STURGIS, SD -The city of Sturgis, in a press release today, says they are updating some of their COVID-19 protocols for city employees.
The release states:
As efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19 remains a very high priority, the City of Sturgis has updated employee protocols.
Starting on Thursday, April 9, all employees will wear protective face masks when interacting with the public or when conducting business in a public place. This mandate includes employees within the Public Works Department, the Sturgis Police Department, Sturgis Ambulance Service, and all others working in public spaces.
The CDC recently changed their opinion on the public’s need to wear face masks. They now report that wearing masks may aid in stopping the spread of COVID-19 by those who may be carriers but are not showing symptoms of the virus. Wearing a mask is not a substitute for maintaining social distancing or for staying home.
Standard protocols from the CDC remain in place in all City facilities along with the following:
* Coordinating the free Sturgis Good Deeds program which completes necessary household shopping for residents considered to be in high-risk categories
* Maintaining the closure of Sturgis City Hall, Sturgis Library, Community Center, and the Auditorium
* Offering online utility billing and payment via the XpressBill Pay program as well as payment via debit or credit card via telephone
* Providing bill drop-boxes at the front door to City Hall and the Community Center
* Offering online library services
* Requiring all contractor permits and licenses be obtained online through CitizenServe
* Providing the ability for citizens to call-in questions and comments during public meetings
* Providing live streaming service on Facebook during City Council meetings
* Encouraging residents to call with questions instead of entering City facilities.
The City of Sturgis continues to monitor information from the CDC, the State Department of Health, and local healthcare providers. Protocols will be updated as needed. As responsible adults, we all need to take action to reduce the risk of infection within our community.
