COVID-19 pandemic in South Dakota explained

COVID-19 pandemic in South Dakota
Map1:COVID-19 rolling 14day Prevalence in South Dakota by county.svg
Map2:COVID-19 Prevalence in South Dakota by county.svg
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Disease:COVID-19
Virus Strain:SARS-CoV-2
Location:South Dakota, U.S.
First Case:Beadle, Charles Mix, Davison, Minnehaha counties
Arrival Date:March 10, 2020
Origin:Wuhan, Hubei, China
Confirmed Cases:109,070
Active Cases:186
Suspected Cases:15,307
Hospitalized Cases:29 7,588
Recovery Cases:122,100
Deaths:2,026

The COVID-19 pandemic in South Dakota is an ongoing viral pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a novel infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The state of South Dakota reported its first four cases and one death from COVID-19 on March 10, 2020. On June 15, 2021, South Dakota public health authorities reported 25 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the state's cumulative total to 124,377 cases. The state's COVID-19 death toll is 2,026, with no new deaths reported over the previous 24 hours. The state ranks 9th in deaths per capita among U.S. states (with New York City counted separately), and 3rd in cases per-capita, behind only North Dakota and Rhode Island (14,042 cases per 100,000).[1]

The state did not utilize mitigation strategies such as stay-at-home orders or mandating face masks in public spaces, with Governor of South Dakota Kristi Noem citing a desire to respect residents' personal freedoms and responsibilities, and disputing studies demonstrating their efficacy. In October 2020, amid record cases and hospitalizations in the state, Noem told her Legislature that she had received praise from a "prominent national reporter" for not imposing a lockdown. The absence of state-wide action has faced criticism from local officials, and prompted health orders to be issued at the municipal level instead of statewide.

The first major outbreak in the state was centered upon at Smithfield Foods processing plant in Sioux Falls in April 2020, causing Minnehaha County to have over 3,000 confirmed cases alone by May 11. In August 2020, a major spike in cases was induced by several superspreader events, including the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally (which has officially been tied to at least 290 cases in South Dakota and other states), concerts, and other forms of community transmission. The state peaked in new cases by mid-November 2020; by December, the average rate of new cases in South Dakota had begun to decline. But as of June 2021 South Dakota still has one of the highest rates of COVID-19 hospitalization and death among all U.S. states.[2]

As of June 15, 2021, South Dakota has administered 674,054 COVID-19 vaccine doses, providing 55.92% of the state's population with at least one dose of vaccine.[3]

Timeline

On March 10, 2020, Governor Kristi Noem's office announced the first four cases, and one death in a man in his 60s with underlying health conditions; all patients had recently traveled outside South Dakota.[4]

On April 9, 2020, over 80 employees at a Smithfield Foods pork processing plant in Sioux Falls were confirmed to have COVID-19. The plant announced it would suspend operations beginning April 11.[5] By that day, Smithfield employees accounted for the majority of active cases in South Dakota. Some activity continued at the plant on April 14, as it planned to shut down completely.[6] On April 15, 2020, 438 Smithfield employees tested positive for COVID-19.[7]

Independence Day event at Mount Rushmore

See main article: South Dakota's Mount Rushmore Fireworks Celebration 2020.

On June 4, Noem announced that Mount Rushmore's Independence Day festivities on July 3 would go on as originally scheduled and planned, with no additional reduction in ticketed capacity (beyond the number of tickets having already been lowered to 7,500, in a decision that was made prior to the pandemic) or "enforcement" of social distancing, and with President Donald Trump expected to attend. Secretary of Tourism Jim Hagen stated that "we're doing everything we can to work diligently to make this a safe and fun event for all attendees." Noem downplayed the possibility that the event could lead to new outbreaks, arguing that the state "[hasn't] even come close to reaching the capacity of the amount of people that we can take care of."[8] The majority of the audience did not practice social distancing or wear face masks.[9]

After the event, it was reported that Noem had interacted with Kimberly Guilfoyle—a Trump aide who later tested positive for COVID-19, and flew back to Washington, D.C., on Air Force One. On July 7, Noem stated that she had tested negative, stated that Guilfoyle was asymptomatic, and claimed that "the science of the virus tells us that it's very, very difficult to spread the virus when you're asymptomatic". Noem added that it was "incredibly important that we do what we can to mitigate the spread of this virus, but we also know that we can't stop it."[10] [11]

2020 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and subsequent spike

On August 3, 96 out of 328 people who attended Camp Judson, a Christian summer camp near Keystone, tested positive for COVID-19, with an average age of 15 years old.[12]

