RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) – At a press conference Monday, Mayor Steve Allender initiated a mandatory masking protocol in all city government buildings, but not at local businesses, effective immediately.

The decision was made in light of three Covid-19 diagnoses at City Hall, and the continuing uptick in cases statewide.

As cases rise consistently statewide, Allender said the issue of hospitalization revolves less around space, and more around staff.

The other measures include isolating workgroups throughout City Hall, and restarting work from home options for City employees.