During the April 6 press conference Gov. Kristi Noem discussed existing and new executive orders in response to the increased community spread of COVID-19.
The first executive order she discussed is a strengthened version of the original executive order from March 23 where all “shoulds are replaced with shalls.” She also extended the order through the end of May.
Highlights of the Executive Order are as follows:
- South Dakotans shall know the symptoms of COVID-19, practice CDC-recommended hygiene practices and implement social distancing.
- Businesses shall modify practices to ensure no more than 10 people are in one space.
- Employers shall encourage staff to telework where possible, implement social distancing measures and limit travel.
- Health care organizations shall postpone all non-essential elective surgeries.
- Local and municipal governments shall restrict public gatherings of 10 or more people.
Noem also issued another Executive Order specifically for people over the age of 65 and people of any age with chronic medical conditions residing in and visiting Minnehaha and Lincoln counties to stay at home if possible, except for work in critical infrastructure sector jobs or to conduct essential errands.
The chronic medical conditions specifically mentioned in the order include:
- diabetes
- serious heart conditions
- chronic lung disease
- chronic kidney disease
- liver disease
- moderate to severe asthma
- weakened immune systems, and
- those on dialysis.
