SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem says she will release what she called a back-to-normal plan for the state on Tuesday, while cautioning that as more people resume activities the coronavirus will continue to spread.
Citing the fact that just 61 people are currently hospitalized due to COVID-19, Noem believes the state’s healthcare system can handle an increase of patients, if it comes to that. The state will continue to monitor the coronavirus hospitalization rate to judge how a return to a somewhat normal life is going.
If people are concerned about returning to their pre-COVID activities, Noem suggested that they might still stay home.
“If you are uncomfortable with where things stand in your community, and people out and about, just know that you have the ability to still stay at home, protect yourself and your family; your health,” the governor explained.
South Dakota reported 33 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 on Monday and no additional deaths.
The state has seen a total of 2,245 coronavirus cases as of Monday, with 11 deaths overall.
More than 1,000 cases are tied to the Smithfield Foods pork processing plant in Sioux Falls.
That plant was closed, but Noem says she hopes the company will produce a plan for reopening this week.
