Business Closures Extended, Now is Not the Time to Back Off Physical Distancing

BISMARCK, ND — A group of North Dakota Republican legislators called for Gov. Burgum to rescind or let lapse executive orders requiring business closures that were intended to prevent the spread of covid-19. On Wednesday, Burgum extended the orders. Meanwhile, one of the largest covid-19 clusters in the country is active in nearby South Dakota.

House Minority Leader Josh Boschee said:

“One of the largest covid-19 clusters in the country is breaking out one state away. It’s not the time to back off physical distancing. We will continue working with the governor to support the small businesses forced to close, like restaurants and coffee shops, as well as their employees and every worker in North Dakota making a sacrifice to save lives. Small businesses are the heartbeat of rural communities and we are making sure the state government supports them through the crisis and recovery, so that they can reopen and thrive when it is safe to do so.”

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