BISMARCK, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Governor Doug Burgum passed an executive order that all bars, restaurants, and other similar services to stop on-site and on-sale to patrons beginning at Noon Friday.

Governor Burgum announced that as of Thursday, 12 more cases of COVID-19 were confirmed, with 10 of them in Burleigh County and another in Morton County. One of the first people infected is the first state resident to be hospitalized amid the coronavirus outbreak.

There is now a total of 19 cases of confirmed COVID-19 in North Dakota.

In the latest press conference, Burgum announced his executive order.

The Governor also stated that schools would remain closed to help curb the spread of COVID-19. He stated the would be signing waivers for an additional 7 days and effectively shortening the school year to 163 days. He says they are currently working on an executive order for that.

As of now, he says there is an expectation that school will resume through alternative plans on April 1st. It is now up to school districts statewide to come up with a plan for how they will follow through.

Burgum says now is a great time for adults to be role models for children during these times of uncertainty.

You can watch the full press conference below: