cite web|title=ND SMART RESTART|url=https://ndresponse.gov/covid-19-resources/covid-19-business-and-employer-resources/nd-smart-restart|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201124192654/https://ndresponse.gov/covid-19-resources/covid-19-business-and-employer-resources/nd-smart-restart|archive-date=2020-11-24|access-date=2020-05-18|website=ND Response|language=en-US}} Burgum announced that the state received a total of 11,700 unemployment claims in the past week.{{Cite web|title=9 New Cases of COVID-19 on March 25|url=https://www.kxnet.com/covid-19/nd-watch/9-new-cases-of-covid-19-on-march-25/|date=2020-03-25|website=KX NEWS|language=en-US|access-date=2020-05-21}}
On March 27, North Dakota reported its first death related to COVID-19, involving a man in his 90's from Cass County with underlying health conditions.{{Cite web|title=North Dakota Department of Health reports first death related to COVID-19|url=https://www.health.nd.gov/news/north-dakota-department-health-reports-first-death-related-covid-19|website=Department of Health|language=en|access-date=2020-05-21|archive-date=July 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200701210654/https://www.health.nd.gov/news/north-dakota-department-health-reports-first-death-related-covid-19|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web|title=10 new COVID-19 cases in ND reported March 27; total now is 68|url=https://www.kxnet.com/news/top-stories/10-new-covid-19-cases-in-nd-reported-march-27-total-now-is-68/|date=2020-03-27|website=KX NEWS|language=en-US|access-date=2020-05-21}} On March 29, Governor Burgum requested a major disaster declaration from the federal government.{{Cite web|title=Burgum requests major presidential disaster declaration for response to COVID-19 pandemic|url=https://www.health.nd.gov/news/burgum-requests-major-presidential-disaster-declaration-response-covid-19-pandemic|access-date=2020-05-23|website=Department of Health|language=en|archive-date=August 2, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200802143113/https://www.health.nd.gov/news/burgum-requests-major-presidential-disaster-declaration-response-covid-19-pandemic|url-status=dead}}
= April–July 2020 =
By April 1, the state had recorded 159 positive cases and three deaths in total.{{Cite web|title=COVID-19 Positive Test Results for April 1, 2020|url=https://www.health.nd.gov/news/covid-19-positive-test-results-april-1-2020-0|website=Department of Health|language=en|access-date=2020-05-24|archive-date=August 2, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200802144425/https://www.health.nd.gov/news/covid-19-positive-test-results-april-1-2020-0|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web|date=2020-04-01|title=North Dakota coronavirus news, April 1: Surge in scams reported|url=https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/health/north-dakota-coronavirus-news-april-1-surge-in-scams-reported/article_0b5d7303-4288-5649-9a74-158f123091f3.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200403100925/https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/health/north-dakota-coronavirus-news-april-1-surge-in-scams-reported/article_0b5d7303-4288-5649-9a74-158f123091f3.html |archive-date=April 3, 2020 |access-date=2020-05-24|website=Bismarck Tribune|language=en}} On April 3, the state received $34 million in funding from the Federal Transit Administration to ensure that state transportation would continue to function safely during the COVID-19 pandemic.{{Cite web|last=staff|first=Bismarck Tribune|title=North Dakota coronavirus news, April 3: Paddlefish snagging season canceled|url=https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/health/north-dakota-coronavirus-news-april-3-paddlefish-snagging-season-canceled/article_8ac698b9-80b3-515c-ab70-388ce3c9e629.html|access-date=2020-05-24|website=Bismarck Tribune|date=April 3, 2020 |language=en}} North Dakota received $18 million from the CARES Act with cities like Fargo getting $8 million, Bismarck getting $3.7 million, and Grand Forks receiving $3.4 million. Tribes also received grant funding with Standing Rock obtaining $369,000 and Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa receiving $191,000. Burgum also announced a pilot program for drive-through testing.{{Cite web|title=Burgum announces pilot project to expand COVID-19 testing and improve tracing to slow spread of virus|url=https://www.health.nd.gov/news/burgum-announces-pilot-project-expand-covid-19-testing-and-improve-tracing-slow-spread-virus|website=Department of Health|language=en|access-date=2020-05-24|archive-date=July 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200701203354/https://www.health.nd.gov/news/burgum-announces-pilot-project-expand-covid-19-testing-and-improve-tracing-slow-spread-virus|url-status=dead}}
On April 6, the state reported its fourth death.{{Cite web|last=Kolpack|first=Dave|date=2020-04-06|title=North Dakota Reports 4th COVID-19 Death; Cases up to 225|url=https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/north-dakota/articles/2020-04-06/north-dakota-covid-19-cases-up-by-19-including-11-in-cass|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200728232350/https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/north-dakota/articles/2020-04-06/north-dakota-covid-19-cases-up-by-19-including-11-in-cass |archive-date=July 28, 2020 |access-date=2020-05-24|website=U.S. News & World Report}} By April 9, this had increased to six.{{Cite web|title=ND COVID-19 positive tests as of April 9|url=https://www.minotdailynews.com/news/local-news/2020/04/nd-covid-19-positive-tests-as-of-april-9/|website=minotdailynews.com|language=en-US|access-date=2020-05-24}} On April 18, North Dakota reported 90 new cases, with 68 in Grand Forks; an outbreak had been confirmed at the LM Wind Power manufacturing plant in Grand Forks.{{Cite web|date=2020-04-18|title=North Dakota Reports 90 New COVID-19 Cases, 68 In Grand Forks County|url=https://www.kvrr.com/2020/04/18/north-dakota-reports-90-new-covid-19-cases-68-in-grand-forks-county/|access-date=2020-12-24|website=KVRR Local News|language=en-US}} On April 28, Governor Burgum announced that the state would begin to lift some of the business closures it had implemented in March, under its "Smart Restart" system.{{Cite web|title=Burgum issues executive order providing additional guidance for businesses under ND Smart Restart|url=https://www.governor.nd.gov/news/burgum-issues-executive-order-providing-additional-guidance-businesses-under-nd-smart-restart|access-date=2020-12-24|website=North Dakota Office of the Governor|language=en}}{{Cite web|last=Jurgens|first=Paul|title=Guidelines established for North Dakota bars, restaurants, other businesses to reopen|url=https://kfgo.com/2020/04/28/reopening-guidelines-established-for-north-dakota-bars-restaurants/|access-date=2020-12-24|website=The Mighty 790 KFGO {{!}} KFGO|language=en}}
File:President Trump Meets with the Governor of CO and the Governor of ND (49897135388).jpg (left) meeting with President Trump along with Colorado Governor Polis (right) on COVID-19 ]]
On May 29, Governor Burgum announced that the state had reached the "Low" (green) tier according to the Smart Restart guidance, allowing it to further loosen some of the capacity restrictions placed on reopened businesses via the Smart Restart guidance. Burgum cited a high testing rate and low number of active cases.{{Cite web|last=DURA|first=BLAKE NICHOLSON, JACK|title=North Dakota moves from 'moderate' to 'low risk' on coronavirus scale|url=https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/health/north-dakota-moves-from-moderate-to-low-risk-on-coronavirus-scale/article_a74752fa-0505-5181-b088-8366ebbe5b6a.html|access-date=2020-12-24|website=Bismarck Tribune|date=May 29, 2020 |language=en}} On June 16, Governor Burgum stated that North Dakota's testing capacity had outgrown demand for testing.{{Cite web|last=Turley|first=Jeremy|date=2020-06-16|title=Burgum encourages North Dakotans to get tested for COVID-19|url=https://www.thedickinsonpress.com/newsmd/coronavirus/6536841-Burgum-encourages-North-Dakotans-to-get-tested-for-COVID-19|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200702030111/https://www.thedickinsonpress.com/newsmd/coronavirus/6536841-Burgum-encourages-North-Dakotans-to-get-tested-for-COVID-19 |archive-date=July 2, 2020 |access-date=2020-09-23|website=The Dickinson Press|language=en}} On June 18, North Dakota recorded its 75th COVID-19 death, however overall active cases in the state continued trending downwards.{{Cite web|date=2020-06-18|title=North Dakota records 75th COVID-19 death; active cases continue downward trend|url=https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/health/north-dakota-records-75th-covid-19-death-active-cases-continue-downward-trend/article_aa9701e0-66a7-596d-b44a-bc05aede7327.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200621052951/https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/health/north-dakota-records-75th-covid-19-death-active-cases-continue-downward-trend/article_aa9701e0-66a7-596d-b44a-bc05aede7327.html |archive-date=June 21, 2020 |access-date=2020-09-23|website=Bismarck Tribune|language=en}}
On June 23, Governor Burgum stated that several counties were close to reaching the lowest "New normal" (blue) level on the Smart Restart system, noting the less than one percent positivity rate of COVID-19 in North Dakota.{{Cite web|last=Kolpack|first=Dave|date=2020-06-23|title=Burgum: North Dakota close to last stage of reopening plan|url=https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/health/burgum-north-dakota-close-to-last-stage-of-reopening-plan/article_b689685f-ed73-5939-8c1b-0530d99f9f52.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200625023048/https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/health/burgum-north-dakota-close-to-last-stage-of-reopening-plan/article_b689685f-ed73-5939-8c1b-0530d99f9f52.html |archive-date=June 25, 2020 |access-date=2020-09-23|website=Bismarck Tribune|publisher=Associated Press|language=en}}
By July 28, a McKenzie county woman in her 20s marked the 100th cumulative COVID-19 death in North Dakota.{{Cite web|last=Beneke|first=Kendra|date=2020-07-28|title=Healthy 20-year-old marks 100 COVID-19 deaths in North Dakota|url=https://www.kvrr.com/2020/07/28/healthy-20-year-old-marks-100-covid-19-deaths-in-north-dakota/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729004644/https://www.kvrr.com/2020/07/28/healthy-20-year-old-marks-100-covid-19-deaths-in-north-dakota/ |archive-date=July 29, 2020 |access-date=2020-09-23|website=KVRR Local News|language=en-US}} On July 30, the Spirit Lake reservation began to mandate the wearing of face masks in public.{{Cite web|last=Kolpack|first=Dave|date=2020-07-30|title=North Dakota reservation orders masks after COVID-19 spike|url=https://apnews.com/11df9312b1a2b0af5c0458cc1e575e08|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200731145107/https://apnews.com/11df9312b1a2b0af5c0458cc1e575e08 |archive-date=July 31, 2020 |access-date=2020-09-23|website=Associated Press}}File:North Dakota National Guard (49911019972).jpg
= August 2020 =
On August 19, it was announced that interim state health officer Andrew Stahl (who had succeeded Mylynn Tufte following her May 27 departure) would resign. This came amid disagreements with the office of the Governor over aspects of North Dakota's COVID-19 response, including the risk level system and mandating face masks.{{Cite web|last=MacPherson|first=James|date=2020-05-27|title=North Dakota's top health officer resigns; job split into 2|url=https://apnews.com/607269a0d06ad2289fa8ff778b177f36|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200527215508/https://apnews.com/607269a0d06ad2289fa8ff778b177f36 |archive-date=May 27, 2020 |access-date=2020-08-21|website=Associated Press}}
On August 20, the Bismarck Police Department cancelled the Tri-City Community Picnic and a Citizen's Police Academy event due to rising COVID-19 cases in the area.{{Cite web|date=2020-08-20|title=North Dakota coronavirus news, Aug. 20: Bismarck police cancel events|url=https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/health/north-dakota-coronavirus-news-aug-20-bismarck-police-cancel-events/article_9d668392-87f5-591d-a835-73c905f13dd2.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200823002444/https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/health/north-dakota-coronavirus-news-aug-20-bismarck-police-cancel-events/article_9d668392-87f5-591d-a835-73c905f13dd2.html |archive-date=August 23, 2020 |access-date=2020-08-21|website=Bismarck Tribune|language=en}} On August 24, North Dakota crossed 10,000 cumulative positive cases of coronavirus. 58 percent of those testing positive for COVID-19 were under 40 years of age.{{Cite web|last=Darnay|first=Keith|date=2020-08-24|title=1 death, 127 new cases of COVID-19 in ND for August 23; total positives hit 10,000 mark; active cases statewide are 1,657|url=https://www.kxnet.com/news/state-news/1-death-127-new-cases-of-covid-19-in-nd-for-august-23-total-positives-hit-10000-mark-active-cases-statewide-are-1657/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200824171416/https://www.kxnet.com/news/state-news/1-death-127-new-cases-of-covid-19-in-nd-for-august-23-total-positives-hit-10000-mark-active-cases-statewide-are-1657/ |archive-date=August 24, 2020 |access-date=2020-08-24|website=KX NEWS|language=en-US}}
