JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – On Wednesday, North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum announced changes to the state’s COVID-19 risk level by each county.

The changes in risk level will take effect beginning Friday, October 16th at 5 p.m.   Counties with a higher risk level will see guidelines that are more restricted in an effort to slow the spread of coronavirus.  Restrictions may also be put in place in areas with a higher risk, include the number of people allowed to gather and the closing of non-essential businesses.

Among others around the state, the following counties have shifted from low risk to moderate risk: LaMoure, Foster, and McIntosh. Dickey County has been elevate to high risk. Stutsman and Kidder County remain at a low risk, while Barnes stays at a moderate risk. Logan county decreased from a moderate risk to a low risk.

Governor Burgum also announced changes to how many people are allowed to gather.  Areas in a high risk area (orange) may only allow 25% capacity of no more than 50 people.  Previously, areas in the red had close non-essential businesses.  Areas in the yellow would allow 50% occupancy with no more than 100 people.  Green areas could see occupancies at 75% with no more than 200 people.  The capacities were lowered to further limit the amount of people in buildings.

The risk levels are based on active cases and tests per 10,000 residents, as well as the test positivity rate.  The risk levels are evaluated each week and are used to dictate framework on how best to approach the virus on a county-by-county level.