Coronavirus hit home this past week as an area resident was positively diagnosed with COVID-19. Since then schools are closed, nursing homes are not allowing visitors, some businesses have been forced to close their doors, and Main Street today was almost empty. Many are spending their time at home, practicing social distancing in light of the outbreak.

The effect of this virus to the local economy is not yet known, but clearly things will not be returning to normal for a while. It is important to support our local businesses during these challenging times. Order take out from your local restaurants, buy gift cards to spend when life gets back to normal, buy your groceries from your local stores. When you’re buying from someone in your community, you’re helping to keep people in their jobs and to keep these businesses open. There is a good chance you will experience out of stock items while shopping; these store owners are doing everything they can to meet your needs. Please be patient and extend a little grace and remember they are working hard to stay open and serve you. Be sure and thank those that are working hard to stock shelves at your local stores, janitors and custodial workers that are busy cleaning and sanitizing, doctors and nurses caring for those that are sick, police officers working to keep us safe, volunteer firemen who run when the fire whistle blows, restaurant staff working to keep us fed. A simple thank you can go a long ways.

Social distancing and self quarantining if you have any symptoms will help reduce the opportunity for the virus to spread. We’re all in this together, so please follow the federal, state and local guidelines for keeping our communities safe.

The South Dakota Department of Health continues to respond to the emergence of the coronavirus. As of March 16, there are 10 positive cases, 484 negative and no pending tests. The counties of Beadle, Bon Homme, Charles Mix, Davison, McCook and Pennington each have one positive case and Minnehaha has four. The age group of South Dakota COVID-119 cases are:

20 to 29 -1 case

30 to 39 - 2 cases

40 to 49 - 3 cases

50 to 59 - 2 cases

60 to 69 - 2 cases

Of these cases, nine are male and one is female.

What can you do to prevent illness?

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue.

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

• Refrain from touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

• Clean frequently touched surfaces and objects.

• Clean frequently touched surfaces and objects.

• Individuals at higher risk for severe COVID-19 illness, such as older adults and people who have chronic medical conditions like heart, lung or kidney disease, should take actions to reduce your risk of exposure.

• Create a family plan to prepare for COVID-19 and develop a stay at home kit with food, water, medication and other necessary items.

What should you do if you develop symptoms?

• Call your healthcare provider immediately and tell them about any recent travel or exposure.

• Individuals who are concerned that they have COVID-19 should contact their healthcare provider via telephone before going to a clinic or hospital to prevent spread in healthcare facilities.

• Avoid contact with other people.

• Follow the directions of your provider and public health officials.

We hope you and your families stay healthy.