Schools in North Dakota may reopen this fall for face-to-face learning amid the coronavirus pandemic if districts approve and consult with local health officials, Gov. Doug Burgum announced Tuesday.

School districts also must prepare online learning plans in addition to classroom instruction and a hybrid of the two.

Burgum cited low positivity rates and a committed, vigilant population for the move to open schools.

Burgum closed all public and private K-12 schools indefinitely in March by executive order but amended it later to allow ceremonies on school property and summer classes with proper social distancing and other safety precautions.

Burgum and state School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler said the new guidance unveiled Tuesday was built on the earlier guidance and was done in consultation of educators, school boards and parents and students.

Baesler said the guidance would allow local school officials to start classes when they chose, either earlier – to bank some time should an outbreak occur – or later if more time is needed to put a reopening plan in place.