= September 2020 =
By the beginning of September, 1 out of every 4 North Dakotans had been tested for COVID-19. The positivity rate for the virus was the highest among persons that were 20 to 29 years of age.{{cite news |last=Darnay |first=Keith |date=2020-09-01 |title=2 deaths, 191 new cases of COVID-19 in ND; active cases statewide are 2,245|url=https://www.kxnet.com/news/state-news/2-deaths-191-new-cases-of-covid-19-in-nd-active-cases-statewide-are-2245/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201206012535/https://www.kxnet.com/news/state-news/2-deaths-191-new-cases-of-covid-19-in-nd-active-cases-statewide-are-2245/ |archive-date=2020-12-06 |access-date=2020-09-01 |website=kxnet.com |publisher=KXMC-TV |language=en-US}}
On September 3, North Dakota held onto the most COVID-19 cases per capita in the United States for the past two weeks, according to figures by Johns Hopkins University Center.{{cite news |date=2020-09-03 |title=North Dakota leads nation per-capita in new coronavirus cases |url=https://www.kfyrtv.com/2020/09/03/north-dakota-leads-nation-per-capita-in-new-coronavirus-cases/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201206012813/https://www.kfyrtv.com/2020/09/03/north-dakota-leads-nation-per-capita-in-new-coronavirus-cases/ |archive-date=2020-12-06 |access-date=2020-09-03 |website=kfyrtv.com |publisher=Associated Press}} On September 4, following the recommendation from the Burleigh-Morton COVID-19 task force, local governments agreed to hold discussions on possible mask mandates following the jump in cases in the counties.{{Cite web|last=Nelson|first=Sam|date=2020-09-04|title=Local governments to consider mask mandate; active COVID-19 cases in North Dakota reach new high|url=https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/health/local-governments-to-consider-mask-mandate-active-covid-19-cases-in-north-dakota-reach-new/article_ed43261c-3258-5e28-b5ba-7d8ab01098f0.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200907212610/https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/health/local-governments-to-consider-mask-mandate-active-covid-19-cases-in-north-dakota-reach-new/article_ed43261c-3258-5e28-b5ba-7d8ab01098f0.html |archive-date=September 7, 2020 |access-date=2020-09-05|website=Bismarck Tribune|language=en}}
By September 5, North Dakota passed 13,000 cumulative cases of COVID-19.{{Cite web|last=Rizzari|first=Taylor|date=2020-09-05|title=5 deaths, 360 new cases of COVID-19 in ND; active cases statewide are 2,539|url=https://www.kxnet.com/news/local-news/5-deaths-360-new-cases-of-covid-19-in-nd-active-cases-statewide-are-2539/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210429110810/https://www.kxnet.com/news/local-news/5-deaths-360-new-cases-of-covid-19-in-nd-active-cases-statewide-are-2539/ |archive-date=April 29, 2021 |access-date=2020-09-06|website=KX NEWS|language=en-US}} On September 8, the state had 2,220 active cases of the virus and passed 14,000 cumulative cases.{{Cite web|last=Darnay|first=Keith|date=2020-09-09|title=1 death, 239 new cases of COVID-19 in ND; active cases statewide are 2,220|url=https://www.kxnet.com/news/state-news/1-death-239-new-cases-of-covid-19-in-nd-active-cases-statewide-are-2220/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200911012808/https://www.kxnet.com/news/state-news/1-death-239-new-cases-of-covid-19-in-nd-active-cases-statewide-are-2220/ |archive-date=September 11, 2020 |access-date=2020-09-09|website=KX NEWS|language=en-US}} By September 12, the state had a positivity rate of 7 percent and passed 15,000 cumulative cases of the virus. Following promised discussions from September 4, Morton County soundly rejected a mask mandate, due to opposition from residents, despite the county reporting the highest number of active cases of COVID-19 in the state.{{Cite magazine|last1=Groves|first1=Stephen|last2=Kolpack|first2=Dave|date=2020-09-12|title=COVID-19 Surges in Dakotas as Both States Reject Mask Rules|url=https://time.com/5888513/north-south-dakotas-covid19/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200913000427/https://time.com/5888513/north-south-dakotas-covid19/ |archive-date=September 13, 2020 |access-date=2020-09-12|magazine=Time|location=Sioux Falls, South Dakota}}{{Cite web|last=Evanella|first=Thomas|date=2020-09-12|title=North Dakota sets daily records in new COVID-19 cases, testing|url=https://www.grandforksherald.com/newsmd/coronavirus/6659155-North-Dakota-sets-daily-records-in-new-COVID-19-cases-testing|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200913035556/https://www.grandforksherald.com/newsmd/coronavirus/6659155-North-Dakota-sets-daily-records-in-new-COVID-19-cases-testing |archive-date=September 13, 2020 |access-date=2020-09-12|website=Grand Forks Herald|language=en}}
On September 15, North Dakota passed 16,000 cumulative cases of COVID-19 with over 13,000 recovering. On September 16, Mayor Bakken of Bismarck signed an extension of its coronavirus emergency declaration until mid October.{{Cite web|date=2020-09-16|title=North Dakota coronavirus news, Sept. 16: Bismarck's COVID-19 emergency extended|url=https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/health/north-dakota-coronavirus-news-sept-16-bismarcks-covid-19-emergency-extended/article_f809c101-58f0-58da-b634-8d2cc2970d9c.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200918173245/https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/health/north-dakota-coronavirus-news-sept-16-bismarcks-covid-19-emergency-extended/article_f809c101-58f0-58da-b634-8d2cc2970d9c.html |archive-date=September 18, 2020 |access-date=2020-09-16|website=Bismarck Tribune|language=en}} An Associated Press report released found that a statewide educational campaign on the importance of masks and social distancing had not begun, despite receiving federal funds.{{cite web |last=Villarreal |first=Daniel |date=2020-09-18 |title=North Dakota, Wisconsin and Missouri report most COVID infections since start of pandemic |url=https://www.newsweek.com/north-dakota-wisconsin-missouri-report-most-covid-infections-since-start-pandemic-1532777 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201129121255/https://www.newsweek.com/north-dakota-wisconsin-missouri-report-most-covid-infections-since-start-pandemic-1532777 |archive-date=2020-11-29 |access-date=2020-09-18 |website=Newsweek |language=en-US}}
By September 18, North Dakota passed 17,000 cumulative cases of the virus and over 700 total hospitalizations, as well as passing 14,000 recoveries. Most of the cases were being reported in long-term care facilities, where the state government has called for additional volunteer staffing to handle surge.{{Cite web|last=Nicholson|first=Blake|date=2020-09-18|title=North Dakota sees daily highs in 4 COVID-19 categories; Burleigh County has 2 more deaths|url=https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/health/north-dakota-sees-daily-highs-in-4-covid-19-categories-burleigh-county-has-2-more/article_02e01cbd-df21-594a-b4a1-37b59984425f.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200919013109/https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/health/north-dakota-sees-daily-highs-in-4-covid-19-categories-burleigh-county-has-2-more/article_02e01cbd-df21-594a-b4a1-37b59984425f.html |archive-date=September 19, 2020 |access-date=2020-09-18|website=Bismarck Tribune|language=en}}
On September 19, active cases in the state surpassed 3,000 for the first time.{{Cite web|last=Evanella|first=Thomas|date=2020-09-19|title=Active COVID-19 infections surpass 3,000 for first time in North Dakota|url=https://www.grandforksherald.com/newsmd/coronavirus/6670148-Active-COVID-19-infections-surpass-3000-for-first-time-in-North-Dakota|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201024195231/https://www.grandforksherald.com/newsmd/coronavirus/6670148-Active-COVID-19-infections-surpass-3000-for-first-time-in-North-Dakota |archive-date=October 24, 2020 |access-date=2020-09-19|website=Grand Forks Herald|language=en}} The Department of Health began a saliva testing pilot program with the University of North Dakota, Bismarck State College, and Fargo Public Health.{{Cite web|last=Benth|first=Morgan|date=2020-09-19|title=New, less invasive COVID-19 test comes to North Dakota|url=https://www.kfyrtv.com/2020/09/20/new-less-invasive-covid-19-test-comes-to-north-dakota/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200922184008/https://www.kfyrtv.com/2020/09/20/new-less-invasive-covid-19-test-comes-to-north-dakota/ |archive-date=September 22, 2020 |access-date=2020-09-20|website=KFYR-TV}}
On September 23, deaths from COVID-19 in North Dakota exceeded 200.{{Cite web|last=Sherrod|first=Brian|date=2020-09-23|title=475 new cases of COVID-19, seven more deaths reported in North Dakota|url=https://www.valleynewslive.com/2020/09/23/475-new-cases-of-covid-19-seven-more-deaths-reported-in-north-dakota/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200923211818/https://www.valleynewslive.com/2020/09/23/475-new-cases-of-covid-19-seven-more-deaths-reported-in-north-dakota/ |archive-date=September 23, 2020 |access-date=2020-09-23|website=Valley News Live}} Governor Burgum raised the Smart Restart risk levels for a dozen counties throughout the state effective September 25.{{Cite web|last=Dura|first=Jack|date=2020-09-23|title=Coronavirus risk levels raised for 12 North Dakota counties; 7 new deaths reported|url=https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/health/coronavirus-risk-levels-raised-for-12-north-dakota-counties-7-new-deaths-reported/article_aa2ef6bb-2cb0-508e-b2fd-6d32a82f560c.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200924155209/https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/health/coronavirus-risk-levels-raised-for-12-north-dakota-counties-7-new-deaths-reported/article_aa2ef6bb-2cb0-508e-b2fd-6d32a82f560c.html |archive-date=September 24, 2020 |access-date=2020-09-23|website=Bismarck Tribune|language=en}} Burgum also announced that the state would prioritize testing and contact tracing involving long-term care facilities.{{Cite web|date=2020-09-23|title=North Dakota governor boosts COVID-19 measures for elderly|url=https://www.valleynewslive.com/2020/09/25/north-dakota-governor-boosts-covid-19-measures-for-elderly/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200926035301/https://www.valleynewslive.com/2020/09/25/north-dakota-governor-boosts-covid-19-measures-for-elderly/ |archive-date=September 26, 2020 |access-date=2020-09-25|website=Valley News Live|publisher=Associated Press}} Chris Jones, director of the Department of Human Services stated more than half the deaths reported in the state were coming from long-term care facilities.{{Cite web|last=Turley|first=Jeremy|date=2020-09-23|title=As coronavirus ravages nursing homes, North Dakota takes new steps|url=https://www.inforum.com/newsmd/coronavirus/6675183-As-coronavirus-ravages-nursing-homes-North-Dakota-takes-new-steps|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200923224142/https://www.inforum.com/newsmd/coronavirus/6675183-As-coronavirus-ravages-nursing-homes-North-Dakota-takes-new-steps |archive-date=September 23, 2020 |access-date=2020-09-24|website=Inforum|language=en}}
