BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota lawmakers decided Thursday to require masks at the state Capitol, despite opposition by far-right members of the Republican-controlled Legislature.

Senate and House lawmakers approved rules Thursday for the session that convenes Jan. 5.

House Majority Leader Chet Pollert and Senate Majority Leader Rich Wardner said they support a mask mandate at Capitol legislative spaces to help protect lawmakers and the public.

A memo written by the Legislature’s lawyers to the Legislature said the lawmakers have the authority to impose restrictions on areas of the Capitol controlled by the legislative branch. Lawmakers who ignore the mandate may be removed by law enforcement and charged with a misdemeanor crime or expelled from the Legislature.

Gov. Doug Burgum imposed a mandate in November after months of refraining from such an order, hoping to stem a coronavirus surge that is among the worst in the U.S. and that threatens to overwhelm the state’s hospitals.

State health officials on Thursday reported 11 new deaths due to complications from the coronavirus, increasing the total number of fatalities to 977.

A total of 978 new positive tests also were reported Thursday.

Hospitalizations due to complications from the coronavirus increased by five to 306, according to state health officials.