The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally was held as scheduled from August 7–16, with an estimated 250,000 expected to attend.[13] Although the rally itself was classified by infectious disease professor Carlos del Rio as being of a relatively lower risk due to it being an outdoor event, concerns were raised that attendees would engage in indoor gatherings at bars and restaurants, and that travelers could potentially export COVID-19 cases back to their home states. Mayor of Sturgis Mark Carstensen questioned why the event still went on, admitting that "we cannot stop people from coming."[14] [15] Attendees were encouraged, but not required, to wear a mask. A week after the rally, three days of mass testing were scheduled in Sturgis for local residents.[16]

Footage of a concert at Buffalo Chip Campground as part of the festivities showed wide defiance of mask-wearing and social distancing, and Smash Mouth lead singer Steve Harwell telling the audience to "fuck that COVID shit".[17] [18] Public health notices were issued regarding possible exposures at a bar and a tattoo parlor in Sturgis, and a restaurant in Hill City, recommending that visitors monitor for symptoms.[19] [20] [21] By August 26, the number of cases attributed to the rally had reached 70, including 35 cases in Minnesota, 17 in North Dakota, and seven cases in the Nebraska Panhandle.[22] By September 2, the number had increased to 260, and Minnesota reported the first known COVID-19 death among an attendee.[23] [24]

The Sturgis Rally and other public events, including concerts at the Sioux Empire Fair, the return to school, and exposures at local businesses, resulted in a surge of new COVID-19 cases in South Dakota. A single-day record of 623 new cases were reported on August 27.[3] On August 30, it was reported that there had been over 2,000 new cases over the past seven days.[25] [26] The next day, Governor Noem downplayed the surge, arguing that "none of this was a surprise", hospitalizations were low in comparison to models, and deaths had trended downward. She also claimed that most of the new cases were among younger residents with a higher chance of recovery, despite cases in people over 70 having increased since the 27th.[27]

In September, a non-peer-reviewed study was released by San Diego State University's Center for Health Economics and Policy Studies, which projected that up to 260,000 COVID-19 cases were tied to the rally nationwide. The estimate was based on case trends following the event in the regions from which its attendees originated, as determined by cellphone data, rather than contact tracing — which an author of the study considered unfeasible due to the scale of the event.

The study was criticized by state officials, including Governor Noem, Secretary of Health Kim Malsam-Rysdon, and state epidemiologist Josh Clayton, who felt it was an overestimate in comparison to case totals reported locally and by the Associated Press (which, by then, had projected 124 in-state cases tied to Sturgis, and 290 across multiple states), and noted that the study was not peer-reviewed. Noem also criticized media outlets for reporting on the study, describing it as a "fiction" based on "incredibly faulty assumptions that do not reflect the actual facts and data here in South Dakota."[28]

Continued surge

From August 16 to September 26, 2020, the seven-day moving average quadrupled from an average of 95.6 cases per-day to 384 cases per-day.[3] On September 16, a single-day record of eight new deaths was reported.[3] By September 23, the state's number of new, active, and hospitalized cases reached new peaks.[29] Along with North Dakota, South Dakota saw the largest per-capita increases in new cases nationwide.[30] On October 1, the state set a single-day record for new deaths, with 13.[31] [3]

On October 7, the South Dakota Department of Health (SDDoH) began to identify test positives on antigen tests (which are faster, but less-accurate than PCR tests)[32] in its statistics as "probable" cases. For health care and contact tracing purposes, they are handled the same as those that are confirmed via PCR test. If a probable case is tested via PCR as a follow-up by a clinician, they will be reclassified as a "confirmed" case. However, probable cases might not necessarily be retested.[33]

On October 13, Noem attributed the present spike in cases as "expected" due to increased testing, despite a case positivity rate of over 10%.[34] On October 15, the state set a single-day record for new cases, at 876, surpassing previous peaks experienced throughout the month.[35]

Cases continued to rapidly increase into November; on November 5, the state surpassed 51,000 cases, with the South Dakota Department of Health (SDDoH) reporting that the state's test positivity percentage had increased to nearly 17%, and its 14-day rolling average was at 19.5%.[36] Test positivity increased to nearly 24% by November 10, with the SDDoH reporting a rolling average of 19.9%.[37] By mid-November, the state's 7-day rolling average per-capita peaked at 165 cases per-100,000. On December 1, the number of active cases in South Dakota fell to its lowest total since early-November, after the state reported a single-day record of 3,542 newly-inactive cases.[38] During the first week of December 2020, South Dakota had the highest mortality rate per-capita among all U.S. states.[39]

Declines

By December 7, the state's seven-day average had begun to decline, with South Dakota ranking third behind Rhode Island and Minnesota in new cases per-capita nationwide.[40] On December 21, Avera Health reported that South Dakota had the highest mortality rate of all U.S. states over the past week, second-highest test positivity, and was 14th in new hospitalizations.[41] On February 22, 2021, the state recorded its fewest new daily cases since July 2020.[42]

It has been suggested that personal impacts of the pandemic on residents had led to increased use of masks in South Dakota. Both of the Dakotas had seen noticeable declines in the rate of new cases since December.

