While times may be tough, our two towns have proven to be tougher. This community’s response to COVID-19 has truly been SimplyGrand! Local and state leaders have done an amazing job trying to balance keeping us all safe, while still allowing businesses to survive and even thrive.
As a service to both visitors and residents who are wondering what the COVID-19 protocols are in North Dakota/Minnesota and Grand Forks/East Grand Forks, listed below are the policies currently in place as of May11, 2021. While we want you to enjoy your time in Forks, we also encourage everyone to follow the guidelines posted in local businesses to help ensure everyone stays healthy.
While the emergency declaration ended on April 30, 2021, the virus is still present in our communities. North Dakotans are encouraged to keep using preventative measures including physical distancing, wearing a mask when you can’t distance, getting tested and most importantly getting vaccinated.
North Dakota citizens should continue to follow prevention measures to help keep case numbers low. These measures include:
Effective on Friday, May 7, 2021, individuals and businesses throughout Minnesota must continue to comply with the provisions of Executive Order 21-11, except as modified or superseded by the following amendments. All other provisions of Executive Order 21-11 remain in full force and effect.
Minnesota has entered Phase III of a four-phase plan to reopen the state with the issuance of Executive Order 20-74. This order allows Minnesotans to participate in additional activities, increases the size of permissible gatherings, expands capacity and allows indoor service for bars and restaurants and more. As of November 13, 2020, Governor Walz announced new restrictions in an attempt to help battle the spread of the coronavirus in the state. The restrictions, which target situations where young people congregate, place limits on gatherings including restaurants, funerals and wedding receptions.
Per the Governor's Executive Order, people in Minnesota are required to wear a face covering in all indoor businesses and public indoor spaces. Additionally, workers are required to wear a face covering when working outdoors in situations where social distancing cannot be maintained. Research has shown that use of face coverings can greatly reduce the risk of infection when combined with other prevention efforts such as social distancing and hand hygiene. For additional information, please go to MN.gov/covid1 and Health.State.MN.US.
RESTAURANTS & BARS:
RETAIL:
PERSONAL SERVICES (salons, barbershops, tattoo parlors, massage, etc.):
GYMS & PERSONAL FITNESS STUDIOS:
VENUES:
As these guidelines may change at any time due to a fluctuation in positive case numbers, please refer to each state’s official website for the most up to date policies. Individual businesses also reserve the right to request patrons follow stricter protocols than those listed above.