As the COVID-19 vaccine becomes more available to the general public, it is hoped that infection rates will fall. Distribution of the vaccine has been extremely efficient in South Dakota. 

Experts say people should continue taking precautions, as infection rates are a moving target, new variants of the virus are spreading and information changes frequently.

As of March 19, 44% of staff were fully vaccinated.

Vaccination is voluntary. However, Dr. Mailloux, the CHS Medical Director, strongly encourages all staff to consider being vaccinated. If you have a medical history of adverse reactions or other concerns, we suggest that you visit with your doctor. Program directors are also available to discuss any concerns you might have. 

From an organizational standpoint, and a community standpoint, the vaccine will be most effective if/when there is 70-80% participation.  

COO Karl Jegeris distributed the latest CDC recommendations on March 12. Highlights of his all-staff email are below.

Vaccinated staff

Staff who have been fully vaccinated are not required to wear masks in certain circumstances.

• Gathering indoors with fully vaccinated people without wearing a mask, when in small groups (defined as 9 persons or less)
• Gathering indoors with unvaccinated people from one other household without masks, unless any of those people or anyone they live with has an increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19  

If you’ve been around someone who has COVID-19, you do not need to quarantine.

All staff

Mitigation efforts will continue among all staff with the following precautions:

• Masks will continue to be worn when working in direct contact indoors with children and clients regardless of vaccination status. 
• Masks will continue to be worn by those that are not vaccinated when in direct contact with other staff and/or in shared spaces.  
• Social distancing will continue when possible among unvaccinated or unknown groups. 
• Temperatures will continue to be taken prior to beginning work and will need to be 100.4 or less in order to work. 
• Handwashing prior to beginning work will continue.  
• High touch surfaces will continue to be disinfected regularly. 
• Stay home if you are ill.  

Volunteers, professional visitors, family visitations and home visits

These efforts can be allowed with Program Director approval and the above mitigation efforts. This will vary by program.   

And finally…

• It is up to each individual if they choose to voluntarily share their vaccination status with co-workers. If you don’t know a co-worker’s status, you should take precautions as if they are not vaccinated.  
• If you choose to be vaccinated, remember to submit proof to your HR representative and you’ll receive an extra eight hours of PTO.

CHS leadership continues to monitor the situation and will provide updates on an ongoing basis.