Response

On March 13, 2020, Governor Kristi Noem declared a state of emergency. Schools were closed beginning March 16.[43] [44] An executive order was issued to encourage social distancing, remote work, and following the CDC guideline of capping enclosed spaces to 10 people at a time.[45] On April 6, Noem ordered vulnerable residents of Lincoln and Minnehaha counties who are 65 years of age or older or have a chronic condition to stay home until further notice.[46] The order was lifted May 11.[47]

In contrast to the majority of states (but in line with other rural, Republican-led states such as Nebraska), Governor Noem resisted imposing a mandatory, state-wide stay-at-home order, having argued that "the people themselves are primarily responsible for their safety", and that she wanted to respect their rights to "exercise their right to work, to worship and to play. Or to even stay at home".[48] [49] Following the lead of President Trump, Noem also promoted the unproven efficacy of hydroxychloroquine as a treatment for COVID-19 symptoms. In late-April 2020, Noem unveiled a "Back to Normal plan", which contains guidance for migrating from the previous recommendations in areas where the rate of new cases had lessened.[50]

In late July, Noem ruled out a state mandate on the wearing of face masks in public spaces. Noem disputed studies that had determined face masks to be an effective means of reducing spread of viral particles, arguing that the research was "very mixed" and that "science has not proven what's effective and what isn't and what type of mask. We have to stay objective when we look at it". Noem claimed that studies recommending the use of masks did not use "reliable data sets", and that asymptomatic spread was rare.[51] [52]

Noem declined to participate in a federal scheme providing enhanced unemployment benefits, citing a low level of unemployment in the state.[53] In late-August, Noem stated that she would not change her guidance on masks, despite an intensifying surge in new cases. On September 8, despite the continued surge, Noem announced plans to spend $5 million of relief money on an advertising campaign for state tourism.[54] This included an $819,000 buy on Fox News.[55]

During a special session of the South Dakota Legislature on October 5, Noem stated that a "very prominent national reporter" had praised her for "[standing] against" lockdowns and proving they were "useless".[56] On October 7, Trump posted a clip of the session on Twitter captioned "Great job South Dakota!"; Noem replied, thanking Trump for giving her government "the flexibility to respect Freedom and personal responsibility", and arguing that they made decisions "based on science, facts, and data". This praise came despite South Dakota having recently set new records for active cases and hospitalizations.[57]

On December 7, 2020, Noem published an op-ed in The Wall Street Journal, which defended and addressed criticism of her approach by comparing South Dakota to larger states with stricter mitigation measures.[58] She argued that Illinois presently had a higher number of new cases per-capita than South Dakota had at any point during the pandemic, and had reported a record 238 new deaths on December 2 (the result of backlogged reports from over the Thanksgiving holiday),[59] despite their use of "harsh lockdowns" and mask mandates. She also stated that despite having mandated masks in June, New Jersey "still has had the most deaths in the country per capita", and that "over the last two weeks of November, its hospitalizations increased by 34 percent, a six-month high".

Aaron Blake of The Washington Post questioned the validity of some of the statistics Noem quoted, noting that South Dakota's mortality rate per-capita on the specified date was "more than twice" that of Illinois, and that Illinois's seven-day average per-capita at the time of writing (79 per-100,000) was lower than South Dakota's peak (165). In regards to New Jersey, Blake noted that the state had the highest mortality rate per-capita overall, but that the majority of these deaths took place in the early stage of the pandemic prior to the mask mandate. In addition, he pointed out that while New Jersey did have a recent spike in hospitalizations, South Dakota had multiple two-week spikes in hospitalizations over the past few months that were higher than 34%, and presently had the second-highest number of hospitalizations per-capita nationwide, 58 (behind only Nevada), as opposed to 38 in New Jersey, and 28 in California (another state singled out in the op-ed).