By September 24, cumulative cases passed 19,000.{{Cite web|last=Suleiman|first=Bilal|date=2020-09-24|title=Eight new COVID-19 deaths reported in North Dakota as active cases reach new highs|url=https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/health/eight-new-covid-19-deaths-reported-in-north-dakota-as-active-cases-reach-new-highs/article_f9223251-5349-526f-afe1-17926d44503a.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200925115026/https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/health/eight-new-covid-19-deaths-reported-in-north-dakota-as-active-cases-reach-new-highs/article_f9223251-5349-526f-afe1-17926d44503a.html |archive-date=September 25, 2020 |access-date=2020-09-24|website=Bismarck Tribune|language=en}} On September 25, total recoveries passed 16,000. The interim State health officer Paul Mariani resigned after serving less than a month on the position, due to Governor Burgum rescinding a requirement for self-isolation after returning from travel, and breaking away from guidelines recommended by the CDC.{{Cite web|last=Turley|first=Jeremy|date=2020-09-25|title=North Dakota state health officer resigns after state rescinds quarantine order|url=https://www.inforum.com/newsmd/coronavirus/6679381-North-Dakota-state-health-officer-resigns-after-state-rescinds-quarantine-order|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200926024018/https://www.inforum.com/newsmd/coronavirus/6679381-North-Dakota-state-health-officer-resigns-after-state-rescinds-quarantine-order |archive-date=September 26, 2020 |access-date=2020-09-27|website=INFORUM|language=en}} Two area hospitals in Bismarck warned of nearing capacity and shortage of resources due to the further rise in cases.{{cite news |last=Nelson |first=Sam |date=2020-09-25 |title=Local hospitals nearing capacity due to pandemic |url=https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/health/local-hospitals-nearing-capacity-due-to-pandemic/article_9307e400-31aa-5289-96dd-74e0dfd40f90.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201005183449/https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/health/local-hospitals-nearing-capacity-due-to-pandemic/article_9307e400-31aa-5289-96dd-74e0dfd40f90.html |archive-date=2020-10-05 |access-date=2020-09-28 |website=The Bismarck Tribune |language=en-US}}
By September 28, total recoveries passed 17,000. North Dakota had set a record high for active cases every day since September 21, with active cases rising from around 100 cases to 3,766. The spike is suspected to have been contributed in part by hundreds of thousands attending the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in South Dakota from early August.{{Cite web|last=Georgiou|first=Aristos|date=2020-09-28|title=North Dakota coronavirus case records broken every day for a week as governor continues to refuse mask mandate|url=https://www.newsweek.com/north-dakota-coronavirus-records-masks-1534621|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200929000709/https://www.newsweek.com/north-dakota-coronavirus-records-masks-1534621 |archive-date=September 29, 2020 |access-date=2020-09-28|website=Newsweek|language=en}} On September 29, COVID-19 cases in the state passed 21,000. Grant County had its first confirmed death.{{Cite web|last=Nicholson|first=Blake|date=2020-09-29|title=5 more COVID-19 deaths reported in North Dakota; hospitalizations remain at all-time high|url=https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/health/5-more-covid-19-deaths-reported-in-north-dakota-hospitalizations-remain-at-all-time-high/article_952431c6-e326-5ea0-a7bb-f61fb487a192.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200929202603/https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/health/5-more-covid-19-deaths-reported-in-north-dakota-hospitalizations-remain-at-all-time-high/article_952431c6-e326-5ea0-a7bb-f61fb487a192.html |archive-date=September 29, 2020 |access-date=2020-09-29|website=Bismarck Tribune|language=en}} It was noted by Bloomberg that the surge of cases in North Dakota was similar to that of Florida's from July.{{Cite web|last=Levin|first=Jonathan|date=2020-09-29|title=North Dakota's Virus Outbreak Is as Bad as Florida's in July|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-09-29/north-dakota-s-outbreak-is-as-bad-as-florida-arizona-in-july|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201003122503/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-09-29/north-dakota-s-outbreak-is-as-bad-as-florida-arizona-in-july |archive-date=October 3, 2020 |access-date=2020-09-29|website=Bloomberg}}
Over the past month, North Dakota saw an 80 percent increase in COVID-19 cases as well as a doubling of the previous death toll record. Since June the state has seen a 600 percent increase in cases. Joshua Wynne, of the University of North Dakota, stated that recent trends were "disturbing and headed in the wrong direction".{{Cite web|last=Georgiou|first=Aristos|date=2020-10-01|title=North Dakota saw 80 percent increase in COVID cases in September with a death toll double previous record|url=https://www.newsweek.com/north-dakota-coronavirus-cases-september-1535693|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201002014854/https://www.newsweek.com/north-dakota-coronavirus-cases-september-1535693 |archive-date=October 2, 2020 |access-date=2020-10-01|website=Newsweek|language=en}}
= October 2020 =
{{COVID-19 pandemic data/United States/North Dakota medical cases chart}}
By October 2, North Dakota passed 900 cumulative hospitalizations.{{Cite web|date=2020-10-02|title=8 deaths, 477 new cases of COVID-19 in ND; active cases statewide are 3,739|url=https://www.kxnet.com/news/state-news/8-deaths-477-new-cases-of-covid-19-in-nd-active-cases-statewide-are-3739/|access-date=2020-10-02|website=KX NEWS|language=en-US}} On October 3, North Dakota exceeded 23,000 confirmed cases since the pandemic began.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=2020-10-04|title=ND COVID-19 numbers announced on Oct. 3|url=https://www.minotdailynews.com/news/local-news/2020/10/nd-covid-19-numbers-announced-on-oct-3/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201004164514/https://www.minotdailynews.com/news/local-news/2020/10/nd-covid-19-numbers-announced-on-oct-3/ |archive-date=October 4, 2020 |access-date=2020-10-04|website=Minot Daily News|language=en-US}} On October 6, cumulative deaths passed 300 after a reported 24 new deaths, however not all on same day due to lag in information reporting by the health department.{{Cite web|last=Darnay|first=Keith|date=2020-10-07|title=24 deaths reported in ND Oct. 6 involving COVID-19; total is now 304|url=https://www.kxnet.com/news/state-news/24-deaths-reported-in-nd-oct-6-involving-covid-19-total-is-now-304/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201007235319/https://www.kxnet.com/news/state-news/24-deaths-reported-in-nd-oct-6-involving-covid-19-total-is-now-304/ |archive-date=October 7, 2020 |access-date=2020-10-07|website=KX NEWS|language=en-US}} The state also reported the youngest fatality, a 17-year-old Fort Berthold resident with underlying condition.{{Cite web|last=Turley|first=Jeremy|date=2020-10-09|title=North Dakota not following its own criteria for COVID-19 risk levels as 'painful week' continues|url=https://www.grandforksherald.com/newsmd/coronavirus/6708460-North-Dakota-not-following-its-own-criteria-for-COVID-19-risk-levels-as-painful-week-continues|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201008225014/https://www.grandforksherald.com/newsmd/coronavirus/6708460-North-Dakota-not-following-its-own-criteria-for-COVID-19-risk-levels-as-painful-week-continues |archive-date=October 8, 2020 |access-date=2020-10-09|website=Grand Forks Herald|language=en}}{{Cite web|last=Griffith|first=Michelle|date=2020-10-08|title=17-year-old girl becomes North Dakota's youngest COVID-19 death|url=https://www.grandforksherald.com/newsmd/coronavirus/6709333-17-year-old-girl-becomes-North-Dakotas-youngest-COVID-19-death|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201009231932/https://www.grandforksherald.com/newsmd/coronavirus/6709333-17-year-old-girl-becomes-North-Dakotas-youngest-COVID-19-death |archive-date=October 9, 2020 |access-date=2020-10-09|website=Grand Forks Herald|language=en}}{{Cite news|last=Rifkin|first=Glenn|date=2020-10-31|title=Elvia Ramirez Dies at 17; Youngest Covid-19 Victim in North Dakota|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/31/obituaries/elvia-ramirez-dies-coronavirus.html|access-date=2020-11-02|issn=0362-4331}}
By October 10, the state passed 22,000 total recoveries.{{Cite web|last=Rizzari|first=Taylor|date=2020-10-10|title=15 deaths, 593 new cases of COVID-19 in ND; active cases are 4,169|url=https://www.kxnet.com/news/local-news/15-deaths-593-new-cases-of-covid-19-in-nd-active-cases-are-4169/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201010234300/https://www.kxnet.com/news/local-news/15-deaths-593-new-cases-of-covid-19-in-nd-active-cases-are-4169/ |archive-date=October 10, 2020 |access-date=2020-10-10|website=KX NEWS|language=en-US}} On October 11, North Dakota passed 27,000 cases.{{Cite web|date=2020-10-11|title=North Dakota coronavirus news, Oct. 11: Education aids announced|url=https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/health/north-dakota-coronavirus-news-oct-11-education-aids-announced/article_42eb67c6-9865-58ec-9f56-35c2a509ac4a.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201012145612/https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/health/north-dakota-coronavirus-news-oct-11-education-aids-announced/article_42eb67c6-9865-58ec-9f56-35c2a509ac4a.html |archive-date=October 12, 2020 |access-date=2020-10-11|website=Bismarck Tribune|language=en}} Renane Moch, the director of Bismarck-Burleigh Public Health, warned of the strain on the hospital system, with 241 inpatient and 32 ICU beds being available as of October 13 throughout the state.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=2020-10-13|title=Facility Beds Available: Updated 10-13-2020 1345|url=https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/cJxek/68/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201014132528/https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/cJxek/68/|archive-date=2020-10-14|access-date=2020-10-14|website=datawrapper.dwcdn.net}}{{Cite web|last=Fung|first=Katherine|date=2020-10-12|title=North Dakota's new COVID-19 cases are double the number of hospital beds available in state|url=https://www.newsweek.com/north-dakotas-new-covid-19-cases-are-double-number-hospital-beds-available-state-1538415|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201013101958/https://www.newsweek.com/north-dakotas-new-covid-19-cases-are-double-number-hospital-beds-available-state-1538415 |archive-date=October 13, 2020 |access-date=2020-10-14|website=Newsweek|language=en}}
On October 14, Governor Burgum announced that the Smart Restart plan would be updated effective October 16, with tightened restrictions on gatherings in higher risk areas. In addition, 16 counties would be raised to High (orange) on the Smart Restart system.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=2020-10-14|title=Burgum announces changes to county risk levels, recommended gathering sizes to slow COVID-19|url=https://www.ndresponse.gov/news/burgum-announces-changes-county-risk-levels-recommended-gathering-sizes-slow-covid-19|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201028081530/https://ndresponse.gov/news/burgum-announces-changes-county-risk-levels-recommended-gathering-sizes-slow-covid-19 |archive-date=October 28, 2020 |access-date=2020-10-15|website=ND Response|language=en}} On October 16, North Dakota broke 30,000 cumulative cases and 5,000 active cases throughout the state.{{Cite web|last=Darnay|first=Keith|date=2020-10-16|title=Bad day for COVID-19 in ND: 18 deaths, record 877 new cases, active cases top 5,000 mark; total positives pass 30,000|url=https://www.kxnet.com/news/state-news/bad-day-for-covid-19-in-nd-18-deaths-record-877-new-cases-active-cases-top-5000-mark-total-positives-pass-30000/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201017220253/https://www.kxnet.com/news/state-news/bad-day-for-covid-19-in-nd-18-deaths-record-877-new-cases-active-cases-top-5000-mark-total-positives-pass-30000/ |archive-date=October 17, 2020 |access-date=2020-10-16|website=KX NEWS|language=en-US}} State health officials submitted a first draft of a vaccine plan to the CDC, with a main goal of vaccinating 70 percent of the population and prioritizing vulnerable groups.{{Cite web|last=Turley|first=Jeremy|date=2020-10-19|title=North Dakota releases first draft of COVID-19 vaccination plan|url=https://www.thedickinsonpress.com/newsmd/coronavirus/6723598-North-Dakota-releases-first-draft-of-COVID-19-vaccination-plan|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201022000140/https://www.thedickinsonpress.com/newsmd/coronavirus/6723598-North-Dakota-releases-first-draft-of-COVID-19-vaccination-plan |archive-date=October 22, 2020 |access-date=2020-10-19|website=The Dickinson Press|language=en}} On October 17, the state exceeded 400 deaths.{{Cite web|last=Sisk|first=Amy R.|date=2020-10-18|title=North Dakota sets another active virus case record; 5 deaths reported|url=https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/health/north-dakota-sets-another-active-virus-case-record-5-deaths-reported/article_56f444b1-94d0-5011-8bfb-b8859256541c.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201018190103/https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/health/north-dakota-sets-another-active-virus-case-record-5-deaths-reported/article_56f444b1-94d0-5011-8bfb-b8859256541c.html |archive-date=October 18, 2020 |access-date=2020-10-18|website=Bismarck Tribune|language=en}} By October 19, the state passed 26,000 recoveries and 32,000 cases of COVID-19, with more than one-third of active cases at 5,837 being in Burleigh and Cass counties.{{Cite web|last=Nicholson|first=Blake|date=2020-10-19|title=Active COVID-19 cases in North Dakota continue to set records; 2 more Burleigh deaths reported|url=https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/health/active-covid-19-cases-in-north-dakota-continue-to-set-records-2-more-burleigh-deaths/article_1490eb19-b4b4-5a61-8356-1beb2421e1b3.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201020040640/https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/health/active-covid-19-cases-in-north-dakota-continue-to-set-records-2-more-burleigh-deaths/article_1490eb19-b4b4-5a61-8356-1beb2421e1b3.html |archive-date=October 20, 2020 |access-date=2020-10-19|website=Bismarck Tribune|language=en}}
