SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – South Dakota Health Secretary Kim Malsam-Rysdon confirms that the Smithfield Plant in Sioux Falls is a COVID-19 hotspot.
She shared the numbers at Wednesday’s briefing in Pierre.
“That number as changed every day and, as of yesterday, there were over 80 cases connected to individuals working there.”
But Malsam-Rysdon says health officials have been able to do contact tracing on each of the cases. So, at this point, she believes there is no risk to people outside those directly impacted. She says the plant is doing daily mitigation efforts.
Minnehaha County is one of the hotspots in South Dakota for the coronavirus. There are hotspots within the hotspot.
Sioux Falls Mayor Paul TenHaken says the city is monitoring hotspots in conjunction with state health officials. He doesn’t want to name any specific businesses or locations. But, without identifying it as a hotspot, TenHaken says that the city is working with the Smithfield Plant.
“The State Department of Health is working with them very closely, as is the City Department of Health. We are on daily calls with them.”
The Smithfield Plant, the old John Morrell Plant, is one of Sioux Falls’ largest employers. People from all over the region work there.