On April 21, 2021, Governor Noem issued an executive order banning government entities from issuing "vaccine passports", arguing that they are "un-American" and used to justify the discrimination of citizens who are not yet vaccinated.[60] [61] [62]

Local responses

Noem has faced criticism from residents, as well as other city and county leaders, for her lack of state-wide actions to control local spread of COVID-19. The resistance forced municipalities to implement their own ordinances to enforce social distancing, including Sioux Falls—which enacted a "no lingering" ordinance on March 26 to restrict all non-essential businesses to only serving a maximum of 10 customers at a time.[63] [64]

Mayor of Sioux Falls Paul TenHaken introduced a proposal for a municipal stay-at-home order on April 14,[65] but it was rejected by city council.[66] On May 8, the "no lingering" ordinance was eased ("no mingling") to allow restaurants to expand to capacity (subject to six-foot social distancing between patrons), and fitness, entertainment, and recreation facilities to expand to half of their licensed capacity, or 10, whichever is greater.[67] On May 19, TenHaken tabled a proposal to sunset the ordinance, citing a slowing in new cases in the city since the new ordinance was implemented. City Health Director Jill Franken also reported that the number of hospitalizations in the area was lower than projected. On May 26, Sioux Falls City Council voted in favor, with the ordinance officially repealed on May 29.[68] [69]

Medical responses to the pandemic have largely been coordinated by South Dakota's Avera Health, Monument Health, and Sanford Health systems, including testing, vaccination, and public awareness.[70]

On September 8, the city of Brookings became the first in the state to mandate the wearing of face masks in public spaces.[71] The mandate has been credited with lowering the rate of new cases in Brookings County; by late-November, it had the lowest number of cases per-100,000 among South Dakota's 10 most populous counties, at 74.[72] [73]

Tribal responses

The Cheyenne River and Pine Ridge Sioux reservations have established highway checkpoints to regulate access to their territory.[74] [75] On May 8, Governor Noem sent letters to the two tribes' leaders, declaring the checkpoints illegal for "interfering with or regulating traffic on US and state highways" without permission, and threatening a federal lawsuit if not removed.[76] [77] The Oglala and Cheyenne River Sioux tribes maintained their checkpoints due to safety concerns.[78]

On May 12, Noem sent a second letter to the leader of the Cheyenne River reservation, clarifying that it was within their rights of tribal sovereignty to establish checkpoints on roads leading into their reservation (rather than the highway itself) to help protect their populations, as long as they provide "reasonable access" for essential goods, emergency services, and access to private property situated on the land.[79] On May 20, after the tribes continued the checkpoints, Noem sought assistance from the federal government in resolving the dispute.[80] On June 24, the Cheyenne River Sioux filed a lawsuit against the federal government.[81]

The Indian Health Service has worked with local tribes on vaccine distribution.

Universities and colleges

On August 25, it was reported that the University of South Dakota had 61 active COVID-19 cases, and 300 students self-quarantining.[82]

Since August 26, the South Dakota Department of Health has released case numbers for universities on a weekly basis, including data for individual schools.[83]

