Argus Leader staff

As the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in South Dakota grows, here are the latest updates and information.

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How many coronavirus cases are in South Dakota?

As of May 27, there are 4,710 cases with 54 deaths. See a breakdown of cases here.

The latest developments on Coronavirus in South Dakota:

The latest major developments will be added to the top of this section each day as they happen. Information will be updated as it becomes available.

Saturday, May 30

State health department reports three deaths, 94 new cases

The number of COVID-19 cases in South Dakota has increased by 94 and there are three new deaths, according to the state health department. Of the three deaths, all were female, with two residing in Beadle and one residing in Pennington. One was age 20-29, one was age 40-49 and one was age 60-69.

Wednesday, May 27

Four more coronavirus deaths in South Dakota, 57 more cases

Four more people have died of the coronavirus in South Dakota, and the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the state increased by 57 on Wednesday.

South Dakota has a total of 54 COVID-19 deaths, according to the South Dakota Department of Health.

Two people who died were Minnehaha County resident, one person was a Brown County resident and one was a Todd County resident. Two were women, two were men. One was in the 30-39 age range, one was in the 50-59 age range and two were in the 60-69 age range, according to the state health department.

South Dakota has a total of 4,710 COVID-19 cases as of Wednesday, according to the state health department. That doesn't include people who show symptoms or are asymptomatic but are not tested. A total of 968 test results were reported on Wednesday and the positive rate for coronavirus tests on Wednesday was 5.9%.

Tuesday, May 26

COVID-19 restrictions on Sioux Falls businesses repealed

The COVID-19-related reins are coming off of bars, restaurants and fitness and entertainment venues this week.

Sioux Falls city councilors voted unanimously during a special meeting at Carnegie Town Hall Tuesday to fully repeal all patron restrictions placed on Sioux Falls businesses since the coronavirus pandemic began in early March.

Coming at the recommendation of Mayor Paul TenHaken and the Sioux Falls Board of Health, the lifted restrictions mean food and alcohol establishments no longer have to limit groups of patrons to six people or less and keep them seated six feet apart.

Places like movie theaters, bowling alleys, gyms and concert halls that had been limited to 50% of their normal occupant load also no longer have to adhere to those patron limits.

Coronavirus cases increase by 67 in South Dakota

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in South Dakota increased by 67 on Tuesday and no new deaths were reported.

South Dakota has a total of 4,653 COVID-19 cases as of Tuesday, according to the state health department. That doesn't include people who show symptoms or are asymptomatic but are not tested. The total number of coronavirus deaths in South Dakota remained at 50 on Tuesday.

A total of 1,755 test results were reported on Tuesday and the positive rate for coronavirus tests on Tuesday was 3.8%.

Monday, May 25

Coronavirus cases increase by 92 in South Dakota, no new deaths reported

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in South Dakota increased by 92 on Wednesday, and no new deaths were reported.

South Dakota has a total of 4,177 COVID-19 cases, according to the state health department. That doesn't include people who show symptoms or are asymptomatic but are not tested. A total of 680 tests results were reported on Wednesday, with a positive rate of 13.5%.

The number of deaths in the state due to the coronavirus remained at 46.

Sunday, May 24

Coronavirus cases grow by 95 in South Dakota, no additional deaths

The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in South Dakota increased by 95 on Sunday, according to the South Dakota Department of Health. There were no new deaths recorded from the virus.

South Dakota now has a total of 4,563 COVID-19 cases as of Sunday. That doesn't include people who show symptoms or are asymptomatic but are not tested.

Of those cases, 1,142 are active COVID-19 cases,and 3,371 have recovered statewide. The state health department says 85 are currently hospitalized due to coronavirus.

Saturday, May 23

South Dakota reports 112 new cases, no deaths

The number of active COVID-19 cases in South Dakota has increased by 112, according to the state health department, and there are no new deaths. Of the new cases, 11 are ages 0-19 and 24 are ages 20-29.

The state has 1,082 active COVID-19 cases, according to the state health department. Recoveries statewide increased to 3,336. The state health department says 358 total people have been hospitalized during the pandemic, and 90 are currently hospitalized.

Friday, May 22

South Dakota coronavirus death toll hits 50, cases increase by 106

Two more people have died of the coronavirus in South Dakota, and the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the state increased by 106 on Friday.

South Dakota has a total of 50 COVID-19 deaths as of Friday, according to the South Dakota Department of Health.

