RAPID CITY, S.D. – The number of positive tests for COVID-19 reached 41 today – up 11 from yesterday according to the South Dakota Department of Health.
Most of the cases remain on the eastern side of the state, where Minnehaha County jumped to 13 – the same as Beadle County – who, interestingly enough, did not report any new positive tests today.
Of interest is the first case being reported in the Black Hills region. That case is a healthcare worker with Monument Health who lives in Meade County.
Paulette Davidson, CEO and President of Monument Health, estimated Wednesday at a press conference that the patient, who has only been identified as female, came into contact with 100 patients, as well as 10 other caregivers and two physicians. She says most patients were in an ambulatory area.
Davidson says hospital officials were made aware of the potential case when the person began developing symptoms after recent travel within the U.S.
She says the person who tested positive “most probably became exposed to the virus during travel,” and that Monument was not aware of the patient’s recent trip prior to the appearance of symptoms. Monument Health does not currently have a self-quarantine policy regarding travel within the United States.
In addition to the isolation of patients both at home and in care, Monument has sent the ten caregivers and two physicians home to quarantine for an extended period. There is no word on how many have received COVID-19 tests.
Dr. Brad Archer, chief medical officer for Monument Health, said physicians and care teams are working on strategies to keep the 112 exposed individuals safe at home while maintaining their healthcare.
As for the rest of the new cases, Lincoln County, south of Sioux Falls, reported their first case and there was also a new case in Brown County – home to Aberdeen.
Eight of the 11 new cases are female.