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: January 8, 2021. CDC COVID Data Tracker. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20200824224244/https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/ . 2020-08-24 . January 8, 2021. Center for Disease Control.
  2. Web site: January 8, 2021. CDC COVID Data Tracker. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20200824224244/https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/ . 2020-08-24 . January 8, 2021. Center for Disease Control.
  3. Web site: January 8, 2021. Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates and Information. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20201130202910/https://doh.sd.gov/COVID/Dashboard.aspx . 2020-11-30 . January 8, 2021. South Dakota Dept. of Health COVID-19 Daily Update.
  4. Web site: South Dakota reports 5 'presumptive positive' cases of coronavirus with one death . . March 19, 2020.
  5. Web site: Smithfield Temporarily Shuts Pork Plant Due to Coronavirus . 2020-04-09 . U.S. News & World Report. live . 2020-04-11 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200728232729/https://www.usnews.com/news/business/articles/2020-04-09/smithfield-temporarily-shuts-pork-plant-due-to-coronavirus . 2020-07-28.
  6. News: One of the largest pork processing facilities in the US is closing until further notice . 14 April 2020 . . WarnerMedia, Cable News Network, Inc. . Danielle . Wiener-Bronner . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20201104171233/https://www.cnn.com/2020/04/12/business/meat-plant-closures-smithfield/index.html . 4 November 2020.
  7. News: Eric . Bradner . South Dakota governor faces criticism over refusal to issue stay-at-home order after pork plant outbreak . April 16, 2020 . . WarnerMedia, Cable News Network, Inc. . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20201118175507/https://www.cnn.com/2020/04/14/politics/south-dakota-governor-kristi-noem-coronavirus/index.html . November 18, 2020.
  8. Web site: June 4, 2020. South Dakota will not enforce social distancing at Mount Rushmore Fourth of July event. 2020-06-04. The Hill.
  9. Web site: Kaczke. Lisa. Khalyleh. Hana. Trump speaks at Mount Rushmore: See the packed, mostly mask-free crowd. 2020-07-04. Argus Leader. en.
  10. Web site: Kaczke. Lisa. Gov. Kristi Noem flew on Air Force Once after close contact with positive coronavirus case. 2020-07-10. Argus Leader. en.
  11. Web site: Rebekah. Riess. Caroline. Kelly. Noem says she has tested negative for coronavirus after being exposed to top Trump campaign official. 2020-07-10. CNN. 8 July 2020 . WarnerMedia, Cable News Network, Inc..
  12. News: Matzen . Morgan . August 3, 2020 . DOH now reports 96 cases of COVID-19 from Camp Judson near Keystone . live . . https://web.archive.org/web/20200806025240/https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/state-and-regional/doh-now-reports-96-cases-of-covid-19-from-camp-judson-near-keystone/article_12ece587-241c-5d34-ae7c-ee6b628dbd4f.html . August 6, 2020 . August 5, 2020 .
  13. News: Shannon . Joel . August 7, 2020 . No masks required as 250,000 expected at 10-day Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Here's what to know. . live . . https://web.archive.org/web/20200809030806/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2020/08/07/sturgis-motorcycle-rally-what-know-masks-attendance-rules/3321223001/ . August 9, 2020 . August 8, 2020 .
  14. News: Kallingal. Mallika. Toropin. Konstantin. Said. Samira. Young. Ryan. Riders begin to gather in South Dakota for biker rally. CNN. WarnerMedia, Cable News Network, Inc.. live. 2020-08-08. https://web.archive.org/web/20200809031804/https://www.cnn.com/2020/08/07/us/riders-gather-in-sturgis-for-biker-rally/index.html. August 9, 2020.
  15. Blistein. Jon. 2020-08-12. 'Freedom-Loving People': Behind the Scenes at That Controversial Smash Mouth Show in South Dakota. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20200813000237/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/sturgis-covid-19-biker-fest-smash-mouth-1043040/ . 2020-08-13 . 2020-08-22. Rolling Stone. en-US.
  16. Web site: 2020-08-21. COVID-19 mass testing underway in Sturgis. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20201030140508/https://www.keloland.com/news/healthbeat/coronavirus/covid-19-mass-testing-underway-in-sturgis/ . 2020-10-30 . 2020-08-22. KELOLAND.com. Nexstar Media Group. en-US.
  17. Web site: Maxouris. Christina. 11 August 2020. Rock band Smash Mouth performed to a packed crowd of hundreds during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20200811102805/https://www.cnn.com/2020/08/11/entertainment/smash-mouth-concert-sturgis-motorcycle-rally-trnd/index.html . 2020-08-11 . 2020-08-31. CNN. WarnerMedia, Cable News Network, Inc..
  18. Web site: Willman. Chris. 2020-08-26. Smash Mouth Posts Hate Mail From Sturgis Backlash, as States Report Rally-Based COVID Spread. 2020-08-31. Variety. en.