On October 20, North Dakota logged over 1,000 new cases, bringing its overall total above 33,000. The daily positivity rate listed by state officials was at 19.68%.{{Cite web|date=2020-10-20|title=Over 1,000 new Covid cases, 4 more deaths in North Dakota|url=https://www.valleynewslive.com/2020/10/20/over-1000-new-covid-cases-4-more-deaths-in-north-dakota/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201023105646/https://www.valleynewslive.com/2020/10/20/over-1000-new-covid-cases-4-more-deaths-in-north-dakota/ |archive-date=October 23, 2020 |access-date=2020-10-20|website=Valley News Live|publisher=KYFR-TV}}{{Cite web|last=Griffith|first=Michelle|date=2020-10-20|title=North Dakota reports more than 1,000 new cases in a day; active cases surpass 6,000|url=https://www.grandforksherald.com/newsmd/coronavirus/6724920-North-Dakota-reports-more-than-1000-new-cases-in-a-day-active-cases-surpass-6000|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201020171654/https://www.grandforksherald.com/newsmd/coronavirus/6724920-North-Dakota-reports-more-than-1000-new-cases-in-a-day-active-cases-surpass-6000 |archive-date=October 20, 2020 |access-date=2020-10-20|website=Grand Forks Herald|language=en}} To alleviate a backlog in notifying those who had tested positive, it was announced that part of the North Dakota National Guard's resources would be shifted away from contact tracing, and that those who test positive would be instructed to identify and notify close contacts themselves.{{Cite web|last=Turley|first=Jeremy|date=2020-10-20|title=Overwhelmed by cases, North Dakota tells residents with COVID-19 to do their own contact tracing|url=https://www.grandforksherald.com/newsmd/coronavirus/6726337-Overwhelmed-by-cases-North-Dakota-tells-residents-with-COVID-19-to-do-their-own-contact-tracing|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201021202356/https://www.grandforksherald.com/newsmd/coronavirus/6726337-Overwhelmed-by-cases-North-Dakota-tells-residents-with-COVID-19-to-do-their-own-contact-tracing |archive-date=October 21, 2020 |access-date=2020-12-27|website=Grand Forks Herald|language=en}}{{Cite web|title=NDDoH takes action to prioritize faster results on COVID-19 tests, adjust contact tracing process|url=https://www.health.nd.gov/news/nddoh-takes-action-prioritize-faster-results-covid-19-tests-adjust-contact-tracing-process|access-date=2020-12-27|website=Department of Health|language=en}} Over the previous week, North Dakota led the country in new cases and deaths per-capita; the Financial Times projected that North Dakota would have the most cases per-million residents worldwide if it were its own country.{{Cite web|last=Griffith|first=Michelle|date=2020-10-21|title=If North Dakota was a country, it would have the world's worst confirmed COVID-19 outbreak, one analysis shows|url=https://www.grandforksherald.com/newsmd/coronavirus/6727167-If-North-Dakota-was-a-country-it-would-have-the-worlds-worst-confirmed-COVID-19-outbreak-one-analysis-shows|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201021221734/https://www.grandforksherald.com/newsmd/coronavirus/6727167-If-North-Dakota-was-a-country-it-would-have-the-worlds-worst-confirmed-COVID-19-outbreak-one-analysis-shows |archive-date=October 21, 2020 |access-date=2020-10-21|website=Grand Forks Herald|language=en}}{{Cite web|last=Fox|first=Brooke|date=2020-10-21|editor-last=Stabe|editor-first=Martin|title=Coronavirus tracked: has the epidemic peaked near you?|url=https://ig.ft.com/coronavirus-chart|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200504112323/https://ig.ft.com/coronavirus-chart/ |archive-date=May 4, 2020 |access-date=2020-10-21|website=Financial Times|publisher=The Financial Times Limited|language=en-gb}}
On October 23, the state exceeded 29,000 recoveries. The state began to obtain 30,000 rapid testing kits.{{Cite web|last=Olson|first=Tim|date=2020-10-23|title=30,000 rapid COVID-19 tests have arrived in North Dakota|url=https://www.kxnet.com/news/local-news/30000-rapid-covid-19-tests-have-arrived-in-north-dakota/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201027073000/https://www.kxnet.com/news/local-news/30000-rapid-covid-19-tests-have-arrived-in-north-dakota/ |archive-date=October 27, 2020 |access-date=2020-10-23|website=KX NEWS|language=en-US}} Governor Burgum announced that the state would refrain from reporting persons who had underlying conditions that died of COVID-19, as to not give residents "a false sense of security surrounding their risk."{{Cite web|last1=Svihovec|first1=Travis|last2=Nelson|first2=Sam|last3=Dura|first3=Jack|date=2020-10-23|title=North Dakota's active COVID cases, hospitalizations reach new highs|url=https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/health/north-dakotas-active-covid-cases-hospitalizations-reach-new-highs/article_af1a8939-1d4c-5c90-a17e-ef1bbc7996c3.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201024013050/https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/health/north-dakotas-active-covid-cases-hospitalizations-reach-new-highs/article_af1a8939-1d4c-5c90-a17e-ef1bbc7996c3.html |archive-date=October 24, 2020 |access-date=2020-10-23|website=Bismarck Tribune|language=en}} With a December 30 deadline to spend the funds distributed to North Dakota by the CARES Act, the state energy commission voted in favor of diverting $16 million to fund the oil industry with hydraulic fracturing operations, with the Legislative body expecting to take a final vote the following week.{{Cite web|last=Connor|first=Tracy|date=2020-10-25|title=North Dakota Wants to Divert $16M in COVID Stimulus Funds to Fracking|url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/north-dakota-wants-to-divert-dollar16m-in-covid-stimulus-funds-to-fracking|access-date=2020-10-26|website=The Daily Beast|language=en}}{{Cite web|last=Willis|first=Adam|date=2020-10-23|title=North Dakota officials look to shift $16M in federal coronavirus stimulus funds to fracking grants|url=https://www.inforum.com/news/government-and-politics/6731365-North-Dakota-officials-look-to-shift-16M-in-federal-coronavirus-stimulus-funds-to-fracking-grants|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201025235441/https://www.inforum.com/news/government-and-politics/6731365-North-Dakota-officials-look-to-shift-16M-in-federal-coronavirus-stimulus-funds-to-fracking-grants |archive-date=October 25, 2020 |access-date=2020-10-26|website=INFORUM|language=en}}
On October 26, North Dakota exceeded 38,000 cases.{{Cite web|last=Turley|first=Jeremy|date=2020-10-26|title=White House COVID-19 doctor clashes with North Dakota governor on mask mandate|url=https://www.grandforksherald.com/newsmd/coronavirus/6734268-White-House-COVID-19-doctor-clashes-with-North-Dakota-governor-on-mask-mandate|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201027042530/https://www.grandforksherald.com/newsmd/coronavirus/6734268-White-House-COVID-19-doctor-clashes-with-North-Dakota-governor-on-mask-mandate |archive-date=October 27, 2020 |access-date=2020-10-26|website=Grand Forks Herald|language=en}} The first meeting of North Dakota's COVID-19 Vaccination Ethics Committee was conducted, which would discuss how prospective COVID-19 vaccines would be distributed in the state. The committee would report to the state's COVID-19 Unified Command, which would make the final decisions on allocation of the vaccine.{{Cite web|last=Nicholson|first=Blake|date=2020-10-26|title=COVID-19 hospitalizations hit new high in North Dakota; group talks vaccination ethics|url=https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/health/covid-19-hospitalizations-hit-new-high-in-north-dakota-group-talks-vaccination-ethics/article_126f3bdf-6d37-5399-b3b0-00db2b05cf7a.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201027000017/https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/health/covid-19-hospitalizations-hit-new-high-in-north-dakota-group-talks-vaccination-ethics/article_126f3bdf-6d37-5399-b3b0-00db2b05cf7a.html |archive-date=October 27, 2020 |access-date=2020-10-26|website=Bismarck Tribune|language=en}} By October 28, Cass County alone had recorded over 8,000 cases to-date.{{Cite web|last=Darnay|first=Keith|date=2020-10-28|title=12 deaths, 781 new COVID-19 cases in ND; active cases statewide are 6,247|url=https://www.kxnet.com/news/state-news/12-deaths-781-new-covid-19-cases-in-nd-active-cases-statewide-are-6247/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201030114432/https://www.kxnet.com/news/state-news/12-deaths-781-new-covid-19-cases-in-nd-active-cases-statewide-are-6247/ |archive-date=October 30, 2020 |access-date=2020-10-28|website=KX NEWS|language=en-US}} On October 29, the state exceeded 40,000 confirmed cases. In a press briefing, Governor Burgum warned that North Dakota was headed towards a "challenging time", and considering it the beginning of a fall surge.{{Cite web|last1=Nicholson|first1=Blake|last2=Dura|first2=Jack|date=2020-10-30|title=North Dakota COVID-19 data sets 3 records; Burgum warns of 'challenging times' ahead|url=https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/health/north-dakota-covid-19-data-sets-3-records-burgum-warns-of-challenging-times-ahead/article_14d9a70c-37fa-57d0-8cd8-0c8679387eeb.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201030180514/https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/health/north-dakota-covid-19-data-sets-3-records-burgum-warns-of-challenging-times-ahead/article_14d9a70c-37fa-57d0-8cd8-0c8679387eeb.html |archive-date=October 30, 2020 |access-date=2020-10-30|website=Bismarck Tribune|language=en}} On October 30, North Dakota exceeded 500 total deaths,{{Cite web|last=Nicholson|first=Blake|date=2020-10-30|title=4 COVID-19 records set in North Dakota; Burleigh-Morton active cases at pandemic high|url=https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/health/4-covid-19-records-set-in-north-dakota-burleigh-morton-active-cases-at-pandemic-high/article_a1f19c9f-b9cd-577e-9b26-e2c92f5dfd82.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201030180333/https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/health/4-covid-19-records-set-in-north-dakota-burleigh-morton-active-cases-at-pandemic-high/article_a1f19c9f-b9cd-577e-9b26-e2c92f5dfd82.html |archive-date=October 30, 2020 |access-date=2020-10-30|website=Bismarck Tribune|language=en}} and recorded a single-day record of 1,443 new cases.{{Cite web|last=Evanella|first=Thomas|date=2020-10-31|title=North Dakota reports single-day record for new COVID-19 cases, capping pandemic's deadliest month|url=https://www.grandforksherald.com/newsmd/coronavirus/6742720-North-Dakota-reports-single-day-record-for-new-COVID-19-cases-capping-pandemics-deadliest-month|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101004554/https://www.grandforksherald.com/newsmd/coronavirus/6742720-North-Dakota-reports-single-day-record-for-new-COVID-19-cases-capping-pandemics-deadliest-month |archive-date=November 1, 2020 |access-date=2020-11-01|website=Grand Forks Herald|language=en}}
In total, North Dakota saw a 112% increase in the number of active cases over the month, and it accounted for nearly half of all of North Dakota's total deaths to that point.{{Cite web|last=Griffith|first=Michelle|date=2020-10-30|title=Another grim milestone leaves North Dakota 'stunned and hurting' with over 500 COVID-19 deaths|url=https://www.inforum.com/newsmd/coronavirus/6738808-Another-grim-milestone-leaves-North-Dakota-stunned-and-hurting-with-over-500-COVID-19-deaths|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201031060128/https://www.inforum.com/newsmd/coronavirus/6738808-Another-grim-milestone-leaves-North-Dakota-stunned-and-hurting-with-over-500-COVID-19-deaths |archive-date=October 31, 2020 |access-date=2020-11-02|website=INFORUM|language=en}} From mid-October, the positivity rate had dropped by 4.45% to 15.23%.{{Cite web|last=Rizzari|first=Taylor|date=2020-11-01|title=7 deaths, 1,128 new COVID-19 cases in ND; active cases statewide are 8,370|url=https://www.kxnet.com/news/local-news/7-deaths-1128-new-covid-19-cases-in-nd-active-cases-statewide-are-8370/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201102025509/https://www.kxnet.com/news/local-news/7-deaths-1128-new-covid-19-cases-in-nd-active-cases-statewide-are-8370/ |archive-date=November 2, 2020 |access-date=2020-11-01|website=KX NEWS|language=en-US}}
