What officials say you should do for COVID-19

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — With cases now in South Dakota, health officials have come together to address what the public should know and do concerning COVID-19. The mayor of Sioux Falls, officials from both Sanford and Avera and the City of Sioux Falls Health Department gave insight at a news conference on Tuesday.

Mayor Paul Tenhaken

• The City of Sioux Falls has a strong response plan in place
• Call before going to the doctor
• Go to COVID.sd.gov
• Call the 800 number if you have questions

Jill Franken – City of Sioux Falls Director of Health

• Everyone should be implementing:
  • social distancing
  • good hygiene
  • environmental cleaning
• South Dakota Department of Health has setup a call center and website
  • 1-800-997-2880
  • COVID.sd.gov
• Do not panic and focus on common sense measures

Dr. Allison Suttle – Sanford Health Chief Medical Officer

• Have a personal and family plan on how to help prevent the spread of COVID-19
  • this helps prevent both you and others from getting the illness
• Wash your hands
  • to see the proper technique, click here
  • soap and water
  • 20 seconds
  • wash them often
• Consider avoiding large crowds
• If you have chronic conditions, or are elderly, you are more susceptible to the disease
• Social distancing –
  • eat in a little more
  • if church is broadcasted watch it from home
  • don’t go to events with large groups of people

David Erickson – Avera Health Chief Medical Officer

• Wants public to know cases range from very mild to severe
• Symptoms:
  • fever with a temperature over 100.4
  • cough
  • shortness of breath
• Not everyone who develops symptoms will need to be hospitalized
  • 80% of people can be treated at home
• Emphasizes to call your clinic if you think you have COVID-19