PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Kristi Noem announced her plan to help South Dakotans get “Back to Normal” as they continue to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly changed the path so many South Dakotans were on. Some of us lost friends and loved-ones,” Noem said.
“This disease also stole our most precious commodity—time. In addition to the health costs, the social costs of this virus are historic in the worst way. I have let science, facts, and data drive our decision-making, and we will continue to do so.”
The Governor on Tuesday signed Executive Order 2020-20, which puts her plan into place immediately.
Noem says South Dakotans have taken personal responsibility for their health and safety seriously and she says the state has cut its projected peak rate by at least 75-percent.
“South Dakotans have taken personal responsibility for their health and safety seriously. They have done a tremendous job practicing good public hygiene and social distancing. Together, we’ve cut our projected peak infection rate by more than 75 percent. South Dakotans have lived up to our state’s motto: ‘Under God, the people rule.’
“The plan I am unveiling today continues to put the power of decision-making into the hands of the people – where it belongs. Today’s plan relies on South Dakotan’s continuing to exercise common sense, reasonableness, innovation, and a commitment to themselves, their families, and – in turn – their communities.”
Her plan outlines guidance for individuals, employers, schools, health care providers and local governments.
Individuals are still encouraged to practice good hygiene, social distancing and staying home if they are sick and employers are being encouraged to give employees paid time off if they are sick.
The Governor also encourages schools to continue distance learning the rest of this school year and wants health care providers to reserve 30-percent of their hospital beds for possible COVID-19 patients and maintain appropriate stores of PPE to meet any surge demand.
Noem believes the numbers will continue to rise in South Dakota, but the state has arrived at a place where she believes the state’s health providers can handle the situation.
She says the plan is based on increased testing capacity and continued improvement in South Dakota’s projected peak hospitalization.
Noem says moving forward, if they see hot spots in certain areas of the state, they will be prepared to take action.