= November 2020 =
In the 2020 North Dakota elections on November 3, David Andahl — who had died from COVID-19 complications on October 5 —posthumously won an election for a seat in the North Dakota House of Representatives. Since 2000, only five other candidates have won their elections posthumously in the United States.{{cite web |last=Kaur |first=Harmeet |date=2020-11-04 |title=A North Dakota state legislature candidate who died from Covid-19 appears to have won his election |url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/11/04/politics/north-dakota-candidate-died-covid-wins-election-trnd/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201121073424/https://www.cnn.com/2020/11/04/politics/north-dakota-candidate-died-covid-wins-election-trnd/index.html |archive-date=2020-11-21 |access-date=2020-11-04 |website=CNN}}
After 1,540 new cases were reported on November 5, North Dakota exceeded 50,000 confirmed cases.{{cite news |date=2020-11-05 |title=North Dakota sets records for COVID-19 deaths, cases and hospitalizations |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/north-dakota-coronavirus-records-deaths-cases-hospitalizations/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201201104535/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/north-dakota-coronavirus-records-deaths-cases-hospitalizations/ |archive-date=2020-12-01 |access-date=2020-11-09 |website=cbsnews.com |publisher=CBS Interactive |language=en-US}} On November 6, the state exceeded 600 deaths. The Department of Health reported that 1 in 15 residents of North Dakota had tested positive for COVID-19.{{cite web |last=Darnay |first=Keith |date=2020-11-06 |title=17 deaths, 1,764 new COVID-19 cases in ND; active cases statewide are 9,814 |url=https://www.kxnet.com/news/state-news/17-deaths-1764-new-covid-19-cases-in-nd-active-cases-statewide-are-9814/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127011903/https://www.kxnet.com/news/state-news/17-deaths-1764-new-covid-19-cases-in-nd-active-cases-statewide-are-9814/ |archive-date=2020-11-27 |access-date=2020-11-09 |website=kxnet.com |publisher=KX NEWS |language=en-US}}{{cite news |last=Griffith |first=Michelle |date=2020-11-06 |title=1 in 15 North Dakotans has tested COVID-19 positive |url=https://www.grandforksherald.com/newsmd/coronavirus/6751087-1-in-15-North-Dakotans-has-tested-COVID-19-positive |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201121004715/https://www.grandforksherald.com/newsmd/coronavirus/6751087-1-in-15-North-Dakotans-has-tested-COVID-19-positive |archive-date=2020-11-21 |access-date=2020-11-09 |website=Grand Forks Herald |language=en-US}} The department also revealed the state's first confirmed case of multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) in a child.{{cite web |date=2020-11-06 |title=North Dakota Department of Health reports first child with Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome and COVID-19 |url=https://www.health.nd.gov/news/north-dakota-department-health-reports-first-child-multisystem-inflammatory-syndrome-and-covid |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201106223048/https://www.health.nd.gov/news/north-dakota-department-health-reports-first-child-multisystem-inflammatory-syndrome-and-covid |archive-date=2020-11-06 |access-date=2020-11-09 |website=North Dakota Department of Health |language=en-US }}{{cite web |last= |first= |date=2020-11-06 |title=North Dakota Department of Health reports first child with Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome and COVID-19 |url=https://www.kfyrtv.com/2020/11/06/north-dakota-department-of-health-reports-first-child-with-multisystem-inflammatory-syndrome-and-covid-19/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201114103756/https://www.kfyrtv.com/2020/11/06/north-dakota-department-of-health-reports-first-child-with-multisystem-inflammatory-syndrome-and-covid-19/ |archive-date=2020-11-14 |access-date=2020-11-09 |website=kfyrtv.com |publisher=KYFR |language=en-US |location=Bismarck, North Dakota}}
On November 9, Governor Burgum announced that all state hospitals were full, and that all counties would therefore be raised to level orange on the Smart Restart system. To alleviate health care staffing shortages, the Governor called for asymptomatic health care workers to continue to work in hospital systems' COVID-19 units and in nursing homes, and for the further implementation of surge plans.{{cite news |last=Turley |first=Jeremy |date=2020-11-09|title=With North Dakota hospitals at 100% capacity, Burgum announces COVID-positive nurses can stay at work |url=https://www.grandforksherald.com/newsmd/coronavirus/6753876-With-North-Dakota-hospitals-at-100-capacity-Burgum-announces-COVID-positive-nurses-can-stay-at-work |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201201143415/https://www.grandforksherald.com/newsmd/coronavirus/6753876-With-North-Dakota-hospitals-at-100-capacity-Burgum-announces-COVID-positive-nurses-can-stay-at-work |archive-date=2020-12-01 |access-date=2020-11-10 |website=Grand Forks Herald |language=en-US}} The North Dakota Nurses Association objected to the proposal, citing a potential decline in workers due to growing fatigue and inadvertently creating more avenues for the virus to spread. Two executive directors from the association renewed calls for a statewide mask mandate further public health measures before considering the proposed policy.{{cite news |last1=Sykes |first1=Stefan |last2=Hylton |first2=Antonia |last3=Berk |first3=Emily |date=2020-11-11 |title=North Dakota lets healthcare workers with Covid stay on job as record surge strains hospitals|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/north-dakota-lets-healthcare-workers-covid-stay-job-record-surge-n1247487 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201130233016/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/north-dakota-lets-healthcare-workers-covid-stay-job-record-surge-n1247487 |archive-date=2020-11-30 |access-date=2020-11-12 |website=NBC News |language=en-US}}{{cite news |last=Turley |first=Jeremy |date=2020-11-11 |title=ND nurses reject policy allowing COVID-positive medical workers to stay on job, call for mask mandate |url=https://www.grandforksherald.com/newsmd/coronavirus/6757394-ND-nurses-reject-policy-allowing-COVID-positive-medical-workers-to-stay-on-job-call-for-mask-mandate |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201118185605/https://www.grandforksherald.com/newsmd/coronavirus/6757394-ND-nurses-reject-policy-allowing-COVID-positive-medical-workers-to-stay-on-job-call-for-mask-mandate |archive-date=2020-11-18 |access-date=2020-11-12 |website=grandforksherald.com |publisher=Grand Forks Herald |language=en-US}}
On November 13, Governor Burgum announced a series of new public health orders, including a state-wide mask mandate.{{cite web|last=|first=|date=2020-11-13|title=Burgum announces new requirements for businesses, gatherings and masks, delays winter activities|url=https://www.health.nd.gov/news/burgum-announces-new-requirements-businesses-gatherings-and-masks-delays-winter-activities|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201130101646/https://www.health.nd.gov/news/burgum-announces-new-requirements-businesses-gatherings-and-masks-delays-winter-activities|archive-date=2020-11-30|access-date=2020-11-15|website=North Dakota Department of Health|language=en-US}}{{cite news|last=Shannon|first=Joel|date=2020-11-14|title=The Dakotas are 'as bad as it gets anywhere in the world' for COVID-19|language=en-US|website=USA Today|publisher=|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/11/14/covid-19-north-south-dakota-masks-kristi-noem/6237635002/|url-status=live|access-date=2020-11-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201201194547/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/11/14/covid-19-north-south-dakota-masks-kristi-noem/6237635002/|archive-date=2020-12-01}}{{cite news|last=Turley|first=Jeremy|date=2020-11-13|title=North Dakota enacts statewide mask mandate, restrictions on businesses as COVID-19 outbreak rages|language=en-US|website=Grand Forks Herald|url=https://www.grandforksherald.com/newsmd/coronavirus/6762637-North-Dakota-enacts-statewide-mask-mandate-restrictions-on-businesses-as-COVID-19-outbreak-rages|url-status=live|access-date=2020-11-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201119143306/https://www.grandforksherald.com/newsmd/coronavirus/6762637-North-Dakota-enacts-statewide-mask-mandate-restrictions-on-businesses-as-COVID-19-outbreak-rages|archive-date=2020-11-19}} On November 15, North Dakota exceeded 63,000 positive cases of COVID-19.{{Cite web|last=Jachim|first=Nick|date=2020-11-15|title=10 deaths, 935 new COVID-19 cases in ND; active cases statewide are 11,124|url=https://www.kxnet.com/covid-19/10-deaths-935-new-covid-19-cases-in-nd-active-cases-statewide-are-11124/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116031626/https://www.kxnet.com/covid-19/10-deaths-935-new-covid-19-cases-in-nd-active-cases-statewide-are-11124/ |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |access-date=2020-11-15|website=KX NEWS|language=en-US}} On November 17, the Federation of American Scientists projected that North Dakota had the highest mortality rate from COVID-19 of any state or country nationwide, at 18.2 per 1 million residents.{{Cite web|last=Budryk|first=Zack|date=2020-11-17|title=North Dakota records world's highest COVID-19 mortality rate|url=https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/526324-north-dakota-records-worlds-highest-covid-19-mortality-rate|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201117173338/https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/526324-north-dakota-records-worlds-highest-covid-19-mortality-rate |archive-date=November 17, 2020 |access-date=2020-11-17|website=The Hill|language=en}} On November 19, Governor Burgum announced that 60 Air Force Nurses would be deployed to North Dakota per a request for more medical personnel from FEMA by November 21 to six different hospitals throughout four cities in the state.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=2020-11-19|title=North Dakota to receive 60 Air Force nurses to assist with COVID-19 response|url=https://www.kfyrtv.com/2020/11/20/north-dakota-to-receive-60-air-force-nurses-to-assist-with-covid-19-response/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201120023907/https://www.kfyrtv.com/2020/11/20/north-dakota-to-receive-60-air-force-nurses-to-assist-with-covid-19-response/ |archive-date=November 20, 2020 |access-date=2020-11-20|website=kfyrtv.com|language=en}} The North Dakota National Guard surpassed the record of personnel days worked in response to the 2011 Souris River flood, making the response to COVID-19 the largest and longest of the state's mobilization in the history.{{Cite web|last=Abrahamson|first=Warren|date=2020-11-20|title=N.D. Guard Reaches Milestone in COVID Support|url=https://www.newsdakota.com/2020/11/19/n-d-guard-reaches-milestone-in-covid-support/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201125143847/https://www.newsdakota.com/2020/11/19/n-d-guard-reaches-milestone-in-covid-support/ |archive-date=November 25, 2020 |access-date=2020-11-20|website=News Dakota|language=en-US}}
