Today, Governor Noem issued Executive Order 2020-20 that gives guidance to individuals, businesses, and local government in South Dakota. The Executive Order states that local government shall follow the "South Dakota’s Back to Normal Plan". This plan gives guidance for individuals, employers, enclosed retail businesses, schools, health care providers, and local government.
Mayor Everson stated that "Based on this change from the State of SD, I have issued Executive Order 2020-02 which will suspend Ordinance 2020-04. What this means is that the closures that were in place in Mitchell affecting retail businesses that promote public gatherings are no longer in effect as of 5:00 PM today, April 28." The official action to rescind Ordinance 2020-04 will be scheduled for the Council to consider approving at the May 4th City Council meeting. The Mayor will also not be bringing Ordinance 2020-06 that was discussed at last night’s City Council meeting back to the Council for consideration.
City facilities will remain closed for the immediate future as we develop our own strategies for reopening which will be announced at a later date.
Although the Governor’s most recent direction does change direction on closures for certain retail businesses in Mitchell, the Governor does still encourage those businesses to resume operations in a manner that allows for reasonable physical distancing, good hygiene, and appropriate sanitation. It also asks that those enclosed retail businesses that promote public gatherings consider restricting occupancy and continue innovating in this uncertain environment.
Mayor Everson stated "I would also like to stress the importance of every person and business in Mitchell following the CDC hygiene guidelines, social distancing, and sanitation practices. With our ability to help guide this process now being limited, your voluntary adherence to these suggestions will be more important now than ever."
To find information on the Governor’s Executive Order: https://covid.sd.gov/docs/2020-20.pdf
To view the "South Dakota Plan for Reopening": https://covid.sd.gov/docs/COVID_SDPlan_BackToNormal.pdf?fbclid=IwAR1UjCcPSPlzkyjQCVogTErgSSYCHK3rBEPrRygT9tbOiE-lIK6kxJXspIg