Schools to remain closed through May 1st; two new positive COVID-19 cases reported

Governor Kristi Noem provided an update on COVID-19 in the state in a conference call just before noon Tuesday.  The state’s total positive COVID-19 cases have increased to 30, with two new positive cases reported – 1 in Brookings and another in Beadle County.  The governor said that the Brookings County positive case is travel-related. Governor Noem also reported that two more of those who had tested positive have recovered from the virus, and that two are currently hospitalized.  

The governor announced Tuesday that school districts in the state will remain closed through May 1st.  She said this will give the state a chance to continue trying to flatten the curve in the COVID-19 outbreak.  She also said that by executive order she is having state employees continue to work remotely through May 2nd.  

Governor Noem said that even though the numbers are increasing slowly, that everyone still needs to remember to continue safety precautions like social distancing, washing hands, and staying home if they are sick.

Noem says projections show that it could be eight weeks before the state reaches its peak in positive COVID-19 cases. 

The full Governor’s news conference, as well as links to information on COVID-19 can be found here.