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
People, please stop “panic shopping.” It’s not only unnecessary, it prevents the rest of the community from getting products they need.
— Paul TenHaken (@paultenhaken) March 11, 2020
Get more info at https://t.co/chmqh2H5Ph https://t.co/MKURwciUiD
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