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.
The Gazette office has remained open, but is asking that foot traffic be avoided if at all possible. A drop box is available in the lobby to drop off payments or notes, and door handles are sanitized throughout the day. The Gazette is also asking all businesses and churches to appraise them of any changes as they occur, so readers can remain up to date. On a sad note, newspaper closures in the area have started. The Jasper Journal announced in its Monday, April 6 issue that they will be ceasing publication, with all subscriptions being transferred to the Pipestone County Star. The DeSmet News and Lake Preston Times announced in their April 1 issue that it was not an April Fool’s joke, and they would also be closing their doors. The Brandon Valley Trader opted to temporarily cease publication a few weeks ago, though the Brandon Valley Journal continues. The Gazette remains healthy, and is working closely with the Garretson business community during this difficult time.
Sander’s Printing next door has remained fully open, though owner Bob Sanders states that foot traffic is normally light.
Businesses do have some options to keep liquidity and funds coming in during this time. The State of SD, through its website SDReadytoWork.com, has a Small Business Relief Fund, which is offering no-interest loans that are deferred for 6 months. The business must have fewer than 250 employees and provide certification that they’ve suffered economic injury, and have a credit score of 650 or higher and a 1:1 debt coverage ratio. There is also a paycheck protection program through the Small Business Association, which is a loan that will be forgiven if the funds are used toward keeping employees on payroll, rent, mortgage interest, or utilities. At press time, at least 75% of the funds must be used toward payroll in order to qualify for loan forgiveness. However, all businesses are encouraged to look into and apply for these programs as soon as possible.
During her press briefing on Monday, Governor Noem also requested that schools stay closed through the end of the school year.
In a statement to the Gazette, Garretson School District Superintendent Guy Johnson said, “Yesterday, the Governor announced a request that all schools remain closed for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year. Our school will comply with her request. We will continue to work hard to ensure that there are still high-quality opportunities for our students to learn even though they will not be “in school” for the remainder of the year. More information will be coming as we adjust our plans according to the latest information available.”
The school has opened up electronic use to grades 3-5 in addition to the Middle School and High School, and while a few teachers are still in their classrooms to teach through Zoom and other distance learning options, most are working from home.
Last week, the school district announced an expansion to their meal program was accepted for grant funding. It is now offering a free take-and-go breakfast and lunch to all youth 18 and under in the district area, not just Garretson School District students. Deliveries to rural and Sherman youth can be requested by calling the school.
By working together, the Garretson community can weather this pandemic. Isolate, wash hands, and shop local!
