ABERDEEN, S.D. (Press Release) – A group of 38 organizations in South Dakota, including the Aberdeen Area Chamber of Commerce, have joined to recommend and promote masking as COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations surge throughout the state and wider region. They back a simple message of “Mask Up South Dakota” and a hash tag of #MaskUpSoDak.They support keeping South Dakota open, and the safest way to do that is to practice good hygiene, social distancing and wearing masks.

This group is not seeking a mask mandate from government, but rather is calling on South Dakotans to help manage health care resources and workforce so our state’s health systems can help those who need to be hospitalized. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has affirmed that wearing masks can help communities slow the spread of COVID-19 when worn consistently and correctly by a majority of people in public settings. Masks are most effective when used along with other preventive measures, including social distancing, frequent handwashing, and cleaning and disinfecting.

The Aberdeen Chamber has created two door signs that are available for anyone to use or personalize for their business. One requests use of a face covering and one displays COVID-19 safety guidelines. Please contact the Chamber at 605-225-2860 or info@aberdeen-chamber.com for more details.