Gov. Doug Burgum has extended a statewide mask mandate through Jan. 18 and occupancy limits for bars, banquets, and events through Jan. 8 but will allow high school extracurriculars and competitions to resume Dec. 14.

Burgum, who spoke during a statewide briefing on the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on Wednesday, said the extensions are necessary to limit the spread of the coronavirus until vaccinations can begin. Burgum had issues orders on Nov. 13 for a mask mandate and restrictions on businesses and high school activities. All of the orders would have expired on Dec. 14 if he had not issued an extension.

Unlike in other parts of the country, the number of active cases in North Dakota has declined over the past weeks. The number of active positive cases in the state was 4,554 on Wednesday. There have been 1,080 deaths due to the virus, with most coming this fall, and there are still about 300 people hospitalized due to coronavirus. Burgum said he wants to preserve hospital capacity for people who might become severely ill with the virus or others who require hospitalization. He also wants to keep schools and businesses in the state open. On Wednesday he also urged people to limit gatherings and continue practicing social distancing and isolation and quarantine when necessary and to get tested for COVID-19 beforehand if they do decide to travel for the Christmas holidays. All of the efforts are needed to try to slow the spread of the disease.

A Pfizer vaccine against the coronavirus is reportedly 95 percent effective after two doses but it has not yet been approved for use in the United States. The vaccine could receive emergency authorization later this week and be shipped to North Dakota soon after that. First in line to be vaccinated will be front line health care workers and people living in long term care units and nursing homes. The vaccine will likely not be available to the general public until next spring.