With the number of coronavirus cases in the state soaring, hospitals across the state are nearing capacity, considering steps like suspending elective surgeries and have been discussing the implementation of surge plans, Gov. Doug Burgum said Monday.

Some hospitals around the state have hired traveling nurses at a cost of hundreds of thousands of dollars a day, said Burgum.

Most people are not hospitalized due to COVID-19, but due to other health concerns. The shortage in staffed hospital beds for patients is a growing concern.

To address the staffing issue, Burgum said the state guidelines will be changed to allow health care workers who have tested positive for coronavirus but have no symptoms to return to work in coronavirus wards in health care units. They would not be able to work with patients who have not already tested positive for coronavirus.

Burgum also said the state will step up use of rapid testing for health care workers to get people back to work more quickly if they test negative.

Burgum also announced that all counties in the state are now considered at high risk for coronavirus, meaning that guidelines call for businesses to reduce capacity to 25 percent and take steps like requiring masks for staff and customers.

Burgum once again urged people in the state to wear masks, avoid crowds, and practice hygiene measures and to get flu shots.

He did not, however, announce a statewide mask mandate. Several counties and cities in the state have passed mask mandates, albeit most without penalties for those who do not follow them.