March 30, 2020

NDFB update on COVID-19

Topic: Issues

To access stories regarding the pandemic by category, please go to our COVID-19 page.

NDFB will continue, for the foreseeable future, the closure of both the Bismarck and Fargo office to the public. Many employees are working from home and have access to email. A skeleton staff will be available to answer phones.

In addition, NDFB has cancelled all events in April. Please periodically check this website for any additional event cancellations beyond April.

We would like to remind all members that while this is a situation that should not be taken lightly, the chances of a healthy adult facing life-threating complications from COVID-19 are low.

The following precautions are the CDC’s recommended preventative measures for any communicable illness; these are not new and are steps we should be taking all the time:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.
• CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
• Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

To learn more about North Dakota's Coronorvirus situation please visit https://www.health.nd.gov/diseases-conditions/coronavirus/

We will continue monitoring the situation and revise this policy if circumstances warrant.