RAPID CITY, S.D. – The South Dakota Department of Health on Saturday issued two COVID-19 advisories for Rapid City.
In the first advisory, state health officials announced that a Rapid Ride Transit driver tested positive for COVID-19.
The individual worked while able to transmit the virus to others on these dates:
Saturday, May 9th; 9 a.m. -5 p.m.
Rapid Ride Jefferson Route
Monday, May 11th; 1:20 p.m. -5:50 p.m.
Rapid Ride Washington Route
Mayor Steve Allender issued a statement on the Rapid Ride driver positive COVID-19 case.
In a statement, Mayor Allender said, “We were notified by the State Department of Health at 9 a.m. this morning that a driver within our Rapid Transit System (RTS) had tested positive for COVID-19. City officials have been working with State Health officials on this specific case and have determined the time lines for which the driver may have been able to transmit the virus to others. RTS Manager Megan Gould indicates the driver was wearing a face mask and followed established social distancing and hygiene protocols during his drive times.”
Allender also said, “City officials will continue to work with the State Department of Health on this matter. The State Department of Health has shared the possible exposure time lines as well as reiterated the COVID-19 risk factors, symptoms and the protocols that should be followed by the public.”
Allender capped off his release saying, “Rapid Transit System officials indicate the public transportation system will continue to operate its RapidRide and Dial-a-Ride bus systems with no suspensions in service planned. All RTS employees are continuing to follow social distancing and hygiene protocols.”
On Saturday afternoon, the state DOH issued another advisory.
In the second advisory, health officials announced that an employee at the Super 8 Motel on Tower Road had tested positive for the virus.
The individual worked while able to transmit the virus others during the following dates and times:
• Thursday, April 29th – 3 p.m. – 11 p.m.
• Friday, April 30th – 3 p.m. – 11 p.m.
• Saturday, May 2nd – 7 a.m.- 3 p.m.
• Sunday, May 3rd – 7 a.m.- 3 p.m. and 11 p.m- midnight
• Monday, May 4th – 12 a.m.- 7 a.m.
Health officials say due to the risk of exposure, customers who visited this location or rode Rapid Ride during the specified dates should monitor for symptoms for 14 days after the date they visited.