  19. Web site: 2020-08-14. DOH: COVID-19 potential exposure at Bumpin' Buffalo Bar and Grill in Hill City. 2020-08-21. KELOLAND.com. Nexstar Media Group. en-US.
  20. Web site: 2020-08-20. Employee at tattoo shop in Sturgis tests positive for coronavirus. 2020-08-21. KELOLAND.com. Nexstar Media Group. en-US.
  21. Web site: Levenson. Eric. 19 August 2020. A person with Covid-19 may have exposed others at a bar during Sturgis motorcycle rally. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20200819151637/https://www.cnn.com/2020/08/19/us/sturgis-south-dakota-rally-coronavirus-trnd/index.html . 2020-08-19 . 2020-08-31. CNN. WarnerMedia, Cable News Network, Inc..
  22. Web site: Maxouris. Christina. 2020-08-26. Experts feared the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally could be a superspreading event. More than 70 coronavirus cases are already linked to it. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20200826135730/https://www.cnn.com/2020/08/26/us/sturgis-motorcycle-rally-cases-trnd/index.html . 2020-08-26 . 2020-08-31. CNN. WarnerMedia, Cable News Network, Inc..
  23. News: September 2, 2020. First COVID-19 death linked to Sturgis motorcycle rally reported in Minnesota. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20200902164826/https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2020/09/02/sturgis-rally-death-coronavirus/ . 2020-09-02 . September 2, 2020. Washington Post.
  24. Web site: Shannon. Joel. First COVID-19 death linked to massive Sturgis biker rally; cases reported across the nation. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20200903030642/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2020/09/02/sturgis-motorcycle-rally-first-covid-19-death-reported/5696286002/ . 2020-09-03 . 2020-09-28. USA Today. en-US.
  25. Web site: 2020-08-21. COVID-19 cases reach another high in South Dakota. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20210117063700/https://www.keloland.com/keloland-com-original/covid-19-highs-draft/ . 2021-01-17 . 2020-08-22. KELOLAND.com. Nexstar Media Group. en-US.
  26. Web site: 2020-08-30. Spike in cases continues across South Dakota. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20200831040727/https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/state-and-regional/spike-in-cases-continues-across-south-dakota/article_bba20cd8-72ca-52e4-ab2d-9968b728a701.html . 2020-08-31 . 2020-09-02. Rapid City Journal.
  27. Web site: Sneve. Joe. Noem won't mandate masks, issue stay-at-home orders as COVID-19 cases spike. 2020-09-28. Argus Leader. en-US.
  28. Web site: Raposa. Megan. SD governor criticizes study suggesting Sturgis bike rally led to 260,000 COVID-19 cases. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20200909065339/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2020/09/08/study-260-000-coronavirus-cases-likely-tied-sturgis-rally/5750587002/ . 2020-09-09 . 2020-09-09. USA Today. en-US.
  29. Web site: Matzen. Morgan. 2020-09-24. South Dakota sets records for new, active COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20200925121541/https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/state-and-regional/south-dakota-sets-records-for-new-active-covid-19-cases-hospitalizations-and-deaths/article_4b8aff5e-9e2e-55d0-b9b0-e78dfcf1a681.html . 2020-09-25 . 2020-09-28. Rapid City Journal. en.
  30. News: Higgins-Dunn. Noah. 2020-10-08. U.S. reports uptick in daily coronavirus cases as outbreaks surge in Great Plains. en-US. CNBC. live. 2020-10-11. https://web.archive.org/web/20201101095350/https://www.cnbc.com/2020/10/07/coronavirus-outbreaks-sweep-through-great-plains-states-as-wisconsin-activates-field-hospital-.html. 2020-11-01.
  31. News: April 2020. South Dakota Covid Map and Case Count. en-US. The New York Times. 2020-10-11. 0362-4331.
  32. Web site: Meyer. Alexis C. Madrigal, Robinson. 2020-10-09. Why Trump's Rapid-Testing Plan Worries Scientists. 2020-10-11. The Atlantic. en-US.
  33. Web site: Brandon Martin. 2020-10-07. South Dakota adds probable cases to its COVID-19 Dashboard. 2020-10-11. KTIV. en-US.
  34. Web site: Fugleberg. Jeremy. Marvel. Shannon. 2020-10-13. Noem claims more testing responsible for South Dakota's COVID-19 case surge. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20201017105508/https://www.mitchellrepublic.com/newsmd/coronavirus/6715418-Noem-claims-more-testing-responsible-for-South-Dakotas-COVID-19-case-surge . 2020-10-17 . 2020-10-15. The Mitchell Republic. en.
  35. Web site: 2020-10-14. COVID-19 in South Dakota: 876 new total cases; Death toll rises to 291; Active cases at 6,604. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20201031190511/https://www.keloland.com/news/healthbeat/coronavirus/covid-19-in-south-dakota-876-new-total-cases-death-toll-rises-to-291-active-cases-at-6604/ . 2020-10-31 . 2020-10-15. KELOLAND.com. Nexstar Media Group. en-US.
