SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – In a press conference with health leaders from Avera and Sanford Health, Governor Kristi Noem says schools across South Dakota will remain closed through next week.
The Governor announced school will stay closed through March 27 as a precaution to slow the spread of COVID-19. She says so far, South Dakota does not have community spread of the virus.
“We want to give ourselves a little bit more time to continue to develop out our testing and lab capabilities to work with our health care providers,” Noem said.
Health care officials say they’re going to tell you the same thing that’s been reiterated for the past few weeks: wash your hands, practice good hygiene and social distancing. Both Sanford Health and Avera Health leaders say keep your neighbors in mind as well.
Officials also say South Dakota has enough supplies for COVID-19, and they are still continuing day to day operations. Avera’s chief medical officer says the process for getting results to patients has changed to get the information out faster. He also says to avoid travel.
Health care providers say South Dakota is prepared for this pandemic, and they remind everyone else to prepare as well.
Noem also said tomorrow, they will be deploying more staff to the Emergency Operation Center, set up in late February, to make sure all agencies have talented individuals to tackle all the fronts this virus is currently affecting.
