SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) — The limit on customers in Sioux Falls businesses is extended for another two weeks.
The Sioux Falls City Council signed off on an extension to the city’s social distancing ordinance at their meeting Tuesday night. The ordinance limits businesses to 10 in-person customers at a time. It does not apply to grocery stores and other essential businesses.
The extension lasts through April 22 and could be extended in the future.
Councilor Theresa Stehly proposed an amendment to the ordinance that would impose new restrictions on how businesses treat employees during the pandemic. It would have mandated employees practice social distancing at businesses that must abide by the 10-customer limit, and limit occupancy in essential businesses, like grocery stores.
City Attorney Stacy Kooistra said the amendment was enough of a change to require another reading of the ordinance at next Tuesday’s meeting. That meant the ordinance would no longer be in effect for nearly a week if the amendment passed.
Several councilors said they agreed the city should look into a new ordinance protecting employees, but voted against the amendment to keep the social distancing measures in effect. The amendment failed 6-2.