The members of the South Dakota Legislature have had two conference calls with Governor Noem and her staff regarding Covid-19 since session completed on March 12th. As of Friday evening March 20th, there had been 14 positive cases for Covid-19 and today, Sunday the 22nd, there are now 21 positive cases. Two of these have recovered and are no longer testing positive. As of Friday, no one has been hospitalized from the virus in SD. To get daily updates on Covid-19 cases and prevention go to Covid.SD.gov

The rumor has been out there that SD is not doing very many tests. Per capita, SD has done more testing than any other state. The state lab has done and reported 740 negative tests, 277 are pending and 21 positive cases as of the 22nd. Avera, Sanford and Monument Healthcare Systems are also doing testing. They are only required to report the positive cases, so the state is not exactly sure how many tests they have done. It is estimated to be well over 1000 tests done so far.

The state orders the reagent to complete the Covid-19 test from the CDC. For some reason, the CDC was not sending the order to SD. They were notified, they have apologized, and the reagent orders are now being filled.

As of Friday, there was no community spread in SD. There are a lot of rumors that the Governor is going to shut down private business in the state. She assured us that at this point she has no plans to do that, but each week and day brings new data into the mix that needs to be evaluated and acted on in the best interest of the state.

Some folks have voiced concern that they asked for a test and it was not done. There are criteria that needs to be met for someone to have a test done. If the symptoms and criteria is not present, the test will not be used just because someone asks for it.

Recommendations from the Covid.SD.gov website of ways to avoid Covid-19 are:

•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 wo are sick

•Refrain from touching your eyes, nose and mouth

•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.

•Distance yourself 6 feet from other people when in public

•Stay away from groups of 10 or more people

The Governor’s office has gotten good news from the Feds that they have approved using the SBA loans to help small business get through this extremely hard time. Both the Office of Economic Development and the Department of Tourism have been working to reach out and survey companies to determine the impact of Covid-19 on our small business community. If your business has been impacted by this, you can call (605) 773-4633 to speak directly with a GOED representative.

If anyone will be having a difficult time paying their taxes that are due, you can contact the Department of Revenue at 1-800-829-9188 or DOR.SD.gov. They will assist you and answer any questions you may have. Also, employees of businesses who close due to Covid can apply for unemployment.

Veto Day for the legislature is scheduled for March 30th. The Administration, House and Senate Leadership and LRC are evaluating and looking for the best solution to make sure all are safe as the actions of the final day of the 95th Legislative Session are completed.

Again, if you develop symptoms, please call your health care provider immediately and tell them about any recent travel or exposure. Follow the direction of your healthcare provider and public health officials plus avoid contact with other people. You are encouraged to create a family plan to prepare for Covid-19 of extra food, water, medication and other necessary items. Thank you to everyone for your cooperation. Working together we can whip this threat!

Praying for your health, safety and financial stability.

Representative Lee Qualm

House Majority Leader

(605) 207-0406

Lee.Qualm@sdlegislature.gov

Chairman State Affairs Committee

Legislative Procedures Committee