The City of Pierre continues to recommend all citizens, businesses, and non-profits comply with Centers for Disease Control recommendations and those directives echoed in Gov. Noem’s Executive Order regarding COVID-19.
As Mayor of Pierre, at this time, I do not plan to enact ordinance that is any more restrictive than those guidelines provided by Governor Noem.
My guidance, specifically for enclosed retail business that promotes public gatherings like a bar, restaurant, brewery, cafe, casino, coffee shop, recreational or athletic facility, health club, or entertainment venue is to follow the directive issued by Governor Noem yesterday. That is to:
- Suspend or modify business practices as recommended by CDC guidance that involve ten or more people to be in an enclosed space where physical separation of at least six feet is not possible.
- Continue offering or consider offering business models that do not involve public gatherings, including takeout, delivery, drive-through, curb-side service, off-site services, social distancing models, or other innovative business practices that do not involve public gatherings in an enclosed space.
- Consider business arrangements and innovative ideas intended to support the critical infrastructure sectors, as defined by the Department of Homeland Security.
I know that many of our businesses and other organizations have already taken steps to come in line with those guidelines. I want to personally thank those businesses for respecting the wishes of government leaders and thereby helping to keep our community safe and healthy. We all understand these are hard decisions and a hardship for our business community. We appreciate your proactive measures to protect the citizens of Pierre.
For individual citizens, please continue personal responsibility and avoid gathering in groups of 10 or more people. I also encourage you to continue practicing social distancing and remember to wash hands and to stay home when you’re not feeling well.
This is a difficult time for all of us. It’s important that we continue to support each other. That means supporting our local businesses, taking care of our personal health, and checking in on neighbors, friends and family. This situation remains dynamic and the City will continue to reevaluate processes and adapt as the situation evolves.