On March 23, 2020, Governor Kristi Noem signed an executive order outlining guidelines for all South Dakotans, for-profit and not-for-profit employers, enclosed retail businesses that promote public gatherings, local and municipal governments and healthcare organizations as it relates to COVID-19 in the state of South Dakota. The order outlines what should be done. It is not a mandate. Final decisions remain under local control.
Noem and Department of Health Sec. Kim Malsam-Rysdon held a 2nd press conference March 23 to provide the latest information on the status of COVID-19 (coronavirus) in the state. The case in Hughes County is in an inmate at the State Women's Prison. Because it is not travel related, the one case is considered community spread.