HURON – Mayors from 14 South Dakota communities, including Huron Mayor Gary Harrington, compiled a letter to the South Dakota Municipal League in response to the growing COVID-19 pandemic in the state.
“We have come together to bring you a united message concerning the COVID pandemic in our state,” the letter reads. “While our municipalities have taken different approaches to flattening the curve of this virus, one common thread we all have is that we are non-partisan office holders seeking to create unity, dispel fear, and protect public health, the economy, and personal freedoms.
“It is crucial that we are all aware of our behaviors. Wear a mask when physical distancing cannot be maintained, keep your social interactions to small groups, wash your hands frequently, clean frequently touched surfaces often and stay home if you feel sick,” the letter continues. “These may seem like small actions, but can make a big difference during this current surge we are experiencing in our state.”
The mayors are asking those in the business communities to consider asking their employees and customers to wear masks.
“Promote physical distancing within your organizations, provide hand sanitizer, follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention standards of cleaning, conduct daily health checks and allow your employees to stay home if they feel sick,” it reads.
“The concept of community is more important than ever, and the actions of every community are critical to stopping the spread of COVID-19,” the mayors wrote. “Each of us has the opportunity every single day to make the right choices that help reduce the transmission of COVID-19 and help save lives.”
The letter highlights the efforts of healthcare workers, educators and essential workers in helping to turn the tide of this pandemic.
“We must all remain vigilant and continue taking steps to mitigate the spread of the virus to protect each other and our loved ones. There is only one way we will get through this — together,” the letter said. “Stay strong, stay safe, and do your part.”
