The coronavirus pandemic, which shut down schools and has highly affected a number of jobs, continues to spread around South Dakota, Iowa, and Minnesota. Nationwide, the number of cases has surpassed 44,000 and deaths have reached 544 as of Tuesday at noon. Schools are now projected to be closed through at least May 1.
On Tuesday, South Dakota was confirmed to have 30 positive cases, 8 of whom have fully recovered, and 2 people who are hospitalized. One of the hospitalized is SD State Representative Bob Glanzer of Huron. The number is expected to continue to increase, with projections that approximately 30% of South Dakota’s population are likely to suffer from the virus at some point in the near future. Governor Kristi Noem estimated in her Tuesday press briefing that the peak may not be for another 8 weeks.
“What we’re doing is working,” said Governor Noem during the briefing, addressing flattening the curve with social distancing and isolation protocols that have already been implemented.
She continued, “I appreciate their [businesses’ and individuals’] cooperation.” She encourages people to keep perspective, and to take care of others in their communities.
Governor Noem has not fully ordered any businesses to close at this time, and states they have not yet established essential versus non-essential businesses.
However, by an Executive Order signed on Monday, she has limited the number of people allowed in an enclosed establishment where a distance of 6 feet or more can be maintained, to 10 people. The Executive Order does ask any business that cannot maintain that distance to close. She has asked individuals, businesses, and local governments to be creative, and to look for sustainable ways to maintain their business during this time. Governor Noem states that this difficult situation could impact South Dakotans for at least eight weeks, and all must work together and take up different practices during this time. It is important to note that with this Executive Order, she has established the baseline, and is encouraging local municipalities to expand as needed.
Garretson Mayor Greg Beaner has been in close contact with regional mayors, meeting with Mayor Paul TenHaken of Sioux Falls on Monday, prior to the release of the Executive Order. There was some confusion after Governor Noem’s press conference on Sunday as to what individual cities could do to help reduce the spread of the virus, especially as Huron was being hit with multiple cases all at once and is confirmed to have community spread. Huron, Watertown, and Brookings all ordered or non-essential businesses, bars, and restaurants to close, and Sioux Falls was likely to recommend the same to its Health Board.
Mayor Beaner states that almost every municipality in Minnehaha and Lincoln counties have agreed to follow Sioux Falls’ lead, especially since so many of their community members travel to the city for work.
“If cities act on their own with no direction, there is concern that legal action could be taken against the city for closing a business,” said Mayor Beaner. “The other problem with closing a business is how it affects employees. The other problem is, when is it safe to re-open a business that has been closed?”
The Executive Order made it clear that individual cities can make these decisions, though mayors across the state are asking for a statewide, uniform response.
“If one city acts and another doesn't, it really defeats the purpose of trying to prevent the spread of the virus,” said Mayor Beaner. He noted that any action is most likely going to be taken once community spread in Sioux Falls is found.
In Garretson, O So Good has changed to a take-out and delivery model only for the foreseeable future. Patrons can order on-line or over the phone.
The Sports Cabin and The Gulch have remained fully open with normal hours, though the Sports Cabin is considering changes. The Gulch posted on Facebook on Sunday, “The Gulch is open. Same hours and same menu. I am not closing early and the kitchen is open. Until the state steps in everything stays the same.”
The Treasure Chest has opted to close for at least two weeks, and Dollar General has limited its hours from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily, asking that the first hour be reserved for those who are at-risk.
“Personally speaking, this is something that is really serious to me,” said Mayor Beaner. “If we act and close a business it could put them out of business. I understand the balance of acting to keep people safe but also don't want to over-react and hurt our Main Street. If we do get a firm direction to act from the state, we will call a special meeting.”
With schools staying closed until May 1, and developments on-going, it is likely that Garretson will see more changes happening in the next several weeks.
