South Dakota health officials say even after people get a COVID-19 vaccine they should continue mask use and distancing to prevent potential transmission.
State epidemiologist Josh Clayton says the vaccine is just one tool against the disease. He says vaccinations should be used with other routines.
“We’re still asking individuals, whether they have not received any doses, received one dose or received two doses of vaccine, to make sure that they’re taking precautions, which does still include maintaining physical distance of six feet when possible, wearing a mask when maintaining that distance is not possible, making sure you have good cough and hand hygiene as well as cleaning high touch surfaces.”
South Dakota is distributing 7,800 doses of the Pfizer vaccine to healthcare workers working in a COVID unit or long-term care facility.
According to the Department of Health, 1,106 doses have been administered.
-Contact SDPB reporter John Nguyen by email.