The two women who died of the coronavirus were Minnehaha County residents in the 80+ age category, according to the state health department.

Avera allows limited visitation to patients during pandemic

Avera is now allowing limited visitation to patients in its hospitals, surgery centers, emergency departments and clinics, according to a press release from the healthcare system.

The system will allow one visitor per patient per day during regular visitor hours, the release states.

Both patient and visitor must wear masks within Avera facilities, and each will be screened for fevers and symptoms of COVID-19 before they enter. If they don't have masks, one will be provided.

Thursday, May 21

Two more South Dakotans die of coronavirus, cases increase by 73

Two more people have died of the coronavirus in South Dakota, and the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the state increased by 73 on Thursday.

South Dakota has a total of 48 COVID-19 deaths as of Thursday, according to the South Dakota Department of Health.

One of the deaths was a Minnehaha County resident, and one was a Pennington County resident. One was a man and one was a woman, and one was in the 30-39 age range with the other in the 80+ age range, according to the health department.

Wednesday, May 20

Coronavirus cases increase by 92 in South Dakota, no new deaths reported

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in South Dakota increased by 92 on Wednesday, and no new deaths were reported.

South Dakota has a total of 4,177 COVID-19 cases, according to the state health department. That doesn't include people who show symptoms or are asymptomatic but are not tested. A total of 680 tests results were reported on Wednesday, with a positive rate of 13.5%.

The number of deaths in the state due to the coronavirus remained at 46.

Sanford Health changes policy to allow patients one visitor

Sanford Health is allowing patients to have one visitor, except in COVID-19 specific units, the healthcare system announced.

Effective Wednesday, one adult visitor is allowed with each patient at hospitals and clinics across the health system, according to a news release.

For hospitals, one adult visitors is able to accompany from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Visitors will be screened and must wear a cloth or surgical mask at all times.

Tuesday, May 19

Two more coronavirus deaths reported in South Dakota

Two more people have died of the coronavirus in South Dakota, and the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the state increased by 58 on Tuesday.

South Dakota has a total of 46 COVID-19 deaths as of Tuesday, according to the South Dakota Department of Health.

One person who died was a Minnehaha County resident, and one was a Pennington County resident. The deaths were one woman and one man, and one was in the 50-59 age range with the other in the 80+ age range, according to the state health department.

Mayor TenHaken readying to repeal all COVID-19 business restrictions

Coronavirus-related patron limits at Sioux Falls businesses could be completely off the books by the end of the month.

Mayor Paul TenHaken is teeing up a proposal to repeal the "no mingling" ordinance that caps the size of groups that can be in bars and restaurants and has limited fitness studios, gyms, movie theaters and entertainment venues to 50% capacity as positive trend lines in COVID-19 cases continue.

"Minnehaha and Lincoln counties are experiencing a regular downward trend in the data we are monitoring," the mayor wrote in an email to city councilors Monday. "Our total new cases confirmed per day have consistently decreased since the 9th of May."

Monday, May 18

Coronavirus cases surpass 4,000 in South Dakota, no new deaths reported

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in South Dakota increased by 40 on Monday, and no new deaths were reported.

South Dakota has a total of 4,027 COVID-19 cases on Monday, according to the state health department. That doesn't include people who show symptoms or are asymptomatic but are not tested. The positive rate for coronavirus tests on Monday was 8.2%.

Sioux Falls to keep public pools closed through summer amid pandemic

Kids who spend their summers swimming at public pools in Sioux Falls will need to find something else to do before school starts back up later this year.

Mayor Paul TenHaken said Monday that his office and the Parks and Recreation Department have decided to suspend operations of the city's eight public swimming facilities, including the Midco Aquatic Center.

"It's been a very gut wrenching decision," TenHaken said when making the announcement during a morning news conference.

Sunday, May 17

28 new cases confirmed, nearing 4,000 statewide

South Dakota reported 28 new cases of COVID-19 Sunday, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the state to 3,987, with 1,219 active cases. That doesn't include people who show symptoms or are asymptomatic but are not tested.

No new deaths were reported Sunday, while the number of hospitalized patients increased from 75 to 77 and total recoveries increased to 2,724. A total of 312 patients have required hospitalization.

Saturday, May 16

No new deaths, 72 new cases reported in South Dakota

South Dakota reported 72 new cases of COVID-19 Saturday, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the state to 3,959, with 1,242 active cases.