By November 20, North Dakota had exceeded 70,000 cases and 800 deaths.{{Cite web|date=2020-11-20|title=Watch: North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum holds Friday, Nov. 20, press briefing on COVID-19 pandemic|url=https://www.grandforksherald.com/newsmd/coronavirus/6769094-LIVE-North-Dakota-Gov.-Doug-Burgum-holds-press-briefing-on-COVID-19-pandemic|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201120173808/https://www.grandforksherald.com/newsmd/coronavirus/6769094-LIVE-North-Dakota-Gov.-Doug-Burgum-holds-press-briefing-on-COVID-19-pandemic |archive-date=November 20, 2020 |access-date=2020-11-20|website=Grand Forks Herald|language=en}}{{Cite web|last1=Nelson|first1=Sam|last2=Dura|first2=Jack|date=2020-11-20|title=Total North Dakota COVID-19 cases surpass 70,000|url=https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/health/total-north-dakota-covid-19-cases-surpass-70-000/article_81168fbe-6bdc-5738-bfc9-63a94e4fc237.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201121151618/https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/health/total-north-dakota-covid-19-cases-surpass-70-000/article_81168fbe-6bdc-5738-bfc9-63a94e4fc237.html |archive-date=November 21, 2020 |access-date=2020-11-20|website=Bismarck Tribune|language=en}} On November 23, the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) forecast that the state would 322–808 more COVID-19 deaths by December 30.{{Cite web|last1=Turley|first1=Jeremy|last2=Springer|first2=Patrick|date=2020-11-23|title=Until vaccine arrives, North Dakotans hold keys to curbing state's COVID-19 crisis, experts say|url=https://www.grandforksherald.com/newsmd/coronavirus/6773189-Until-vaccine-arrives-North-Dakotans-hold-keys-to-curbing-states-COVID-19-crisis-experts-say|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201123122556/https://www.grandforksherald.com/newsmd/coronavirus/6773189-Until-vaccine-arrives-North-Dakotans-hold-keys-to-curbing-states-COVID-19-crisis-experts-say |archive-date=November 23, 2020 |access-date=2020-11-23|website=Grand Forks Herald|language=en}}{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=2020-11-22|title=LANL COVID-19 Cases and Deaths Forecasts|url=https://covid-19.bsvgateway.org/#top|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201123172805/https://covid-19.bsvgateway.org/#top|archive-date=2020-11-23|access-date=2020-11-23|website=covid-19.bsvgateway.org|publisher=Los Alamos National Laboratory}} On November 27, the state exceeded 900 deaths.{{Cite web|last=Griffith|first=Michelle|date=2020-11-27|title=North Dakota surpasses 900 COVID-19 deaths|url=https://www.grandforksherald.com/newsmd/coronavirus/6779810-North-Dakota-surpasses-900-COVID-19-deaths|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127173127/https://www.grandforksherald.com/newsmd/coronavirus/6779810-North-Dakota-surpasses-900-COVID-19-deaths |archive-date=November 27, 2020 |access-date=2020-11-29|website=Grand Forks Herald|language=en}} On November 29, active cases of COVID-19 in the state dropped for a seventh day in a row below 7,000, however COVID-19 related hospitalizations continued to climb.{{Cite web|last=Nicholson|first=Blake|date=2020-11-29|title=Active COVID-19 cases in North Dakota down by one-third over the week|url=https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/health/active-covid-19-cases-in-north-dakota-down-by-one-third-over-the-week/article_53a36305-2a7c-56bd-981e-cbb9263af0dd.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201129173715/https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/health/active-covid-19-cases-in-north-dakota-down-by-one-third-over-the-week/article_53a36305-2a7c-56bd-981e-cbb9263af0dd.html |archive-date=November 29, 2020 |access-date=2020-11-30|website=Bismarck Tribune|language=en}}
By the end of November, it was estimated that approximately 1 in 800 North Dakota residents had died from COVID-19.{{Cite web|title=Did 1 in 800 North Dakotans Die from COVID-19 by December 2020?|url=https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/one-800-north-dakota-covid/|access-date=2020-12-24|website=Snopes.com|date=December 4, 2020 |language=en-US}}
= December 2020 =
Following three previous months of rising active cases, North Dakota saw near 50% drop in cases over the past several weeks. The drop in active cases was attributed to further mitigation efforts and mask mandates on the local and state level.{{Cite web|last=Turley|first=Jeremy|date=2020-12-02|title=Why are active COVID-19 cases dropping in North Dakota? The answer's not that simple|url=https://www.grandforksherald.com/newsmd/coronavirus/6784857-Why-are-active-COVID-19-cases-dropping-in-North-Dakota-The-answers-not-that-simple|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201202221038/https://www.grandforksherald.com/newsmd/coronavirus/6784857-Why-are-active-COVID-19-cases-dropping-in-North-Dakota-The-answers-not-that-simple |archive-date=December 2, 2020 |access-date=2020-12-02|website=Grand Forks Herald|language=en}}
On December 5, North Dakota exceeded 1,000 deaths.{{Cite web|last=Evanella|first=Thomas|date=2020-12-05|title=North Dakota surpasses 1,000 COVID-19 deaths|url=https://www.grandforksherald.com/newsmd/coronavirus/6789373-North-Dakota-surpasses-1000-COVID-19-deaths|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201205181241/https://www.grandforksherald.com/newsmd/coronavirus/6789373-North-Dakota-surpasses-1000-COVID-19-deaths |archive-date=December 5, 2020 |access-date=2020-12-05|website=Grand Forks Herald|language=en}} The state was fourth-highest in new cases per-capita.{{Cite web|date=2020-12-06|title=North Dakota drops to 4th in the country for new virus cases|url=https://www.kxnet.com/news/local-news/north-dakota-drops-to-4th-in-the-country-for-new-virus-cases/|access-date=2020-12-06|website=KX NEWS|language=en-US}}
On December 9, Governor Burgum extended the November 13 orders, with continued occupancy restrictions lasting until January 8, 2021, and the mask mandate until January 18, 2021, citing the continued strain on the hospital system.{{Cite web|last=Turley|first=Jeremy|date=2020-12-09|title=North Dakota extends mask mandate, business restrictions as active COVID-19 cases come down|url=https://www.grandforksherald.com/newsmd/coronavirus/6794363-North-Dakota-extends-mask-mandate-business-restrictions-as-active-COVID-19-cases-come-down|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201209231943/https://www.grandforksherald.com/newsmd/coronavirus/6794363-North-Dakota-extends-mask-mandate-business-restrictions-as-active-COVID-19-cases-come-down |archive-date=December 9, 2020 |access-date=2020-12-14|website=Grand Forks Herald|language=en}}
On December 13, North Dakota reported no coronavirus-related fatalities for the first time since September, with active cases of COVID-19 dropping below 3,000.{{Cite web|last=Nicholson|first=Blake|date=2020-12-13|title=North Dakota reports no COVID-19 deaths for 1st time in nearly 3 months; doctors thank community|url=https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/health/north-dakota-reports-no-covid-19-deaths-for-1st-time-in-nearly-3-months-doctors/article_c5d30ed0-c73b-5799-82d5-c5893cbe9d00.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201213191445/https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/health/north-dakota-reports-no-covid-19-deaths-for-1st-time-in-nearly-3-months-doctors/article_c5d30ed0-c73b-5799-82d5-c5893cbe9d00.html |archive-date=December 13, 2020 |access-date=2020-12-14|website=Bismarck Tribune|language=en}} On December 14, the state received the first initial doses of the Pfizer–BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine after being approved under an Emergency Use Authorization.{{Cite web|last1=Springer|first1=Patrick|last2=Turley|first2=Jeremy|date=2020-12-14|title=LIVE at 1 p.m.: Sanford gets its first doses of COVID-19 vaccine in Fargo and Bismarck|url=https://www.inforum.com/newsmd/coronavirus/6800499-LIVE-at-1-p.m.-Sanford-gets-its-first-doses-of-COVID-19-vaccine-in-Fargo-and-Bismarck|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201214180442/https://www.inforum.com/newsmd/coronavirus/6800499-LIVE-at-1-p.m.-Sanford-gets-its-first-doses-of-COVID-19-vaccine-in-Fargo-and-Bismarck |archive-date=December 14, 2020 |access-date=2020-12-14|website=INFORUM|language=en}}
On December 17, North Dakota exceeded 1,200 deaths.{{Cite web|last=Griffith|first=Michelle|date=2020-12-17|title=North Dakota surpasses 1,200 COVID-19 deaths|url=https://www.inforum.com/newsmd/coronavirus/6806365-North-Dakota-surpasses-1200-COVID-19-deaths|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201217182500/https://www.inforum.com/newsmd/coronavirus/6806365-North-Dakota-surpasses-1200-COVID-19-deaths |archive-date=December 17, 2020 |access-date=2020-12-18|website=INFORUM|language=en}} By December 19, total COVID-19 cases in North Dakota exceeded 90,000.{{Cite web|last=Haney|first=Don|title=North Dakota's rate of new COVID cases continues to decrease compared to other states|url=https://kfgo.com/2020/12/21/north-dakotas-rate-of-new-covid-cases-continues-to-decrease-composed-to-other-states/|access-date=2020-12-22|website=The Mighty 790 KFGO {{!}} KFGO|language=en}}
On December 21, North Dakota health officials stated that contract tracing had become "more manageable" due to the decreasing infection rate, determining that it could restart full operations within the week after being halted in October.{{Cite web|last=Turley|first=Jeremy|date=2020-12-21|title=North Dakota to resume contact tracing as COVID-19 case count shrinks|url=https://www.grandforksherald.com/newsmd/coronavirus/6811188-North-Dakota-to-resume-contact-tracing-as-COVID-19-case-count-shrinks|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201221211858/https://www.grandforksherald.com/newsmd/coronavirus/6811188-North-Dakota-to-resume-contact-tracing-as-COVID-19-case-count-shrinks |archive-date=December 21, 2020 |access-date=2020-12-21|website=Grand Forks Herald|language=en}}
= January 2021 =
On January 2, new data including coronavirus numbers from the New Year's Day holiday put North Dakota's death toll past 1,300 cumulatively.{{Cite web|date=2021-01-02|title=North Dakota's pandemic death toll surpasses 1,300|url=https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/health/north-dakotas-pandemic-death-toll-surpasses-1-300/article_1f9fe589-f459-5cc8-9017-28c21f6ea4ae.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210102185331/https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/health/north-dakotas-pandemic-death-toll-surpasses-1-300/article_1f9fe589-f459-5cc8-9017-28c21f6ea4ae.html |archive-date=January 2, 2021 |access-date=2021-01-02|website=Bismarck Tribune|language=en}}
By January 4, the state's rolling average was now 4.4%. Governor Burgum announced that the state-wide risk level would be lowered from orange to yellow ("Moderate") on January 8, allowing an easing of capacity limits on bars, restaurants, and event venues.{{Cite web|date=2021-01-04|title=Burgum loosens COVID-19 restrictions on bars, restaurants|url=https://www.kvrr.com/2021/01/04/burgum-loosens-covid-19-restrictions-on-bars-restaurants/|access-date=2021-01-11|website=KVRR Local News|language=en-US}}
On January 15, Governor Burgum further announced that the state would drop its mask mandate and capacity restrictions for businesses on January 18, becoming guidelines no longer enforced as health orders. Burgum stated that active cases in the state had fallen by 80% since the strengthened measures were announced in November, and that the state's seven-day average was among the lowest nationwide.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=2021-01-21|title=Sask. watches as North Dakota continues to flatten the COVID-19 curve|url=https://regina.ctvnews.ca/sask-watches-as-north-dakota-continues-to-flatten-the-covid-19-curve-1.5276121|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121134548/https://regina.ctvnews.ca/sask-watches-as-north-dakota-continues-to-flatten-the-covid-19-curve-1.5276121 |archive-date=January 21, 2021 |access-date=2021-01-21|website=CTV News Regina|language=en}}{{Cite web|last=Turley|first=Jeremy|date=2021-01-15|title=North Dakota's statewide mask mandate will expire next week, Burgum says|url=https://www.grandforksherald.com/newsmd/coronavirus/6842585-North-Dakotas-statewide-mask-mandate-will-expire-next-week-Burgum-says|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210115214941/https://www.grandforksherald.com/newsmd/coronavirus/6842585-North-Dakotas-statewide-mask-mandate-will-expire-next-week-Burgum-says |archive-date=January 15, 2021 |access-date=2021-01-21|website=Grand Forks Herald|language=en}}
= February 2021 =
By February 7, North Dakota had the most COVID-19 cases per capita.{{Cite web|last=Renton|first=Adam|date=2021-02-07|title=February 7, 2021 coronavirus news|url=https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/coronavirus-pandemic-vaccine-updates-02-07-21/h_e1135170db037fbf2be19d8322e20926|url-status=live|access-date=2021-03-07|website=CNN|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210209070808/https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/coronavirus-pandemic-vaccine-updates-02-07-21/h_e1135170db037fbf2be19d8322e20926 |archive-date=February 9, 2021 }}
= March 2021 =
On March 11, North Dakota commemorated the one-year anniversary of the first COVID-19 case being identified in the state.{{Cite web|last=Nelson|first=Darsha|date=2021-03-11|title=Gov. Burgum reflects on pandemic one year after first COVID-19 case was identified in North Dakota|url=https://www.newscenter1.tv/gov-burgum-reflects-on-pandemic-one-year-after-first-covid-19-case-was-identified-in-north-dakota/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-03-30|website=KNBN NewsCenter1|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210312053021/https://www.newscenter1.tv/gov-burgum-reflects-on-pandemic-one-year-after-first-covid-19-case-was-identified-in-north-dakota/ |archive-date=March 12, 2021 }}
= April 2021 =
