Sioux Falls OKs mask mandate after push from medical groups

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — The Sioux Falls City Council reverses course and votes 6-2 to pass a 60-day mask ordinance with no penalty for violations.

Medical groups warmed that hospitals have exceeded capacity dealing with COVID-19 patients.

Sioux Falls Mayor Paul TenHaken, who cast a tie-breaking vote against a mandate last week, said before Tuesday night’s vote that he was ready to get behind the mask requirement after the state’s largest physician organization and a hospital system supported the mandate.

The state is suffering through one of the worst virus outbreaks in the nation.

November 18, 2020