The South Dakota Department of Health in a tweet Monday reiterated its stance there will be no mask mandate in South Dakota. The tweet was sent out in anticipation COVID-19 cases are likely to increase during the upcoming respiratory virus season. The tweet goes on to read the Department of Health has never issued a mask mandate and does not plan to start now. According to the CDC from August 11th to September 9th there has been a 7.7 percent increase in hospitalizations nationwide. Since July there has been a 4.5 percent increase in deaths related to COVID-19. The CDC recommends those concerned about COVID-19 can where a mask at anytime and citizens should get the next round of COVID-19 vaccine booster once available in your area.
