PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem says schools across the state will remain closed through April in response to the new Coronavirus Pandemic sweeping the nation.
In her daily press briefing, the governor says she is still anticipating more positive cases of COVID-19 in the coming weeks and what the state is doing right now is helping to flatten the curve.
“Today, I have put forward recommendations forward to all our school administrators that kids should stay out of the classroom until May first. This will give us time to make sure we are flattening and bending the curve of the COVID-19 infection in South Dakota, and also gives them some consistency at the district level on how they will teach these children at home or at a distance.”
Noem says the state has been in constant communication with the state’s school administrators.
“Those school administrators have been communicating with us and school board members on how to do that and the flexibility they need to be available to do it district by district.”
Noem says she is so grateful for all the innovative approaches being taken by the state’s schools.
“I would like to encourage them that can still continue to assist their communities as we go through this unprecendented time. I have heard so many creative approaches, like delivering meals to students and child care being offered to law enforcement and first responders. Also putting up online learning activities for their kids so they can continue their education at home.”
Noem says those who don’t have Internet access are getting help courtesy of packets that are going home to help the students.
