As the number of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations in South Dakota continue to make the state a national hotspot for infections, medical providers and partnering organizations came together yesterday (Oct. 27, 2020) to promote mask-wearing.
South Dakota State Medical Association president Dr. Benjamin Aaker says supporters of #MaskUpSoDak are NOT asking for a governmental mask mandate.
Aaker says the Center for Disease Control and Prevention does support mask wearing.
South Dakota Department of Health data shows the number of hospitalizations from COVID-19 broke records for the third straight day yesterday. Aaker says #MaskUpSoDak supporters are calling on citizens to help manage health care resources and workforce so the state’s health systems can treat those who need to be hospitalized.
Aaker says increased cases and hospitalizations place a greater burden on health care facilities and health care workers, and is taking a toll on individuals, families and workplaces.
Hear the entire 10 minute “Mask Up South Dakota” press conference in this KGFX Beyond the Mic podcast.
Organizations supporting the “Mask Up South Dakota” (#MaskUpSoDak) effort include the:
- South Dakota State Medical Association
- South Dakota Nurses Association
- South Dakota Association of Healthcare Organizations
- Avera Health
- Sanford Health
- Monument Health
- Pierre District Medical Society
- South Dakota Municipal League
- South Dakota Chamber of Commerce & Industry
- Associated School Boards of South Dakota
- School Administrators of South Dakota
- Great Plains Tribal Leaders Health Board
- AARP South Dakota
- American Cancer Society
- American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network
- Huron District Medical Society
- South Dakota Academy of Family Physicians
- South Dakota Academy of Ophthalmology
- South Dakota Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics
- South Dakota Chapter, American College of Emergency Physicians
- South Dakota Chapter, American College of Physicians
- South Dakota Chapter, American College of Surgeons
- South Dakota Council of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
- South Dakota Pathology Society
- South Dakota Pharmacists Association
- South Dakota Psychiatric Association
- South Dakota Public Health Association
- South Dakota Section, American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology
- South Dakota Society of Anesthesiologists
- Immunize South Dakota
- Mitchell District Medical Society
- Black Hills District Medical Society
- Community HealthCare Association of the Dakotas
- District 7 Medical Society (Sioux falls & surrounding communities)
- Humphreys Forum: A Collaboration of Sioux Falls Infectious Disease Physicians
- Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce
- Yankton District Medical Society
These groups are asking South Dakota residents for a renewed and greater commitment to follow a list of preventive practices recommended by the CDC:
- Wear a mask to cover your mouth and nose when around others.
- Practice social distancing – put six feet of space (two arm lengths) between yourself and people who don’t live in your household.
- Practice good hand hygiene – wash hands often and use hand sanitizer.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily.
- Stay home when you’re sick or have been exposed to the virus (except to get medical care).
- Cover your cough and sneezes.
- Monitor your health daily and watch for symptoms such as fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, and/or diarrhea.
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