Public Asked to Limit Visits to City Facilities Due to COVID-19, Other Illnesses Among Employees

PUBLIC ASKED TO LIMIT VISITS

TO CITY FACILITES

DUE TO COVID, OTHER ILLNESSES

Recent spike in employee absences

due to COVID-19, other illnesses

RAPID CITY, SD—With increasing numbers of positive COVID-cases reported in the area coupled with increased illness-related absences among City employees, Mayor Steve Allender is recommending the public to consider limiting visits to City facilities.

            “We are seeing a fast increase in both the number of cases of COVID-19, influenza and other illnesses in the area, as well as illnesses and absences among City employees,” said Mayor Allender.  “At this point, we want to issue an advisory to the public to consider limiting visits to City facilities and exposure to employees.

            “Reports indicate we may be weeks away yet from reaching the peak of this latest variant.  We are asking the public to consider alternatives rather than making an in-person visit to City facilities.”

             Mayor Allender indicates in the last week, positive COVID cases and absences among City departments have spiked, increasing from a few individuals to a few dozen among employees in City departments.

             Among the alternatives recommended by Mayor Allender:

*Utility bills can be paid online or by using the night depository on the west side of the City Hall facility;

*Utilize drive-through and online services at the Rapid City Public Library;

*File applications or register for activities online;

*Call or e-mail City departments to have questions or issues addressed;

*Call and set up appointments with City staff to pick up permits or drop off building plans.

*Purchase tickets for events online

*Continue to observe COVID restrictions at Rapid City Regional Airport

The wearing of face masks and social distancing is recommended and encouraged at City facilities.