The coronavirus pandemic, which shut down schools and has highly affected a number of jobs, continues to spread around South Dakota, Iowa, and Minnesota. Nationwide, the number of cases has surpassed 44,000 and deaths have reached 544 as of Tuesday at noon. Schools are now projected to be closed through at least May 1.
On Tuesday, South Dakota was confirmed to have 30 positive cases, 8 of whom have fully recovered, and 2 people who are hospitalized. One of the hospitalized is SD State Representative Bob Glanzer of Huron. The number is expected to continue to increase, with projections that approximately 30% of South Dakota’s population are likely to suffer from the virus at some point in the near future. Governor Kristi Noem estimated in her Tuesday press briefing that the peak may not be for another 8 weeks.
“What we’re doing is working,” said Governor Noem during the briefing, addressing flattening the curve with social distancing and isolation protocols that have already been implemented.
She continued, “I appreciate their [businesses’ and individuals’] cooperation.” She encourages people to keep perspective, and to take care of others in their communities.
Governor Noem has not fully ordered any businesses to close at this time, and states they have not yet established essential versus non-essential businesses.
However, by an Executive Order signed on Monday, she has limited the number of people allowed in an enclosed establishment where a distance of 6 feet or more can be maintained, to 10 people. The Executive Order does ask any business that cannot maintain that distance to close. She has asked individuals, businesses, and local governments to be creative, and to look for sustainable ways to maintain their business during this time. Governor Noem states that this difficult situation could impact South Dakotans for at least eight weeks, and all must work together and take up different practices during this time. It is important to note that with this Executive Order, she has established the baseline, and is encouraging local municipalities to expand as needed.
