PIERRE, S.D. — South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem held her daily media briefing today on COVID-19 and says she shared the state’s plans for virus mitigation with a doctor on the White House Task Force on Wednesday.
Noem says Dr. Anthony Fauci agrees that a one-size fits all approach isn’t necessary in South Dakota.
Noem said Fauci reviewed the prediction models presented by the state last week. Noem said the mitigation efforts already in place have cut projected peaks in half.
Noem said positive COVID-19 cases will continue to increase. She said it is something we knew would happen weeks ago. She said the good thing is people are also recovering and getting better.
She is asking people to continue practicing social distancing. Noem said many people are stepping up to help people. She thanked people helping health care workers, people donating to charities and people who are taking it seriously.
Noem said Fauci was impressed with how South Dakota was responding to social distance measures.
Noem said the Easter holiday will look a lot different this year. She is asking people to start new Easter traditions and repeated her requests for prayers on this statewide day of prayer.
The governor was also asked today about the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. She says as of now there has been no planning yet for the Rally.
The rally this year begins August 7th, but Noem has repeatedly stated peak infection in South Dakota may not happen until late May or early June.
Noem says they may still have infection rate in the state in August, but will deal with events such as the rally being held late in summer as they move forward.