Friday, May 15

South Dakota confirms one additional COVID-19 death, 95 new cases

One more person has died of the coronavirus in South Dakota, and the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the state increased by 95 on Friday.

South Dakota has a total of 44 COVID-19 deaths as of Friday, according to the state Department of Health.

The woman who died from the coronavirus was a Minnehaha County resident in the 80+ age range, according to the department.

Thursday, May 14

Coronavirus in South Dakota: Four more deaths, 60 more cases

Four more people have died of the coronavirus in South Dakota, and the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the state increased by 60 on Thursday.

South Dakota has a total of 43 COVID-19 deaths as of Thursday, according to the South Dakota Department of Health.

The one woman and three men who died of the coronavirus were Minnehaha County residents. One person was in the 50-59 age range, one was in the 60-69 age range, and two were in the 80+ age range, according to the state health department.

State to test all long-term care facility and assisted living residents over next month

South Dakota public health lab leaders on Thursday announced a plan to test all of the state's long-term care facility residents and staff for the new coronavirus.

The four-week plan, a collaboration between the state health lab, local healthcare providers and commercial testing labs, will test all residents and staff across the state's nursing homes and assisted living centers.

The mass-testing event will begin with testing residents in about 46 nursing home in areas of substantial COVID-19 spread. The next week of the phase will move to the more than 100 other nursing homes across the state. The remaining two weeks will focus on assisted living centers. First, in the about 70 facilities in areas of substantial community spread, and then in the remaining about 50 assisted living centers across the state. People do not have to bested, and leaders said they cannot force people to.

Unemployment claims in South Dakota surpass 40,000

The number of South Dakotans applying for unemployment surpassed 40,000 last week.

There were a total of 5,131 initial weekly unemployment claims filed with the South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation during the week of May 3-9, the department announced on Thursday.

That's an increase from 3,929 initial weekly claims during the week of April 26-May 2, according to the department.

City officials: Person found dead in COVID-19 recovery center

City officials say someone at the city's recovery center was found dead in their room on Tuesday night.

Public Health Director Jill Franken announced the death at a Thursday press conference prior to the Sioux Falls Police Department briefing.

Franken did not identify the person who died or state their cause of death, and said the center was intended for people who are unable to safely quarantine at home or may not have a permanent living arrangement, not those who are believed to need medical care in a hospital.

Wednesday, May 13

Cases in Minnehaha County surpass 3,000

The number of coronavirus cases in Minnehaha County surpassed 3,000 on Wednesday.

Cases in Minnehaha County increased by 39 to a total of 3,017, and Lincoln County's cases increased by three to a total of 190 cases, according to the South Dakota Department of Health.

No new deaths due to the coronavirus were reported on Wednesday. The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in South Dakota increased by 69 to a total of 3,732 cases on Wednesday, according to the state health department. That doesn't include people who show symptoms or are asymptomatic but are not tested.

The positive rate for coronavirus tests on Wednesday was 9.8%.

Tuesday, May 12

Good Samaritan Sioux Falls Village reports four more deaths, bringing facility's total to 20

At least 20 residents within the Sioux Falls Village senior living facility have now died after testing positive for COVID-19, a spokesperson for the Good Samaritan Society said Tuesday.

It's the most number of deaths tied to a single facility in South Dakota amid the coronavirus pandemic, making up more than half of the 34 deaths overall reported by the state, according to numbers gathered by the Argus Leader.

In total, the Sioux Falls Village has had 106 confirmed cases between residents and employees, said Shawn Neisteadt, the Senior Media Relations Specialist at Sanford Health.

Gov. Kristi Noem lifts stay-at-home order for those 65+ in Sioux Falls area

Gov. Kristi Noem’s executive order directing Minnehaha and Lincoln County residents to stay home if they’re older than 65 and in vulnerable populations expired on Monday.

The move to let the executive order lapse on Monday came after discussions with local officials and hospitals about the coronavirus in Sioux Falls, Noem said on Monday.

Monday, May 11

South Dakota confirms 97 more coronavirus cases Monday, no new deaths

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in South Dakota increased by 97 on Monday.

South Dakota has had a total of 3,614 COVID-19 cases since the pandemic began. That doesn't include people who show symptoms or are asymptomatic but are not tested. The number of deaths remained at 34 on Monday.

Cases in Minnehaha County increased by 85 to a total of 2,952, and Lincoln County's cases increased by three to a total of 191 cases, according to the state health department.

