South Dakota Governor Noem's 'Back-To-Normal' Plan Released

On Tuesday afternoon Governor Kristi Noem unveiled her “Back-to-Normal" plan as we all continue to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are some of the details as outlined at covid.sd.gov:

Individuals:

Continue to practice good hygiene
Continue to stay home when sick
Continue to practice physical distancing, as appropriate
Vulnerable individuals are at higher risk for this virus. Accordingly, they should: Take extra care to practice good hygiene, avoid those who are sick or those who have been exposed to people who are sick.
Consider staying home whenever possible

Employers:

Encourage good hygiene and sanitation practices, especially in high-traffic areas
Encourage employees to stay home when sick
If previously operating via telework, begin transitioning employees back to the workplace
Where appropriate, screen employees for symptoms prior to entering the workplace
Enclosed Retail Businesses that Promote Public Gatherings
Resume operations in a manner that allows for reasonable physical distancing, good hygiene, and appropriate sanitation
Consider restricting occupancy and continue innovating in this uncertain environment

Schools:

Continue remote learning
Consider a limited return to in-person instruction to “check-in” before the school year ends
Encourage good hygiene and sanitation practices, especially in high-traffic areas

Health Care Providers:

Hospitals treating COVID-19 patients should reserve 30% of their hospital beds and maintain appropriate stores of PPE to meet surge demand
Other hospitals and surgery centers must have updated transfer protocols and adequate stores of independently-sourced PPE
Non-hospital healthcare can resume with adequate stores of independently sourced PPE
Continue to restrict visits to senior care facilities and hospitals

Local Governments:

Consider current and future actions in light of these guidelines

As of Tuesday number of new COVID-19 cases went up to 2,313 in the state according to the South Dakota Department of Health. Active cases are at 910. 7 more people were hospitalized to bring the total of ever hospitalized to 157. There have been 11 deaths in the state.