SDM South Dakota Municipal League FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, October 16, 2020 CONTACT: Yvonne Taylor, South Dakota Municipal League, (605) 224-8654 SD MAYORS LETTER CONCERNING THE COVID PANDEMIC As Mayors of South Dakota’s largest cities and representing nearly half of our state’s population, we have come together to bring you a united message concerning the COVID pandemic in our state. 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. We are writing to you with a simple ask, but one that we need everyone to take seriously. We need you to do your part. 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. These may seem like small actions, but can make a big difference during this current surge we are experiencing in our state. We are also asking for diligence from our business communities. Consider asking your 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. The concept of community is more important than ever, and the actions of every community are critical to stopping the spread of COVID-19. 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. To our many healthcare workers, educators and essential workers who are doing your part to help turn the tide of this pandemic – thank you. 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. Stay strong, stay safe, and do your part. Mayor Steve Allender, Rapid City Mayor Kelsey Collier-Wise, Vermillion Mayor Dana Boke, Spearfish Mayor Keith Corbett, Brookings Mayor Sarah Caron, Watertown Mayor Marshall Dennert, Madison Mayor Bob Everson, Mitchell Mayor Larry Larson, Box Elder Mayor Steve Harding, Pierre Mayor Paul Lundberg, Brandon Mayor Gary Harrington, Huron Mayor Travis Schaunaman, Aberdeen Mayor Nathan Johnson, Yankton Mayor Paul Ten Haken, Sioux Falls Mayor Gloria Landphere, Belle Fourche Mayor Derick Wenck, Harrisburg The South Dakota Municipal League was organized in 1934 as a nonpartisan, nonprofit association of incorporated municipalities in South Dakota. The League’s mission is the cooperative improvement of municipal government in South Dakota. 208 Island Drive, Ft. Pierre, South Dakota 57532  605-224-8654  fax 605-224-8655  www.sdmunicipalleague.org 208 Island Drive, Ft. Pierre, South Dakota 57532  605-224-8654  fax 605-224-8655  www.sdmunicipalleague.org