On April 20, 2021, the Canadian province of Manitoba announced an agreement with North Dakota to open vaccination clinics on the United States border for Manitoba truck drivers entering the United States on assignment.{{Cite web|last=Rosen|first=Kayla|date=2021-04-20|title=North Dakota to give Manitoba truck drivers the COVID-19 vaccine|url=https://winnipeg.ctvnews.ca/north-dakota-to-give-manitoba-truck-drivers-the-covid-19-vaccine-1.5394696|access-date=2021-04-20|website=CTV News Winnipeg|language=en}}
Response
North Dakota's COVID-19 Unified Command team was initially led by state health officer Mylynn Tufte and North Dakota National Guard adjutant general Alan Dohrmann. Additional members include North Dakota University System Chancellor, Mark Hargerott, and State Superintendent, Kristen Baesler.{{Cite web|last=staff|first=Bismarck Tribune|title=North Dakota coronavirus news, March 15: COVID-19 Unified Command meets|url=https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/health/north-dakota-coronavirus-news-march-15-covid-19-unified-command-meets/article_46764b47-a6f2-552f-aede-5640128c0fd5.html|access-date=2020-05-19|website=Bismarck Tribune|date=March 15, 2020 |language=en}}
Following the state's first confirmed case, guidance was issued on the organization of events and gatherings based on three risk thresholds. The state also recommended that long-term care facilities limit visitors to immediate family for residents in critical or end-of-life care.{{cite web|first=|date=2020-03-13|title=North Dakota coronavirus news, March 13: State releases event recommendations|url=https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/health/north-dakota-coronavirus-news-march-13-state-releases-event-recommendations/article_3001e33b-0db4-5538-8f8c-950d270ab38b.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200728235545/https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/health/north-dakota-coronavirus-news-march-13-state-releases-event-recommendations/article_3001e33b-0db4-5538-8f8c-950d270ab38b.html|archive-date=2020-07-28|access-date=2020-05-19|website=The Bismarck Tribune|language=en-US}} On March 19, Governor Burgum ordered the closure of dine-in restaurants, cinemas and entertainment venues, and gyms. Access to state facilities was also limited.{{cite news|title=Burgum orders bars, restaurants closed to on-site patrons; provides additional guidance for K-12 schools|language=en|work=North Dakota Office of the Governor|url=https://www.governor.nd.gov/news/burgum-orders-bars-restaurants-closed-site-patrons-provides-additional-guidance-k-12-schools|access-date=20 March 2020}}{{cite news|title=North Dakota coronavirus news, March 19: State facilities access restricted|language=en|work=Bismarck Tribune|url=https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/health/north-dakota-coronavirus-news-march-open-government-urged/article_482cf266-662b-5e1c-a453-9faf227bdffb.html|access-date=20 March 2020}}
On March 24, Governor Burgum issued an executive order halting in-person North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) administrative hearings and eliminated load restrictions on state highways. On March 26, Burgum expanded vote-by-mail flexibility by waiving the requirement to have in-person voting facilities for counties.{{Cite web|date=2020-03-26|title=New Developments from the Governor: 13 New Cases of Coronavirus on March 26|url=https://www.kxnet.com/news/top-stories/13-new-cases-of-coronavirus-on-march-26/|access-date=2020-05-21|website=KX NEWS|language=en-US}}
On March 27, personal care services were added to the previously issued executive order.{{Cite web|last=DURA|first=BLAKE NICHOLSON, JACK|title=North Dakota has first COVID-19 death; governor closes hair salons, tattoo shops|url=https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/health/north-dakota-has-first-covid-19-death-governor-closes-hair-salons-tattoo-shops/article_8bc9a234-7249-5ca2-a981-8b442645a25a.html|access-date=2020-12-23|website=Bismarck Tribune|date=March 27, 2020 |language=en}} On March 29, Burgum mandated that residents returning from travel outside of North Dakota must self-isolate for 14 days.{{Cite web|date=2020-03-29|title=North Dakota signs executive order to slow COVID-19 spread from travelers|url=https://www.kvrr.com/2020/03/28/north-dakota-signs-executive-order-to-slow-covid-19-spread-from-travelers/|access-date=2020-05-23|website=KVRR Local News|language=en-US}} On March 31, Burgum announced the establishment of the Workforce Coordination Center (WCC), which aimed to support the needs of emergency workforce that have been impacted by COVID-19.{{Cite web|title=Burgum announces Workforce Coordination Center to serve emergency needs during COVID-19 pandemic|url=https://www.health.nd.gov/news/burgum-announces-workforce-coordination-center-serve-emergency-needs-during-covid-19-pandemic|access-date=2020-05-23|website=Department of Health|language=en|archive-date=July 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200701204852/https://www.health.nd.gov/news/burgum-announces-workforce-coordination-center-serve-emergency-needs-during-covid-19-pandemic|url-status=dead}}
On April 1, the executive order closing certain businesses was extended through April 20.{{Cite web|last=Notermann|first=Jacob|date=April 2, 2020|title=Disaster Declaration approved/ business closures extended to April 20|url=https://www.kfyrtv.com/content/news/Disaster-Declaration-approved-business-closures-extended-to-April-20-569304501.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200402224859/https://www.kfyrtv.com/content/news/Disaster-Declaration-approved-business-closures-extended-to-April-20-569304501.html |archive-date=April 2, 2020 |access-date=2020-12-24|website=NBC North Dakota|language=en}} Burgum also signed a new executive order waiving the one-week waiting period to access unemployment benefits to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on individuals and household members who lost their jobs.{{Cite web|title=Burgum waives waiting period for unemployment benefits, extends business closures by two weeks|url=https://www.health.nd.gov/news/burgum-waives-waiting-period-unemployment-benefits-extends-business-closures-two-weeks|access-date=2020-05-24|website=Department of Health|language=en|archive-date=August 2, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200802144558/https://www.health.nd.gov/news/burgum-waives-waiting-period-unemployment-benefits-extends-business-closures-two-weeks|url-status=dead}} On April 7, a formal executive order was issued to restrict visitation of long-term care homes.{{Cite web|title=Burgum signs executive orders to slow spread of COVID-19, limit visitation to nursing homes|url=https://www.health.nd.gov/news/burgum-signs-executive-orders-slow-spread-covid-19-limit-visitation-nursing-homes|access-date=2020-05-24|website=Department of Health|language=en|archive-date=July 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200701202420/https://www.health.nd.gov/news/burgum-signs-executive-orders-slow-spread-covid-19-limit-visitation-nursing-homes|url-status=dead}}
= Smart Restart =
On April 28, Governor Burgum announced "Smart Restart" guidelines for reopening bars and restaurants beginning May 1, with capacity limited to 50%. On May 15, recommendations were issued for the reopening of arenas and event venues, with a capacity of up to 250 people.{{Cite web|title=Burgum releases guidelines for large gatherings, events as part of ND Smart Restart plan|url=https://www.health.nd.gov/news/burgum-releases-guidelines-large-gatherings-events-part-nd-smart-restart-plan|access-date=2020-12-24|website=Department of Health|language=en}}
On May 22, it was announced that entertainment venues, recreation facilities, and personal care services could reopen under Smart Restart guidelines, and that some state employees would return to on-site work.{{Cite web|last=SISK|first=AMY R.|title=North Dakota Capitol, other state facilities to reopen June 1|url=https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/health/north-dakota-capitol-other-state-facilities-to-reopen-june-1/article_5b082679-41a4-59aa-a9c5-7770be74c5d2.html|access-date=2020-12-24|website=Bismarck Tribune|date=May 22, 2020 |language=en}}
On May 29, the state was downgraded from "Moderate" to "Low-risk" status on the Smart Restart plan, allowing restaurants and bars to expand to up to 75% capacity, event venues to expand to up to 75% capacity or 500 people, and cinemas to expand to 65%.
On June 9, the state approved a plan to allow 82 of its long-term care homes to begin lifting restrictions, including allowing outdoor visitation and limited indoor group activities.{{Cite web|last=Mccleary|first=Mike|date=2020-06-09|title=82 North Dakota nursing homes get state OK to begin reopening process|url=https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/health/82-north-dakota-nursing-homes-get-state-ok-to-begin-reopening-process/article_6c0216ef-55a9-521f-9725-0ab8097d07d2.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200610185814/https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/health/82-north-dakota-nursing-homes-get-state-ok-to-begin-reopening-process/article_6c0216ef-55a9-521f-9725-0ab8097d07d2.html |archive-date=June 10, 2020 |access-date=2020-09-23|website=Bismarck Tribune|language=en}}
On October 14, Governor Burgum announced that the Smart Restart plan would be updated effective October 16, with tightened restrictions on gatherings and business capacity in higher risk areas.
Amid a statewide surge, on November 13 Burgum announced new restrictions effective November 14, including requiring bars and restaurants to reduce their capacity to 50% and close from 10:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. nightly, reducing large venues to 25% of capacity, and suspending all high school winter sports and other extracurricular activities until December 14.
On December 21, the curfew for bars and restaurants was lifted due to a decrease in cases and hospitalization, but occupancy limits remained in force — having been extended through January 8.{{Cite web|last=Turley|first=Jeremy|date=2020-12-21|title=Gov. Burgum lifts curfew on North Dakota bars & restaurants, but occupancy limit remains|url=https://www.twincities.com/2020/12/21/gov-burgum-lifts-curfew-on-north-dakota-bars-restaurants-but-occupancy-limit-remains/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201222021509/https://www.twincities.com/2020/12/21/gov-burgum-lifts-curfew-on-north-dakota-bars-restaurants-but-occupancy-limit-remains/ |archive-date=December 22, 2020 |access-date=2020-12-21|website=Twin Cities|language=en-US}}
On January 8, 2021, restrictions were eased to allow bars and restaurants to expand to 65% capacity or 200 patrons (whichever is lower), and event facilities to 50% capacity.
= Face masks =
During a press briefing on May 23, Governor Burgum appealed for residents to stop "shaming" others for wearing face masks in public, arguing that they were not a political issue, and that they may be doing so to help protect vulnerable family members.{{Cite web|title=GOP governor in North Dakota gives emotional plea against 'mask shaming'|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/gop-governor-north-dakota-gives-emotional-plea-against-mask-shaming-n1213801|access-date=2020-06-03|website=NBC News|date=May 23, 2020 |language=en}}{{Cite news|last1=Blake|first1=Aaron|title=Analysis | GOP governor offers emotional plea to the anti-mask crowd: Stop this senseless culture war|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2020/05/23/doug-burgum-masks/|newspaper=Washington Post}}
In response to a heightened rate of new cases, on October 20 Mayor of Fargo Tim Mahoney utilized emergency powers to enact a citywide mask mandate.{{Cite web|last1=Olson|first1=David|last2=Amundson|first2=Barry|date=2020-10-20|title=Fargo mayor issues mask mandate amid growing COVID-19 concerns|url=https://www.inforum.com/news/government-and-politics/6724240-Fargo-mayor-issues-mask-mandate-amid-growing-COVID-19-concerns|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201020171324/https://www.inforum.com/news/government-and-politics/6724240-Fargo-mayor-issues-mask-mandate-amid-growing-COVID-19-concerns|archive-date=2020-10-20|access-date=2020-10-20|website=Inforum|language=en}} Minot also imposed a mandate through a vote by the city council voting in a (5–2) majority.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=2020-10-19|title=Minot, ND|url=https://www.minotnd.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=700|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201020170811/https://www.minotnd.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=700|archive-date=2020-10-20|access-date=2020-10-20|website=City of Minot, North Dakota|publisher=Shaun Sipma|language=en}}
In an October 26 meeting with White House Coronavirus Response Coordinator Deborah Birx, Governor Burgum stated that he did not plan to mandate masks state-wide. Although he did not contest their effectiveness, Burgum argued that it was up to residents to decide whether they wanted to or not.
