This week, Pembina, Walsh and Nelson counties issued orders, effective Friday, Jan. 21, that face coverings are required in businesses and outdoor and public settings when social distancing is not possible. Meanwhile, Traill and Nelson counties announced mask mandates that had been earlier put in place will remain in effect.
Here are some of the top stories you may have missed this weekend. 8:06 am, Jan. 18, 2021 ×
The Alerus Center is where Grand Forks Public Health and Altru Health System plan to administer the vast majority of COVID-19 vaccines in Grand Forks. Herald file photo.
The North Dakota Department of Health agreed this week to send all COVID-19 vaccines allocated for Grand Forks vaccination sites to Grand Forks Public Health and Altru Health System. The decision means that the city-owned Alerus Center will be virtually the only location in Grand Forks proper to receive the vaccine. The Herald s Joe Bowen reports that experts see pros and cons to the decision as well as its alternatives, but Grand Forks Mayor Brandon Bochenski, who requested the change, says it will make the vaccine rollout simpler and more streamlined.
The Grand Forks County mask order, similar to the statewide order, requires face coverings to be worn in indoor businesses, indoor public settings and outdoor public settings where physical distancing isn’t possible.