PIERRE, S.D. – An emotional Kristi Noem gave no statistics today during a conference call with reporters, but rather asked everyone to step back and a take a break.
The Governor and her staff, who have been worked to their limits during this COVID-19 outbreak, pleaded for everyone today to count their blessings.
“But my message to you today is to please press pause. Put down your smartphones, turn off your t.v.’s, go for a walk. Visit with your families. Spend some time with them. Call a loved one. Just take a break.”
Noem says take today to appreciate your families, your friends, and it’s okay to be uncertain. But, she says we must remain steadfast to defeat this invisible enemy.
As the Governor’s statement left many reporters scratching their heads, The State Department of Health updated the numbers of COVID-19 in the state on their website.
The total is now 41 – up 11 from yesterday. One of those cases was the Meade County healthcare provider who works for Monument Health in Rapid City.
Monument Health reported the positive test last night and as of the latest from the D.O.H., is the only case.
Monument says the healthcare worker had recently traveled and those people the patient had contact with were being notified.
Officials at Ellsworth Air Force Base say the patient had been in contact with two spouses of active-duty airmen and they were on top of the situation.
Ellsworth is currently in Health Protection Condition Bravo, which means the base has taken measures to a threat of disease.
As for the rest of the cases, Lincoln County, south of Minnehaha, reported their first case and cases in Minnehaha jumped to 13 – equaling Beadle County, who also had 13. There were no new cases reported in Beadle County. There is also a new case in Brown County. Eight of the 11 new cases are female.