Sunday, May 10

Noem pushes federal legal action for travel checkpoints on reservations

Gov. Kristi Noem is threatening to take two South Dakota Native American tribes to federal court over checkpoints set up on reservations restricting state and U.S. highway travel during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The announcement comes after Noem sent letters to leaders of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe and the Oglala Sioux Tribe on Friday demanding that checkpoints set up on those reservations along state and U.S. highways be removed immediately.

The governor gave a 48-hour deadline Friday before she said she would pursue legal action.

Confirmed cases increase by 124, majority in Minnehaha County

South Dakota reported 124 new COVID-19 cases Sunday, bringing the statewide total to 3,517.

Of those, 1,336 are currently active cases. There have been 261 people ever hospitalized by the virus, with 77 currently in the hospital. Recoveries now stand at 2,147.

The number of deaths remained at 34, with 29 in Minnehaha County.

Saturday, May 9

249 new cases, three additional deaths

South Dakota reported three additional coronavirus-related deaths on Saturday, as well as another single-day record increase of confirmed cases. There were 249 new cases reported, bringing the statewide total to 3,393.

Of those, 1,234 are currently active cases. There have been 253 people hospitalized by the virus, with 79 currently in hospital. Recoveries now stand at 2,125.

Minnehaha Country is home to 2,767 of the state’s confirmed COVID-19 cases, an increase of 232 from Friday.

All three deaths were in Minnehaha County. Two were in the 80+ age range, with one in the 70-79 age range.

Friday, May 8

239 new coronavirus cases confirmed in S.D., more than 1,000 active

South Dakota health officials confirmed 239 new coronavirus cases Friday morning.

That brings the state's total to 3,144 cases. Of those, 1,044 are active. No additional deaths were reported.

With 1,179 daily tests run, about 20% of those tested got a positive result.

There have been 247 people in total hospitalized by the disease, with 76 people currently in the hospital. Recoveries are now at 2,069 statewide.

The latest numbers include at least some results from a pop-up testing site at Washington High School for Smithfield Foods employees.

Thursday, May 7

Two more die of COVID-19 in South Dakota, 126 new cases confirmed

Two more people have died of COVID-19 in South Dakota, according to the South Dakota Department of Health.

Both deaths occurred in Minnehaha County, and were women aged 80 years or older. The state's confirmed death toll from the disease now stands at 31, with Minnehaha County accounting for 26 of those deaths.

The state's confirmed cases of the disease also increased by 126 on Thursday, the department said.

Four COVID-19-positive residents die at Touchmark at All Saints, director says

Four residents have died after testing positive for COVID-19 at Touchmark at All Saints Retirement Community in Sioux Falls, officials announced late Wednesday night.

The news comes after positive cases within residents climbed to 18 during the last 10 days, officials said.

"It is hard to find the words adequate to describe the toll this virus is taking," stated Amanda Snoozy, the community's executive director, in an email to the Argus Leader Wednesday night. "It is heartbreaking for these residents' families and friends, and for our staff, who are providing loving care and support."

Wednesday, May 6

State confirms 5 more deaths from COVID-19

Five more people have died of COVID-19 in South Dakota, according to data released Wednesday by the South Dakota Department of Health.

All five of the deaths were from Minnehaha County. The state's death toll from the virus now stands at 29.

Four of the deaths reported were women, and one was a man. One of the deaths reported was between the ages of 60-69, one was between the ages of 70-79, and three were 80 or older.

Minnehaha County Commission allows businesses to ease restrictions

The Minnehaha County Commission at a special meeting on Wednesday passed two measures in response to the constantly changing situation around the new coronavirus.

Commissioners unanimously approved both agenda items: to allow for case management for vulnerable populations and allow county businesses to ease on patron restrictions. They also reminded citizens that though there is talk of easing restrictions, the threat of the virus is still present.

Tuesday, May 5

Three more die of COVID-19 in South Dakota, 53 more cases confirmed

Three more deaths from COVID-19 have been confirmed in South Dakota, according to the South Dakota Department of Health.

All three deaths occurred in Minnehaha County, and bring the state's death toll from COVID-19 to 24.

The state also confirmed 53 more cases of COVID-19 in South Dakota.

That brings the state to a total of 2,721 confirmed cases of the virus, with 75 people currently hospitalized — numbers that do not include people who are showing symptoms but have not been tested, or people who are asymptomatic.

