Watertown creates $150,000 “Community Rescue Fund” for those impacted by business slowdowns (Audio)

March 24, 2020

WATERTOWN, S.D.–A lot of moving pieces on the COVID-19 front in South Dakota, and in Watertown on Monday.

Statewide, the coronavirus count rose to 28. Codington County now has its first positive case. There’s also confirmation of a case involving a female inmate at the State Women’s Prison in Pierre.

Locally, Mayor Sarah Caron (pictured) says Watertown took three important steps Monday in the fight against the virus, including a “Community Rescue Fund” for businesses impacted by COVID-19..…

The business closures the mayor mentioned go into effect at 12:01 a.m. Thursday.

Caron says slowing the spread is all about making good decisions…

All city buildings in Watertown are closed to the public, but the mayor says you can still do business….

Shannon Britt is an infection control specialist at Prairie Lakes…

And if you’re showing symptoms of coronavirus…

Councilman Adam Lalim talked about the business closures that will be taking effect….

More than just bars and restaurants will be impcated…. 

Governor Kristi Noem has issued an executive order asking businesses to restrict some of the ways they operate in the midst of the threatening new coronavirus. That includes having restaurants limit their service to takeout and businesses to limit gatherings to 10 people or less, as well as asking hospitals to put off elective surgeries.

Noem has said her powers are limited to enforce such actions. But some mayors have said they would like to see more aggressive action from the governor.