RAPID CITY, S.D. – Rapid City Mayor Steve Allender says he is not pushing for a mask mandate, but is encouraging residents to wear one as COVID-19 cases have risen dramatically over the past two months in Rapid City.
During a press conference Tuesday, Allender says even if he wanted to place a mandate on wearing masks, the city just doesn’t have the resources to enforce it.
Instead, Allender is encouraging all businesses to put in a mask mandate and for all residents to help out by wearing one when they can’t social distance.
Allender says “the point of the mask is to protect others, not you. You rely on others wearing a mask to keep you safe as well.”
As an alternative to a mandate, Allender says the city is working with a marketing firm to launch a new public service campaign stressing the importance of wearing face coverings. He also urges people to limit group size and control settings where groups meet.
