SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) — Sioux Falls is officially considering putting a “stay at home” order in place in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The city has released the full text of the ordinance the council will consider at their meeting Wednesday night. Here’s what you should know about the potential two-week order:
What exactly does “stay at home” mean?
Essentially the proposed ordinance tells people to stay in their homes at all times, with two exceptions: working at a “critical infrastructure sector job” or conducting an “essential activity.”
Which jobs are considered critical?
The ordinance defers to federal guidance from the Department of Homeland Security outlining which jobs need to keep running during the pandemic. The list includes health care, construction, banking and biotech companies, among others. You can read the full list here.
Which activities are considered essential?
The ordinance includes a list of 15 types of activities that are allowable under the order. They include “essential errands” like going to the grocery store, pharmacy or gas station. Going to a restaurant to get drive-thru or takeout is also allowed. Same goes for going to school to pick up food or educational materials. The ordinance also allows for certain outdoor activities like walking in the park, jogging, playing tennis and golfing, provided people practice social distancing.
Whom would it apply to?
The order would only apply to people living within the city limits of Sioux Falls. Mayor Paul TenHaken asked Gov. Kristi Noem to issue a shelter in place order for all of Minnehaha and Lincoln counties, but she declined.
Will businesses stay open?
The ordinance encourages businesses to stay open. At the same time, it strongly pushes for business owners to allow their employees to work from home if at all possible.
What if someone tests positive?
The ordinance calls for anyone with a positive test to self-quarantine for two weeks, along with everyone else they live with. That means no leaving the house unless it’s an emergency, not even for work or school.
What about the homeless?
The ordinance does not apply to people experiencing homelessness. It encourages homeless people to practice social distancing.
Can it be enforced?
Unlike the mayor’s current executive proclamation, the order would be enforceable under city law. Still, Mayor TenHaken has said orders like this rely on “self-compliance” from the public. “You’re just expecting to keep honest people honest,” the mayor told The Greg Belfrage Show last week.
How soon could it become law?
Not for at least a week. Sioux Falls’ eight city councilors will hold a first reading for the ordinance at their meeting Wednesday night. They’ll have a chance to make amendments to the order then if they choose. If the first reading passes, it will be up for final adoption at the council’s next meeting on Tuesday, April 21.
When would it start, and how long would it last?
As written, the ordinance would go into effect on Friday, April 24 and last for two weeks. The city council can extend or terminate the ordinance in future meetings.
