ND SMART RESTART Protocols

Executive Order enacted by Governor Burgum on Friday November 13, 2020

Gov. Doug Burgum announced several mitigation measures aimed at slowing the accelerating spread of COVID-19 in North Dakota in order to protect the vulnerable, ensure hospital capacity and keep schools and the economy open.  

Burgum signed an executive order today to implement the other mitigation measures, which take effect Monday, Nov. 16, and are as follows: 

• All bars, restaurants and food service establishments are limited to 50 percent of their licensed seated capacity, not to exceed 150 patrons, and are closed to in-person service between the hours of 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. Take-out, curbside and delivery will still be allowed during those hours, and Burgum encouraged North Dakotans to take advantage and support local businesses. 

For those that were already following the ND Smart Restart recommendations of 25 percent capacity in high-risk counties, the change will allow them to safely welcome more customers into their establishments with masking and distancing requirements. 

Burgum noted the state will soon make $54 million available through a hospitality grant program to help these businesses navigate this challenging time, and has made $70 million available through the Bank of North Dakota to buy down interest on eligible existing debt for any business whose revenue was impacted negatively by COVID-19. 

• All banquet, ballroom and event venues are limited to 25 percent of their maximum occupancy, not to exceed new capacity limits that have been established with input from venues and local public health officials based on the size of the venue. Physical distancing and masks will be required for the safety of all venue personnel and patrons. 

• Playoff championship contests and performance events sponsored by the North Dakota High School Activities Association during the month of November may continue under NDHSAA requirements. All high school winter sports and other extracurricular K-12 school activities are suspended until Dec. 14. This also applies to all association, community and club sports for youth and adults.  

College and intercollegiate activities must follow guidance from the North Dakota University System and their respective national organizations.

Burgum said the four-week pause in activities will help keep schools open to in-person instruction – the optimal learning environment for most students – and ensure that students continue to follow the mitigation strategies of wearing a mask and physical distancing.

ND Smart Restart Large Gathering Tiered Capacity Requirements

We encourage North Dakotans to embrace this ND Smart Restart plan as a roadmap to a better, safer and healthier tomorrow for employers, employees and customers alike. This applies not only to those businesses affected by executive orders, but to all businesses as we enter this new normal.

ND Smart Restart Plan

Industries should adhere to universal protocols and industry specific standards below

Map outlines risk levels by county.  Click on the map to view larger.

Business Toolkit

Standards for all industries - combined file

Standards for all industries - black & white

Workplace Assessment

Face Masks Required

Face Masks Required - Spanish Version

Door Sign - Color

Door Sign - B&W

Door Sign - Spanish Version

CDC Print Resources

Restaurant Table Sign

Movie Theater Seat Sign

COVID19 Business Supplies

CDC Symptoms of COVID-19 Sign

Links and Resources