Monday, May 4

13 deaths now reported at Good Sam's Sioux Falls Village location, cases rise to 97

The Good Samaratan Society is now reporting that 13 people at the Sioux Falls Village location have died after testing positive for the coronavirus.

It's unclear if the virus is what caused the deaths, but the number is up from seven deaths reported by the Society on Thursday at the same location. The announcement also follows an overall case count at the senior living facility of 97 positive confirmed cases. There were 90 cases as of Friday.

Of those, 59 are residents and 38 are employees.

The total number of employees who have recovered is 14.

South Dakota confirms 37 more cases of COVID-19

South Dakota has confirmed 37 more cases of COVID-19 in the state, according to the South Dakota Department of Health.

The new cases bring the state to a total of 2,668 confirmed cases of the disease caused by the new coronavirus, a number that does not include people who show symptoms — or are asymptomatic — but have not been tested.

No new deaths were confirmed by the state. Twenty-one people have died of the disease.

Smithfield Foods testing site part of reopening plan, Mayor TenHaken says

A pop-up testing site at the Washington High School parking lot in eastern Sioux Falls will test Smithfield Foods meatpacking plant employees and their families over the next week, officials say.

The site is specifically for the meatpacking plant's employees and their families to be tested, said Sioux Falls Mayor Paul TenHaken at a press briefing on Monday morning.

The testing is part of the Virginia-based company's plan to slowly reopen the Sioux Falls plant after a coronavirus outbreak infected more than 850 employees and several hundred more "close contacts" and family members.

Sunday, May 3

Coronavirus: Positive test results increase by 43, recoveries by 40 on Sunday

South Dakota reported 43 more confirmed coronavirus cases on Sunday with no new deaths. The number of active cases increased to 811.

South Dakota has had a total of 2,631 COVID-19 cases and 21 deaths due to COVID-19, according to the South Dakota Department of Health. That doesn't include people who show symptoms or are asymptomatic but are not tested. 1,799 people have recovered, and there are currently 71 people hospitalized.

Saturday, May 2

63 more cases reported, no new deaths in South Dakota

South Dakota reported 63 more confirmed coronavirus cases on Saturday with no new deaths. The number of active cases dropped to 808; 71 people are currently being hospitalized (up two from Friday). 1,759 people have recovered.

Read more

Friday, May 1

Councilors take first step toward loosening patron restrictions for some Sioux Falls businesses

A push from Mayor Paul TenHaken's office to ease up on occupancy restrictions of bars, restaurants and other public-facing business types in Sioux Falls amid the COVID-19 pandemic inched forward Friday.

But city councilors won't cast their deciding votes until next week.

The Sioux Falls City Council unanimously voted in favor of moving the mayor's proposal that would set new occupancy standards for certain businesses to a second reading during a two hour meeting at Carnegie Town Hall, a move aimed at bringing customers back to restaurants, bars, gyms and movie theaters, among other types of businesses.

Read more

South Dakota universities will return to face-to-face learning this fall, Regents say

South Dakota's public universities will be hosting classes on-campus and in-person this fall, according to an announcement Friday by the South Dakota Board of Regents.

The regents' staff, public university presidents and special school superintendent have all made the commitment to operate on campus, the announcement read.

“The COVID-19 pandemic dictated an unprecedented change this spring in the way we teach, learn, and work, requiring faculty, students, and staff to adapt in extraordinary ways,” said Regents President John W. Bastian. “While our institutions will successfully complete the spring and summer semesters, under conditions that none of us could anticipate, we all must turn attention to a new academic year beginning this fall.”

State health officials warn of COVID-19 exposure at three Sioux Falls businesses

State health officials announced Friday that three businesses in Sioux Falls have had employees test positive for COVID-19, according to a press release from the state health department.

The individuals were working while they were able to transmit the virus to others. The health department is asking customers who visited the businesses during specific dates to monitor for symptoms for 14 days since their visit.

Rockin' Robin's Casino and Cafe, 1420 East 10th Street: The employee was working 4 p.m. to midnight April 24.

Bogey's Bar and Grill, 815 S. Marion Road: The employee was working 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, April 25, and the same time Sunday, April 26.

Fireside Lounge and Casino, 3221 S. Carolyn Ave.: The employee worked from 4 p.m. to midnight Sunday, April 26.

Four more deaths reported, bringing state's total to 21

South Dakota reported four more coronavirus deaths on Friday, bringing the state's total to 21.

