Burgum had authority to close North Dakota businesses

N.D. – The North Dakota Supreme Court has ruled that Gov. Doug Burgum had the authority to close businesses during the coronavirus pandemic.

Somerset Court LLC and salon operator Kari Riggin in April sued Burgum and then-State Health Officer Mylynn Tufte in an effort to allow the assisted living facility’s in-house hair salon to continue providing services to residents.

They asserted that Burgum’s orders went beyond his authority and denied plaintiffs their constitutional right to earn a living.

Burgum in late March issued executive orders temporarily restricting or closing some businesses, including hair salons, to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The order expired in early May.