COVID-19

BISMARCK, N.D. (OCT. 15, 2026) – Gov. Kelly Armstrong will lead the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new North Dakota State Laboratory on Tuesday, Oct. 20, on the Capitol grounds. Joining him will be Lt. Gov. Michelle Strinden, who chairs the Capitol Grounds Planning Commission, as well as state legislators, cabinet members and leadership from North Dakota Health and Human Services and the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality.

North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) encourages North Dakotans to prepare for fall and winter respiratory viruses, including influenza (flu), RSV and COVID-19. Now is a good time to talk with a trusted healthcare provider about recommended respiratory immunizations and other ways to stay healt

October is National Bullying Prevention Month, and Parents Lead, a North Dakota initiative administered by North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS), encourages parents and caregivers to make bullying prevention part of everyday life. Simple conversations and everyday interactions can help children build confidence, resilience and empathy while developing the skills they need to form positive relationships and stand up for themselves and others. 

BISMARCK, ND (Oct. 2, 2026) – A passenger with measles traveled on Amtrak's westbound Empire Builder, which departed Chicago on Sept. 23 and arrived in Minot the morning of Sept. 24. This created a potential exposure risk for passengers and anyone at the station while the train was scheduled to be in Minot from approximately 9:06 to 9:51 a.m. CT. The passenger reported getting off the train to use the restroom at the Minot station at approximately 9:30 a.m.

Anyone who was at the Amtrak station in Minot while this train was stopped, as well as passengers who were traveling on this train, may have been exposed to measles. 

Individuals who may have been exposed and have received at least one dose of measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine or previously had measles (likely those born before 1957) do not need to quarantine but should monitor for symptoms for 21 days after exposure. Individuals who have not received a dose of the MMR vaccine should quarantine (stay home) and monitor for symptoms for 21 days following exposure.

North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) has named health policy expert Stephanie Bates to lead its Medical Services Division, which administers Medicaid services, the Children’s Health Insurance Program, autism services and other health-related services that benefit North Dakotans.