RAPID CITY, S.D. (KBHB) — Rapid City Mayor Steve Allender announced Wednesday that an effort to set up a large-scale shelter for homeless persons who are positive for COVID-19 is under way.

The shelter would be set up in Rushmore Hall at the now-closed Rushmore Plaza Civic Center, and be operated by city and county officials.

Allender says that the shelter would be for those homeless with substance abuse and other issues, and would enforce isolation for those who need significant supervision.

Allender says the decision isn’t being made quickly, lightly, or inconsiderately, and that all options are on the table.

This week, Governor Kristi Noem left such large shelter decisions for cities to decide for themselves.