  36. Web site: 2020-11-05. Total cases surpass 50,000 in South Dakota, 22 new COVID-19 deaths Thursday. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20201105180439/https://www.kotatv.com/2020/11/05/total-cases-surpass-50000-in-south-dakota-22-new-covid-19-deaths-thursday/ . 2020-11-05 . 2020-11-10. KOTA Territory News. en.
  37. Web site: 10 November 2020. Hospitalizations pass 600 in South Dakota Tuesday. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20201111030928/https://www.kotatv.com/2020/11/10/hospitalizations-pass-600-in-south-dakota-tuesday/ . 2020-11-11 . 2020-11-10. KOTA Territory News. en.
  38. Web site: Ellis. Jonathan. COVID-19 recoveries in South Dakota reach new record. 2020-12-22. Argus Leader. en-US.
  39. News: December 8, 2020. Kristi Noem hails South Dakota as a coronavirus success story — using badly cherry-picked numbers. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20201208161621/https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2020/12/08/kristi-noem-hails-south-dakota-coronavirus-success-story-using-badly-cherry-picked-numbers/ . 2020-12-08 . December 8, 2020. Washington Post.
  40. Web site: Ellis. Jonathan. South Dakota continues to see encouraging trend in new COVID-19 cases. 2020-12-22. Argus Leader. en-US.
  41. Web site: 2020-12-21. South Dakota's COVID-19 death rate highest in the nation according to health professionals. 2020-12-22. KELOLAND.com. en-US.
  42. Web site: Sabato. Nick. South Dakota records lowest new COVID-19 case count since July. live. 2021-03-08. The Dickinson Press. 22 February 2021 . en. https://web.archive.org/web/20210222200509/https://www.thedickinsonpress.com/newsmd/coronavirus/6899398-South-Dakota-records-lowest-new-COVID-19-case-count-since-July . 2021-02-22 .
  43. Web site: Noem signs State of Emergency order; Requests schools to close throughout South Dakota next week. March 13, 2020. KELOLAND.com. Nexstar Media Group.
  44. Web site: Noem orders South Dakota K-12 schools to close next week; Iowa, Nebraska holding off on similar moves. Hayworth. Bret. Sioux City Journal. 13 March 2020 .
  45. Web site: 2020-04-28. Governor Noem outlines "Back to Normal" plan for South Dakota. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20200429015707/https://www.keloland.com/news/healthbeat/coronavirus/governor-noem-outlines-back-to-normal-plan-for-south-dakota/ . 2020-04-29 . 2020-08-31. KELOLAND.com. Nexstar Media Group. en-US.
  46. Web site: New executive order will target Minnehaha & Lincoln Counties. 2020-04-06. KELOLAND.com. en-US. 2020-05-13.
  47. Web site: Gov. Kristi Noem lifts stay-at-home order for those 65+ in Sioux Falls area. Kaczke. Lisa. Argus Leader. en. 2020-05-13.
  48. News: McGreal. Chris. 2020-04-21. 'I believe in our freedoms': the governor who resists lockdown and stresses American liberty. en-GB. The Guardian. 2020-05-13. 0261-3077.
  49. News: South Dakota's governor resisted ordering people to stay home. Now it has one of the nation's largest coronavirus hot spots.. Wittle. Griff. 2020-04-13. Washington Post. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20200414054632/https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/south-dakotas-governor-resisted-ordering-people-to-stay-home-now-it-has-one-of-the-nations-largest-coronavirus-hot-spots/2020/04/13/5cff90fe-7daf-11ea-a3ee-13e1ae0a3571_story.html . 2020-04-14 . 2020-05-12.
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  51. Web site: Strubinger. Lee. 9 July 2020. Noem Questions Mask Studies Despite CDC Recommendation. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20210306232611/https://listen.sdpb.org/post/noem-questions-mask-studies-despite-cdc-recommendation . 2021-03-06 . 2020-09-28. SDPB. en.
  52. Web site: Strubinger. Lee. 30 July 2020. South Dakota Health Systems Agree On Masks, Noem Questions Efficacy. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20200731234653/https://listen.sdpb.org/post/south-dakota-health-systems-agree-masks-noem-questions-efficacy . 2020-07-31 . 2020-09-28. SDPB. en.
  53. News: Luhby. Tami. August 16, 2020. South Dakota turns down Trump's unemployment benefits boost. CNN. live. August 30, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201116193253/https://www.cnn.com/2020/08/16/politics/south-dakota-trump-unemployment-benefits/index.html. November 16, 2020.
  54. Web site: 10 September 2020. South Dakota governor uses coronavirus relief funds for $5 million tourism ad despite COVID surge. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20201116193232/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/kristi-noem-south-dakota-coronavirus-relief-funds-tourism/. November 16, 2020. September 10, 2020. CBS News.
  55. News: Groves. Stephen. Beaumont. Thomas. September 3, 2020. South Dakota spends $819,000 on Fox News ad pitching tourism in the state. The Billings Gazette. Associated Press. November 17, 2020.
