Tue, Sep 26th, 2023 - 11:29pm
April 28, 2020 - 11:59pm | By Chris Larson
As the North Dakota Smart Restart plan begins, the City of West Fargo would like to encourage the community to visit NDresponse.gov for information on the plan, phases and guidelines. North Dakota Smart Restart, which includes replacing the executive order that closed restaurants, bars, recreation facilities, music venues, hair and nail salons and personal care with new guidelines that will allow them to reopen, is a multistage approach to rebuild economic activity that protects lives and restores livelihoods.
“As a City, we are excited to get those businesses reopened,” said Commission President Bernie Dardis. “But the state of North Dakota will still institute critical guidelines to continue our successful management of COVID-19. I want to encourage all of residents, businesses and visitors, to visit www.ndresponse.gov to become familiar with these guidelines for a responsible, smart restart.”
The plan was created as a collaboration between Governor Doug Burgum, the North Dakota Department of Health and the North Dakota Department of Commerce to enact policies that control the spread of coronavirus, ensure workers’ safety and inspire customer confidence so that affected businesses can reopen when deemed safe. The first phase of North Dakota Smart Restart includes universal protocols and specific guidelines for the businesses previously closed that will control gathering size, physical distancing, workplace activity, hygiene, cleaning and special measure for the type of business.
“We want our businesses and their customers to be familiar with the protocols so we can support each other as much as possible,” said Dardis. “We also want to remind everyone that this does not change the current public health guidelines to practice good hygiene and stay home if you are sick to minimize the spread of COVID-19.”
The recommendations for practicing good hygiene include washing hands with soap and water or using hand sanitizer, especially after touching frequently used items or surfaces; avoiding touching the face; sneezing and coughing into a tissue or inside of elbow; disinfecting frequently and using face coverings while in public. Those who feel sick should stay home and contact their medical provider.
The North Dakota Smart Restart plan also recognizes the importance of continued social distancing. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, COVID-19 spreads mainly among people who are in close contact for a prolonged period. The community is still encouraged to remain 6 feet apart, not gathering in groups and stay out of crowded places whenever possible.
The City of West Fargo will work to share the information and updates from North Dakota Smart Restart on Facebook, Twitter, Nextdoor and LinkedIn. Residents should also follow Fargo Cass Public Health, the North Dakota Department of Health and North Dakota Department of Commerce and ND Response to keep up with latest on public health and commerce.
