Update:  On Sunday evening, March 15, Gov Burgum closed all K-12 schools in ND for 1 week.  Watch Video

Bismarck, ND  (Mar 13)  Gov. Doug Burgum Friday declared a state of emergency for ND in response to the novel coronavirus (COVID – 19) public health crisis and issued guidance to K-12 schools with Superintendent of Public Instruction Kirsten Baesler and State Health Officer Mylynn Tufte.

Video of Press Conference from ND Department of Health Facebook Page:

https://www.facebook.com/ndhealth/videos/2732330030227912/

The governors executive order activates the State Emergency Operations Plan to assist local and tribal officials and directs all state agencies to provide resources and capabilities, including authorization to activate the North Dakota National Guard. President Trump, in declaration a national emergency Friday afternoon, urged every state to set up emergency operations centers immediately.

School closure recommendations will occur on a case-by-case basis. Guidance includes monitoring absenteeism, keeping sick children out, ensuring hand washing, environmental cleaning, communicating with parents, etc.

For questions related to COVID-19, the public can call the NDDoH health hotline at 866-207- 2880 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. Individuals who need medical advice should contact their health care provider.