BISMARCK, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – With active cases of COVID-19 in North Dakota at their lowest level since mid-August, the state will be lowering our statewide risk level from moderate/yellow risk to low/green risk, effective 8 AM Friday, Jan. 29.

A low/green risk level increases the recommended occupancy limit for bars, restaurants and other foodservice establishments from 65 percent of licensed facility capacity up to 200 patrons, and to 80 percent of licensed facility capacity up to 300 patrons, with social distancing. Face coverings should be strongly recommended or required. Banquet, ballrooms and event venues are recommended at 75 percent of room capacity, not to exceed the ND Smart Restart capacity limits.

“We’re grateful to North Dakotans, including our medical, education and business communities, for their actions that have contributed to these positive results,” Governor Doug Burgum stated. “We continue to use a data-driven approach to navigate this pandemic, and all data indicates North Dakota is heading in the right direction.”

Burgum adds to continue this trend, they would like all North Dakotans to keep using tools that got us to this point.

“Physical distance, wear a mask when you can’t distance, get vaccinated when it’s your turn, get tested and, if positive, seek out monoclonal antibody treatments, which can dramatically reduce hospitalization and mortality rates if administered at the right time to eligible patients,” Burgum added.