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NEWSLETTER VISITOR GUIDE BLOG

COVID-19 guidelines to help keep everyone feeling grand

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.

GRAND FORKS/NORTH DAKOTA

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:

  • Getting vaccinated – this is the best way to protect yourself and those around you, and to prevent the emergence of new variations of the COVID-19 virus. Vaccination has been shown to be up to 94% effective at preventing hospitalization among those 65 years of age and older, and up to 90% effective in reducing asymptomatic and symptomatic COVID-19 cases in healthcare workers.
  • Seeking guidance from your health care provider early if you are diagnosed with COVID-19, especially if you have underlying health conditions that may increase your risk for severe disease or death.
  • Wearing a face mask, following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance.
  • Practicing social distancing.
  • Avoiding crowds.
  • Practicing good hygiene.
  • Staying home if you are feeling ill and getting tested if you have COVID-like symptoms.
  • Isolating for 10 days if you are diagnosed with COVID-19.
  • Quarantining if you are exposed to an individual with COVID-19.
  • Churches, schools, public spaces, gyms, and other venues where people gather should consult with their HVAC contractors to increase fresh air exchanges for their facilities.

EAST GRAND FORKS/MINNESOTA

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:

  • Indoor and outdoor seating allowed.
  • 75% capacity, not to exceed 250 people.
  • 6 feet of social distance.
  • Bar seating open to parties of four.
  • Face coverings required for customers and workers.

RETAIL: 

  • 6 feet of social distance.
  • 75% capacity.
  • Face coverings required for customers and workers.

PERSONAL SERVICES (salons, barbershops, tattoo parlors, massage, etc.):

  • No percentage or capacity limits.
  • 6 feet of social distance.
  • Face coverings required for customers and workers.

GYMS & PERSONAL FITNESS STUDIOS:

  • 6 feet of social distance.
  • 50% capacity, not to exceed 250 people.
  • Face coverings required for customers and workers.

VENUES:

  • All venues can open at 50% capacity up to 250 people.
  • Venues with capacity over 500 can add additional guests. 
  • Every patron must have an assigned seat.
  • Groups of up to 6 people may sit together.
  • Face coverings required for customers and workers.
  • Everyone must be seated when eating or drinking.
  • Seated indoor venues can add an additional 15% of their capacity over 500.
  • Non-seated indoor venues can add an additional 10% of their capacity over 500.

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.

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