On November 13, Governor Burgum announced a state-wide mask mandate. Three local sheriffs announced that they would refuse to enforce the mandate.{{Cite web|last=Haney|first=Don|date=2020-11-16|title=UPDATE: Three North Dakota sheriffs won't enforce Governor Burgum's new COVID mandates|url=https://kfgo.com/2020/11/16/update-three-north-dakota-sheriffs-wont-enforce-governor-burgums-new-covid-mandates/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116144239/https://kfgo.com/2020/11/16/update-three-north-dakota-sheriffs-wont-enforce-governor-burgums-new-covid-mandates/ |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |access-date=2020-11-16|website=The Mighty 790 KFGO {{!}} KFGO|language=en}}
On January 14, 2021, Republican House member Jeff Hoverson attempted to introduce a bill that would prohibit local mask mandates, or businesses from mandating masks in order to enter.{{Cite web|last=Mook|first=Sydney|date=January 14, 2021|title=North Dakota bill would prohibit state, local mask mandates|url=https://www.grandforksherald.com/news/government-and-politics/6841654-North-Dakota-bill-would-prohibit-state-local-mask-mandates|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210115003152/https://www.grandforksherald.com/news/government-and-politics/6841654-North-Dakota-bill-would-prohibit-state-local-mask-mandates |archive-date=January 15, 2021 |access-date=2021-01-21|website=Grand Forks Herald|language=en}}
The mandate expired on January 18, 2021, with Governor Burgum citing a drop in active cases and hospitalizations. Some cities are maintaining mask mandates at a local level.{{Cite web|last=Springer|first=Patrick|date=January 19, 2021|title=As statewide mandate expires, North Dakota cities hang onto mask requirements|url=https://www.thedickinsonpress.com/news/government-and-politics/6846684-As-statewide-mandate-expires-North-Dakota-cities-hang-onto-mask-requirements|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210119020744/https://www.thedickinsonpress.com/news/government-and-politics/6846684-As-statewide-mandate-expires-North-Dakota-cities-hang-onto-mask-requirements |archive-date=January 19, 2021 |access-date=2021-01-21|website=The Dickinson Press|language=en}}
On February 22, 2021, the state House of Representatives advanced a bill 50–44 that would prohibit the adoption and enforcement of mask mandates by state and local officials, and anyone from mandating masks as "a condition for entry, education, employment, or services".{{Cite web|title=AT&T says state's bill banning mask mandates "overrides our corporate policies"|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/mask-mandates-at-t-bill/|access-date=2021-03-19|website=www.cbsnews.com|date=February 25, 2021 |language=en-US}} Support of the bill cited allegations surrounding effectiveness of face masks, and claims that mask mandates were part of a larger conspiracy.{{Cite web|last=Turley|first=Jeremy|date=2021-02-22|title=North Dakota House advances bill barring government from mandating masks|url=https://www.grandforksherald.com/news/government-and-politics/6899976-North-Dakota-House-advances-bill-barring-government-from-mandating-masks|url-status=live|access-date=2021-02-25|website=Grand Forks Herald|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210223002201/https://www.grandforksherald.com/news/government-and-politics/6899976-North-Dakota-House-advances-bill-barring-government-from-mandating-masks |archive-date=February 23, 2021 }}{{Cite web|last=Choi|first=Joseph|date=2021-02-22|title=North Dakota House passes bill forbidding mandatory mask wearing|url=https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/539993-north-dakota-house-passes-bill-forbidding-mandatory-mask-wearing|access-date=2021-02-25|website=TheHill|language=en}}
On April 7, the Senate passed an amended version of the bill, which would only prohibit the mandating of masks by state officials.{{Cite web|last=Turley|first=Jeremy|title=North Dakota Senate approves ban on state-issued mask mandates|url=https://www.grandforksherald.com/news/government-and-politics/6974657-North-Dakota-Senate-approves-ban-on-state-issued-mask-mandates|url-status=live|access-date=2021-07-17|website=Grand Forks Herald|date=April 7, 2021 |language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210407212337/https://www.grandforksherald.com/news/government-and-politics/6974657-North-Dakota-Senate-approves-ban-on-state-issued-mask-mandates |archive-date=April 7, 2021 }} The amended bill was passed by the House, but vetoed by Governor Burgum on April 21.{{Cite web|last=DURA|first=JACK|title=North Dakota governor vetoes state mask mandate ban|url=https://bismarcktribune.com/news/state-and-regional/govt-and-politics/north-dakota-governor-vetoes-state-mask-mandate-ban/article_95021afb-6875-5497-a7d6-04b56177b704.html|access-date=2021-07-17|website=Bismarck Tribune|date=April 21, 2021 |language=en}} However, the veto was overridden by the House, and the bill was therefore passed on April 22.{{Cite web|last=Turley|first=Jeremy|title=North Dakota bans state officials from mandating masks despite Gov. Doug Burgum veto|url=https://www.grandforksherald.com/news/government-and-politics/6997367-North-Dakota-bans-state-officials-from-mandating-masks-despite-Gov.-Doug-Burgum-veto|url-status=live|access-date=2021-07-17|website=Grand Forks Herald|date=April 22, 2021 |language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423004358/https://www.grandforksherald.com/news/government-and-politics/6997367-North-Dakota-bans-state-officials-from-mandating-masks-despite-Gov.-Doug-Burgum-veto |archive-date=April 23, 2021 }}
= Care19 Alert and Care19 Diary =
The state introduced an encounter logging app known as Care19, developed by ProudCrowd (which had developed a similar app for the North Dakota State Bison football team), which is designed to track locations where a person had been in order to assist with contact tracing. The app faced a mixed reception from users due to perceived inaccuracies in location logging, including primarily using Wi-Fi and cellular signal locations rather than GPS.{{Cite web|last=Morse|first=Jack|title=North Dakota launched a contact-tracing app. It's not going well.|url=https://mashable.com/article/north-dakota-contact-tracing-app/|access-date=2020-05-07|website=Mashable|date=May 6, 2020 |language=en}}{{Cite news|last=Uberti|first=David|date=2020-04-28|title=Apps to Track the New Coronavirus Have an Old Problem: Getting the Downloads|language=en-US|work=Wall Street Journal|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/apps-to-track-the-new-coronavirus-have-an-old-problem-getting-the-downloads-11588115728|access-date=2020-05-07|issn=0099-9660}}{{Cite web|title=North Dakota launches Care19 app to combat COVID-19|url=https://www.health.nd.gov/news/north-dakota-launches-care19-app-combat-covid-19|access-date=2020-05-24|website=Department of Health|language=en|archive-date=July 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200701202459/https://www.health.nd.gov/news/north-dakota-launches-care19-app-combat-covid-19|url-status=dead}}
On May 20, North Dakota was one of the first states to commit to using the Bluetooth-based Exposure Notification System, which wirelessly logs encounters with other users of the app, and can inform them if they had been within proximity of someone who had later tested positive for COVID-19.{{Cite web|last=Leswing|first=Kif|date=2020-05-20|title=Three states will use Apple-Google contact tracing technology for virus tracking apps|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2020/05/20/three-states-commit-to-apple-google-technology-for-virus-tracking-apps.html|access-date=2020-10-09|website=CNBC|language=en}} Care19 Alert was released on August 13, 2020. It coexists with the existing Care19 app, which was renamed Care19 Diary.{{Cite web|title=North Dakota announces launch of Care19 Alert app to help reduce spread of COVID-19 as students return|url=https://www.governor.nd.gov/news/north-dakota-announces-launch-care19-alert-app-help-reduce-spread-covid-19-students-return|access-date=2020-12-24|website=North Dakota Office of the Governor|language=en}}
= Schools =
On March 15, Governor Burgum announced that K-12 schools would be closed for a week from March 16–20 as a cautionary measure.
On March 19, Burgum extended the closure of schools through April 1, and asked schools to implement alternative learning plans.{{Cite web|date=2020-03-19|title=K-12 Schools in North Dakota to remain closed|url=https://www.kxnet.com/news/local-news/k-12-schools-in-north-dakota-to-remain-closed/|access-date=2020-12-23|website=KX NEWS|language=en-US}} On March 30, Burgum allowed certain schools to provide child care services for the families of health care workers.{{Cite web|title=Burgum stresses social distancing, staying home as ND records two additional deaths related to COVID-19|url=https://www.health.nd.gov/news/burgum-stresses-social-distancing-staying-home-nd-records-two-additional-deaths-related-0|access-date=2020-05-23|website=Department of Health|language=en|archive-date=August 2, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200802143553/https://www.health.nd.gov/news/burgum-stresses-social-distancing-staying-home-nd-records-two-additional-deaths-related-0|url-status=dead}}
On May 11, it was announced that schools could re-open for optional summer programs beginning June 1.{{Cite web|title=Burgum, Baesler announce summer school, testing options|url=https://www.governor.nd.gov/news/burgum-baesler-announce-summer-school-testing-options|access-date=2020-12-24|website=North Dakota Office of the Governor|language=en}}
= Sports =
The North Dakota High School Activities Association suspended all winter postseason tournaments on March 13.
Misinformation
{{see also|COVID-19 misinformation}}
In April 2020, a false rumor spread that cases in Williams County were being under reported to avoid scaring off oil companies.{{cite news |last1=Apr 12th 2020 – 4pm |first1=April Baumgarten |title=10 common myths busted about coronavirus in North Dakota |url=https://www.thedickinsonpress.com/newsmd/coronavirus/5039782-10-common-myths-busted-about-coronavirus-in-North-Dakota |access-date=14 April 2020 |work=The Dickinson Press |language=en}}
In September 2020, MedicareAdvantage.com found North Dakota ranked fifth in the U.S. when it came to Coronavirus conspiracy theories per the research study which looked at Google search trends.{{Cite web|last=Knutson|first=April E.|date=2020-09-21|title=North Dakota ranks high for COVID-related conspiracy theories, reports says|url=https://www.grandforksherald.com/news/6672007-North-Dakota-ranks-high-for-COVID-related-conspiracy-theories-reports-says|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200922185410/https://www.grandforksherald.com/news/6672007-North-Dakota-ranks-high-for-COVID-related-conspiracy-theories-reports-says |archive-date=September 22, 2020 |access-date=2020-09-22|website=Grand Forks Herald|language=en}}{{Cite web|date=2020-09-05|title=The Most Popular Coronavirus Conspiracy Theory in Each State|url=https://www.medicareadvantage.com/news/covid-conspiracy-theories|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200922013912/https://www.medicareadvantage.com/news/covid-conspiracy-theories |archive-date=September 22, 2020 |access-date=2020-09-22|website=medicareadvantage.com}}
Statistics
{{COVID-19 pandemic data/North Dakota medical cases by county}}
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See also
- COVID-19 pandemic in South Dakota
- Timeline of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States
- COVID-19 pandemic in the United States – for impact on the country
- COVID-19 pandemic – for impact on other countries
References
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External links
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- [https://www.health.nd.gov/diseases-conditions/coronavirus Coronavirus information] from the North Dakota Department of Health
- [https://ndresponse.gov/covid-19-resources State of ND COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Resources]
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{{COVID-19 pandemic in the United States}}
{{Portal bar|Medicine|United States|Viruses|COVID-19}}