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  59. Web site: 2020-12-02. Illinois sees biggest spike in reported COVID-19 deaths to date after holidays delay some data, officials say. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20201202192549/https://wgntv.com/news/coronavirus/illinois-sees-biggest-spike-in-reported-covid-19-deaths-to-date-after-officials-say-holidays-delayed-some-data/ . 2020-12-02 . 2020-12-03. WGN News. Nexstar, Inc.. en-US.
  60. Web site: Ellis. Jonathan. Gov. Noem bans government-instituted COVID-19 vaccine passports. 2021-04-28. Argus Leader. en-US.
  61. Web site: 2021-04-21. Gov. Noem bans vaccine passports in South Dakota. 2021-04-28. KELOLAND.com. en-US.
  62. Web site: Goss. Austin. Governor Kristi Noem bans "vaccine passports" in South Dakota. live. 2021-04-28. KOTA Territory News. 21 April 2021 . en. https://web.archive.org/web/20210421143349/https://www.kotatv.com/2021/04/21/governor-kristi-noem-bans-vaccine-passports-in-south-dakota/ . 2021-04-21 .
  63. Web site: Coronavirus restrictions on bars, restaurants have Sioux Falls owners clamoring for change. Sneve. Joe. USA Today. en-US. 2020-05-13.
  64. Web site: TenHaken clarifies businesses covered by proposed 'no more than 10' ordinance. Conlon. Shelly. Argus Leader. en. 2020-05-13.
  65. Web site: Mayor TenHaken to propose stay at home order to City Council because of coronavirus numbers. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20200420054545/https://kelo.com/news/articles/2020/apr/14/mayor-tenhaken-to-proposed-stay-at-home-order-to-the-city-council-because-of-covid-19-numbers/1006530/. 20 April 2020. 9 May 2020. NewsTalk 1320 KELO. Midwest Communications.
  66. Web site: No stay-at-home order for Sioux Falls but additional steps likely to help health care facilities handle the COVID-19 peak. 2020-04-17. KELOLAND.com. Nexstar Media Group. en-US. 2020-05-13.
  67. Web site: Sioux Falls City Council passes ordinance reducing some COVID-19 restrictions. Dakota News Now. 7 May 2020 . Gray Television. en-us. 2020-05-29.
  68. Web site: COVID-19 restrictions on Sioux Falls businesses repealed. Sneve. Joe. Argus Leader. en. 2020-05-29.
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  70. Web site: North Dakota and South Dakota set global Covid records. How did they turn the tide?. 2021-03-08. NBC News. 9 February 2021 . en.
  71. Web site: Conlon. Shelly. Brookings mandates masks in public places, indoor businesses. 2020-09-28. Argus Leader. en-US.
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  73. News: 2020-12-10. Covid-19: The mask-wearing US city that bucked the trend. en-GB. BBC News. 2020-12-22.
  74. Web site: Pine Ridge Reservation on coronavirus lockdown until Wednesday. Kaczke. Lisa. Argus Leader. en. 2020-05-14.
  75. Web site: Rules, reality and rumors at COVID-19 reservation checkpoints. Zionts. Arielle. 12 May 2020. Rapid City Journal. en. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20200517171334/https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/rules-reality-and-rumors-at-covid-19-reservation-checkpoints/article_c262a011-6410-5ef9-b5b4-cbd97224cccd.html . 2020-05-17 . 2020-05-14.
  76. News: Lakhani. Nina. 2020-05-14. South Dakota governor threatens to sue over Sioux's coronavirus roadblocks. en-GB. The Guardian. 2020-05-14. 0261-3077.
  77. Web site: South Dakota Sioux tribe refuses to take down checkpoints that governor says are illegal. 11 May 2020. CNN. WarnerMedia, Cable News Network, Inc.url-status=live. 2020-05-14.
  78. Web site: South Dakota tribes defy governor and maintain checkpoints in coronavirus fight. NBC News. May 11, 2020. 2020-06-04.
  79. Web site: South Dakota's governor will allow checkpoints on tribal roads, but not state highways in a possible compromise. 13 May 2020. CNN. WarnerMedia, Cable News Network, Inc.. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20200513201550/https://www.cnn.com/2020/05/13/us/south-dakota-sioux-tribes-checkpoints/index.html . 2020-05-13 . 2020-05-14.
  80. Web site: Dispute over South Dakota tribal checkpoints escalates after Gov. Kristi Noem seeks federal help. NBC News. May 21, 2020. 2020-06-04.
  81. News: Walker. Mark. Cochrane. Emily. 2020-06-24. Tribe in South Dakota Seeks Court Ruling Over Standoff on Blocking Virus. en-US. The New York Times. 2020-06-25. 0362-4331.
  82. Web site: Matzen. Morgan. 2020-08-25. University of South Dakota has 61 active COVID-19 cases. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20200827210302/https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/education/university-of-south-dakota-has-61-active-covid-19-cases/article_a4b6a276-4177-5bf2-96b8-167f831552ce.html . 2020-08-27 . 2020-09-03. Rapid City Journal. en.
  83. Web site: 2020-08-26. South Dakota universities share COVID-19 case numbers online. 2020-09-03. KELOLAND.com. Nexstar Media Group. en-US.