Live now: City provides coronavirus update during police briefing: argusleader.com/story/news/cri…
Mayor TenHaken: Today we are providing a notice to Board of Health to hold a meeting at 2 p.m. City is going to recommend that we limit gatherings to 10 or less to all businesses listed in governor's executive order. Asking that ordinance is enforceable by law as a misdemeanor
TenHaken: This is a very strict ordinance. We are not saying you can't stay open, but you can only have 10 patrons.
TenHaken: We want to operate under the executive order from Noem. We want to protect public safety and public health in the city. We want to protect the taxpayers from potential litigation that can come from govt. overreach.
TenHaken: Board of Health will meet at 2 and City Council at 4. Businesses affected will be: bars, restaurants, breweries, cafes, casinos, coffee shops, recreational or athletic facilities, health clubs. Salons are not part of this EO.
TenHaken discussing stimulus bill from the federal government. "It will provide swift relief and great relief to our businesses. Small business owners and families, help is coming."
TenHaken says there are jobs out there. Walmart and Hy-Vee are hiring. People who are without a paycheck, "please look at these options."
TenHaken says they are working to grow the One Sioux Falls Fund as the requests for assistance exceed the amount available.
Public health is priority No. 1 in this. I want to be very realistic about open by easter or two weeks. I'm going to say that's very unlikely. Listen to your state and local leaders on this who are giving a more realistic look at what we are facing.
TenHaken: There is a lot of mental health issues bubbling up in our community. 211 is taking more of those calls than normal. "Talk to someone if you are experiencing challenges. Take care of yourself right now."
The Board of Health and City Council will be meeting on this order will be tomorrow.
Public health director Jill Franken: We understand the state can declare a public health emergency statewide. We feel that is something we would like to hear more about and at what point would be a trigger for them to declare that.
Franken: "We are seeing more information coming from first responders... If you have been asked to be in quarantine, follow that notice from the state department of health. If you are sick and you should be at home, be home."
Sanford VP Medical Officer Dr. Mike Wilde: We are seeing positive cases of the coronavirus at Sanford. We are admitting patients to the hospital needing care but also needing testing. What I have seen in the patients is they are scared. They feel they have done something wrong.
Wilde: We are really trying to reduce the odds of transmission. By practicing good hygiene and hand sanitation, you can reduce the odds of transmitting the case.
Wilde: There is tremendous stress of those who are infected, their families, residents and healthcare workers. We at Sanford have mental health resources. We encourage people to access that. There is no harm in reaching out if you are feeling the need.
Avera McKennan Chief Medical Officer Dr. Mike Elliott: The precautions the city is taking to protect the citizens in this community need to happen, and we fully support that. ... We are working on our surge capacity. Increasing stockpile of equipment through multiple efforts
Elliott: Avera is working to further reduce "routine" visits and make "urgent" visits more of a priority.
Governor Noem will be holding a news conference at 11:15 p.m. CT with an update on the state's coronavirus response.
TenHaken: Ordinance will not impact childcare facilities.
Updated story: Mayor Paul TenHaken is recommending the Board of Health and City Council force select businesses not let more than 10 people occupy their buildings at the same time argusleader.com/story/news/cri…
News conference is at 11:15 a.m. We will have a link soon.
