The changes seen in Garretson and the surrounding area over the past few weeks have been intense as the pandemic increases in intensity.
On Tuesday at noon, 320 cases had been diagnosed in the state, with 23 hospitalizations (both current and past) and 6 deaths. While numbers may not seem to be too high, only one week prior, there were 108 cases and 2 deaths.
In the US, there were 391,632 cases and 12,558 deaths as of 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday. New York and New Jersey are most critical in their number of cases, but Michigan, California, and Louisiana follow. The entirety of the US is attempting to slow the spread by enacting substantial measures, such as stay-at-home orders and limiting business occupancy.
Last week, the City Council passed an ordinance limiting Garretson businesses to 10 or fewer patrons, and on Monday, Governor Kristi Noem released an executive order that pertains specifically to Minnehaha and Lincoln Counties, where over 50% of the cases have been diagnosed.
That executive order asks all persons at highest risk to stay at home for the next three weeks. This includes anyone over the age of 60, and anyone with respiratory or cardiac conditions. If they cannot stay at home, she requests that extra precautions be taken. Conditions that qualify under this order include diabetes, serious heart conditions, chronic lung disease, kidney disease, liver disease, asthma (moderate to severe), and weakened immune systems.
This has left businesses scrambling, as they’ve lost both patrons and employees. In Garretson, almost all businesses have changed their practices, going to takeout, delivery/curbside, or by closing the doors to their brick-and-mortar location. At any open business, patrons may place their orders by calling (or emailing where available). All Garretson community members are encouraged to shop as local as possible, as this not only reduces risk of transmission, but also keeps the community financially healthy.
Rainbow Delight has opted to close its doors to weather the pandemic, matching The Treasure Chest. Both businesses have moved sales on-line during this time, with the Treasure Chest selling individual items on Facebook and Rainbow Delight selling via Ebay.
Steve’s Electric has suspended all in-home services unless it’s an emergency (such as a furnace quitting).
Garretson Food Center is offering delivery on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and curbside delivery at any time. The business has started placing its ads on Facebook instead of as a mailer, as their warehouse is unable to guarantee pricing at this time. They have also started having their employees wear PPE and are using sanitation procedures to keep community members safe.
The Gulch, Sports Cabin, Palisades Kitchen, O So Good, and The Bullet (Sherman) have all gone to curbside delivery and takeout as their main options, although limited seating is still available at all places except O So Good (though he encourages patrons to order from his fountains or coffee shop if they are waiting for their order). The Bullet has modified its hours to Thursdays through Sundays.
Jesse James Country Store is also offering a curbside option for their convenience store.
CHS is limiting access at all locations, and is asking patrons to contact them through phone or email.
First Bank & Trust has closed its lobby, though bankers are still available by appointment and the drive through is available.
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