VALLEY CITY, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Effective immediately, citizens who have traveled internationally or to certain states who plan to return to North Dakota will need to self-quarantine for 14 days as soon as they arrive, according to a new order from State Health Officer Mylynn Tufte.
While under quarantine, individuals must take precautions, as directed by healthcare staff and Department of Health personnel, to prevent the possible spread of COVID-19.
“It may be difficult for our snowbirds to return home and extend time away from family for 14 more days, but it’s the best way to protect the public’s health. Technology is a blessing during these times, and we hope everyone will use it as a tool for staying close,” says Theresa Will, Administrator for City-County Health District. “Now is the time to practice being a good neighbor by helping those in quarantine. We can support others by picking up groceries and checking in on them by phone or video chat,” Will added.
Included in the order are states identified by CDC or ND Department of Health with widespread community infection: Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and Washington.
Essential critical infrastructure workers, as defined by the United States Department of Homeland Security, are exempt from this order. Affected individuals are asked to fill out the travel form at health.nd.gov/travel-survey to receive information on how to monitor for symptoms.
Barnes County residents can direct additional questions or concerns to City-County Health District at 701-845-8518.
To view the complete details and a list of exemptions included in the order, visit health.nd.gov/diseases-conditions/coronavirus.