PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem says an additional seven positive cases of COVID-19 have been reported and Beadle County remains the hardest hit.
The county that includes Huron now has 12 positive cases – up from 10 on Sunday.
New cases are also in Codington, Davison, Hughes, Lyman and McCook Counties.
Noem also says three people who have COVID-19 are hospitalized.
The total number of cases now in South Dakota is 28.
Governor Noem says this is going to be a long battle.
“Our projections indicate we will not peak until, which means we will continue to increase in positive COVID-19 tests, into May, possible early June. So we need everyone to stay calm and be patient and to make sure they are making good decisions for them as well as others.”
Noem says it’s possible that 30-percent of South Dakotas population could get sick.
“Our models suggest that 30-percent of our population could get sick. That is litterally tens of thousands of people in our state. Now, I understand that is frightening, but remember, more than 80-percent of infections are asystematic or cause mild symptoms. Our actions though are working, but we have a long way to go.”
Noem says that’s where the current restrictions come in – by “flattening the curve,” the state can change that by keeping an overwhelming number of people flooding the state’s hospitals.
Meanwhile, the state is ramping up efforts to help South Dakotans filing for unemployment.
She says they have additional staff members to take calls and help people process claims.
Noem says she is working on an executive order that will help.
“We have tens of thousands of people in South Dakota who’s lives depend on a functioning economy and that deserves compassion that they pay their bills, keep a roof over their heads, and have the ability to buy food for their families. I will sign an executive order later today that will provide a guideline to businesses, health care providers and community leaders that will use science, data and facts that we will have at our disposal at to how we will operate in the coming weeks.”
Noem says South Dakota has already waived the requirement workers filing for unemployment must actively search for work to be eligible for benefits.
The governor’s emergency declaration earlier will also accommodate those workers who are already impacted by COVI19, including those who are in an unpaid status or whose hours are reduced due to a shutdown or quarantine.
