RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) – Rapid City Mayor Steve Allender says he is not pushing for a mask mandate, but is encouraging residents to wear one as COVID-19 cases have risen dramatically over the past two months in Rapid City.

During a press conference Tuesday, Allender says even if he wanted to place a mandate on wearing masks, the city just doesn’t have the resources to enforce it.

Instead, Allender is encouraging all businesses to put in a mask mandate and for all residents to help out by wearing one when they can’t social distance.

As an alternative to a mandate, Allender says the city is working with a marketing firm to launch a new public service campaign stressing the importance of wearing face coverings. He also urges people to limit group size and control settings where groups meet.