GRAND FORKS — To align with the statewide mask mandate announced late Friday night, Nov. 13 , Grand Forks County Health Officer Dr. Joel Walz has rescinded the mask mandate he signed just hours earlier .
"Dr. Walz is rescinding his orders in the effort to align with the state of North Dakota and create legal clarities in relation to the executive actions taken by Gov. Doug Burgum and order 2020-08 from the State Health Officer," a news release from the county stated.
Walz's order has been rescinded effectively immediately to align with the statewide policy, which is presently scheduled to stay in place for one month.
The mask mandate signed by State Health Officer Dirk Wilke requires all North Dakotans to wear a mask in businesses and both indoor and outdoor public spaces when a distance of six feet between individuals cannot be kept. Those in violation can be fined up to $1,000.
A subsequent executive order from Burgum requires restaurants and bars to operate at 50% capacity with a cap of 150 patrons. It also implements a curfew of 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. during which service is not allowed. Event venues and ballrooms are also limited to 25% occupancy.
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Grand Forks County residents can visit GrandForks.gov/coronavirus for further information. The news release also urged county residents to call the Altru hotline at 701-780-5863 if they are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or have questions regarding screening.
As of Saturday, Grand Forks County reported 1,166 active COVID-19 cases . Statewide, North Dakota reported 11,311 active cases Saturday.
