This is not something that should be up for debate. North Dakota is finally first in something, and it’s for having the highest Covid-19 mortality rate in the world. Not only that, as of November 18, there are over 9,000 thousand active cases in the state. 

It should not come to anyone’s surprise that we have gotten to this point. North Dakota was too lenient with its response to the pandemic. 

There were no mask mandates or penalties for not wearing a mask. Restaurants, shops and schools are allowed to remain open. 

In addition, the executive order issued by Governor Doug Burgum issued in Nov 13 cancelled all extracurricular activities meetings until December 14 and sports until November 30th. Competitions for both will resume on November 30th, as adjusted by the governor on November 18th.

That’s not enough. Covid-19 can still be spread to students in school. Here, 400 students attend school per day but as the days go on, you see less and less people attend school because they got infected. 

Also, some sheriffs, the people who enforce the executive order, refuse issue citations on those who aren’t wearing a mask in a required area. 

However, the main reason why it all started is of our character as a state. What I mean by that is people don’t want to give up their freedom to do daily activities; people don’t want to be controlled. 

It is a fair point. But using that as a justification will only restrict freedom and not allow it. 

Death isn’t something that allows for freedom. You can say all you want about wanting your freedom, but all it will do is harm. 

Schools must close and move to distance learning. If FPS wants students to have an education, the students have to be alive in the first place, not to mention students may have to deal with the death of a family member if things continue at this rate. 

 Moving online is the next best step to take.