UPDATE (3/19/20) Governor Burgum has ordered all schools to remain closed to curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus and will grant waivers for an additional 7 days, effectively shortening the school year to 163 days.

Gov. Doug Burgum issued an executive order to close K-12 schools for the next week in response to continuing coronavirus pandemic. Burgum made the sudden change in policy Sunday night.

On Friday, Burgum said that it would be inappropriate to close schools at this, citing CDC recommendations as well us unintended consequences on cancelling classes.

Burgum said this decision was based on data and planning. Adding that this week gives schools time to plan for a possible outbreak in their area.

"We're trying to get a more comprehensive understanding from the health care system of their ability to mange if we end up with a spike in cases that require intensive care. How can we handle that?” said Burgum.

The reason for not cancelling was to protect the elderly population, which is more susceptible to the virus. Burgum said that North Dakota long-term care facilities are enacting protocols that will protect them during this time. But many grandparents not in care facilities will likely be asked to watch potentially ill kids.

"Whether they can isolate at home or they can make sure that the people that they come into contact if you've got grandkids that aren't feeling well, they should keep their distance. I think this is spread; we know how this is spread,” Burgum said.

The policy announced on Friday was to keep schools open until a case was confirmed in the school or until spread was identified in a community. That policy has now changed.

There will be additional meetings at the end of the week to decide whether or not to continue the closures further.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz cancelled their schools Sunday as well. When Burgum was asked if that played a role in the decision making, he responded: "No." Montana Steve Bullock is closing that state’s schools for two weeks as well.

UPDATE 8:35 PM: Gov. Doug Burgum issued an executive order Sunday evening for all K-12 public and private schools in North Dakota to close for 5 days.

Burgum says they will reevaluate the situation Friday, March 20.

He says the executive order does not include daycares because infants and young children are considered to be low risk. Facilities can make the decision to close on their own.

This closure impacts approximately 110,000 students across 175 districts.

State Superintendent Kirsten Baesler says the state received two waivers from the USDA that will allow them to provide brown-bag lunches to students and families in need. A plan for delivery will be made in the coming days.

Burgum says the state conducted 11 more COVID-19 tests Sunday and all came back negative. That brings the state's total to 112 tests given. There is still only one positive test in the state.

Gov. Doug Burgum, State Superintendent Kirsten Baesler and State Health Officer Mylynn Tufte will hold a press conference at 7:30 p.m. today, March 15, to make an announcement about K-12 school closures related to the COVID-19 pandemic.