Burgum: School Buildings to stay closed past this week

 BISMARCK, N.D. – Gov. Doug Burgum’s press briefing to discuss K-12 education with State Superintendent Kirsten Baesler, State Health Officer Mylynn Tufte and other officials was held Thursday March 19,2020, at the State Capital, in Bismarck.

Gov. Doug Burgum Thursday announced Thursday that 12 additional COVID-19 cases have been confirmed bring the total so far is 15.  673 individuals have been tested.

Burgum has issued an Executive Order that restaurants and bars are not to serve on site, but are allowed take out, with on-site sale. He said private businesses have demonstrated leadership in already have limited public exposure.  This area of the Executive Order is effect Friday March 20, 2020, until April 6.  The order also includes gyms, movie theaters and other venues.

The Executive Order also includes that public access to state facilities, including the North Dakota State Capitol, will be restricted effective immediately until Monday, April 6, 2020.

He is set to sign another Executive Order to further restrict public access to school buildings, as schools will remain closed past this week.  School staff will still be allowed access and perform work.  The Executive Order will allow, age appropriate distance learning, on line, with school credit for seat time.

The governor’s executive order directs the transition of most state government team members to work remotely. Although access to the Capitol and other state facilities will be restricted, state services will continue to be available in alternative ways, such as online.

“The health, safety and well-being of our citizens remains our top priority,” Burgum said. “With cases of community spread now confirmed in North Dakota, focusing on the health and well-being of Team ND members is crucial to ensuring continuity of government services for our citizens.”

Burgum reinforced that state government remains open and functioning, but rather is modifying the way agency business is conducted during this unique and unprecedented time.

Out of an abundance of caution, Team ND has been preparing to work remotely over the past several weeks. As of the end of today, the North Dakota Information Technology Department (NDIT) will have transitioned nearly 3,100 team members to platforms that allow for remote work.

Burgum stressed that every citizen needs to take responsibility to help slow the spread of COVID-19 and practice social distancing, noting that some North Dakota agencies have been piloting the work-from-home strategy for over a week, with no disruption in government services.

“We have had ongoing communications with Team ND about being prepared to work remotely,” Burgum said. “We are grateful for our robust NDIT team and all other statewide elected officials who are helping the transition go as seamlessly as possible for Team ND.”

A screening process is being developed to allow public access to several state facilities by appointment only. Until process is in effect, there will be no public access.

Burgum reminds North Dakotans to follow the guidelines released by the White House on Monday to slow the spread of coronavirus.

For the most updated and timely information and updates related to COVID-19, visit the NDDoH website at www.health.nd.gov/coronavirus , follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and visit the CDC website at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus.