Nov 19, 2020

Sioux Falls OKs mask mandate after push from medical groups

Posted Nov 19, 2020 3:18 PM

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — The largest city in South Dakota, Sioux Falls, has voted to reverse course and pass a 60-day face mask ordinance with no penalty for violations.

Medical groups warmed that hospitals have exceeded capacity dealing with COVID-19 patients. Sioux Falls Mayor Paul TenHaken, who cast a tie-breaking vote against a mandate last week, said before Tuesday night's vote that he was ready to get behind the mask requirement after the state’s largest physician organization and a hospital system supported the mandate.

The state is suffering through one of the worst virus outbreaks in the nation.