The four deaths were Minnehaha County residents. Two were women and two were male. One was in the 60-69 age range, one was in the 70-79 age range and two were in the 80+ age range, according to the state health department.

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in South Dakota increased by 76. South Dakota has a total of 2,525 COVID-19 cases and 21 deaths due to COVID-19, according to the South Dakota Department of Health. That doesn't include people who show symptoms or are asymptomatic but are not tested.

Good Samaritan Society reports seven deaths at Sioux Falls Village

The Good Samaritan Society has announced that four residents at the Sioux Falls Village senior living facility have recently died following positive tests for the coronavirus, according to a Sanford Health press release.

That brings the total number of deaths at the facility to seven since the COVID-19 pandemic hit South Dakota.

Cases have also now climbed to 54 residents at the facility, up from 43 the week of April 20, and bringing the overall total to 90 including employees, the release states.

Penitentiary staff member tests positive for coronavirus

A staff member at the South Dakota State Penitentiary has tested positive for COVID-19, the Department of Corrections announced.

The staff member is an employee of the penitentiary in Sioux Falls, a separate building from the nearby Jameson Annex, where two employees have tested positive for the new coronavirus.

Numbers for Department of Corrections staff and inmate testing show a total of 35 negative tests for staff in facilities statewide and the three active coronavirus cases. Two inmates — one in the women's prison in Pierre and one in the Jameson Annex — have recovered from the virus and and have been the only reported cases as of Thursday. The numbers are expected to be updated by noon Friday.

Thursday, April 30

South Dakota reports four new coronavirus deaths, bringing total to 17

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in South Dakota increased by 76 on Thursday, with four new deaths due to the coroanvirus in South Dakota.

A total of 17 people have died of the coronavirus in South Dakota.

The four new deaths are Minnehaha County residents. One is in the 40-49 age range, one is in the 70-79 age range and two are in the 80+ age range. Two were women and two were men, according to the state health department.

See more about the cases here.

Sioux Falls reopens playgrounds and dog parks across city

Sioux Falls city parks are open for recreation.

Three days after announcing his parks department was reviewing the possibility of opening parks, playground and play courts in Sioux Falls, Mayor Paul TenHaken pulled the trigger, officially opening the majority of park facilities in the city at 10:30 a.m. Thursday. Dog parks were also opened, but shelter houses, restrooms and fountains at parks will remain shut down.

All parks facilities aside from the trail system were closed to the public on March 31, a part of the city's response to the coronavirus pandemic aimed at slowing the spread of the disease in the city so not to overwhelm the healthcare system.

Patron restrictions on restaurants and other businesses could be eased as early as May 8

The 10-patron limit on select Sioux Falls businesses could be history as soon as next week.

Mayor Paul TenHaken said Thursday morning that he will ask the Sioux Falls City Council to consider easing restrictions put in place last month as part of the city's COVID-19 emergency response efforts and start inching the community back to normal life.

His proposal would do away with what he's coined as the "no-lingering" ordinance, which prohibited bars, restaurants, casinos, gyms and fitness facilities and recreation and entertainment venues from having more than 10 patrons on their premises at once.

Read more about the proposal.

Unemployment claims in South Dakota reach 33,000 since mid-March

Thousands of people continue to file for unemployment in South Dakota.

There were a total 5,389 initial weekly unemployment claims filed with the South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation during the week of April 19-25, the department announced on Thursday.

That's a slight uptick from 5,295 initial weekly claims during the week of April 12-18, according to the department. The state has received more than 33,000 initial claims for unemployment benefits since mid-March.

Five inmates, seven Minnehaha County Jail staff have tested positive for COVID-19

More Minnehaha County Jail inmates and staff have tested positive for COVID-19, according to a statement from the warden.

A total of five inmates and seven jail staff are currently positive with the virus, jail warden Mike Mattson said Thursday.

Existing cases among inmates range from "asymptomatic to mild symptoms," and cases involving staff involve mild symptoms, Mattson said.

The first reported case involving jail kitchen staff from Summit Foods was reported April 19. The first cases involving inmates was reported April 21.

Wednesday, April 29

Sioux Falls police officer tests positive for COVID-19

A Sioux Falls police officer has tested positive for COVID-19, city officials say.

The officer last worked Sunday morning and tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday, according to a news release from the city.

"The city is working closely with the South Dakota Department of Health to identify members of the public and police department staff as well as others who may have been exposed," the news release read.

Staff who have come into contact with the officer are being monitored, according to the news release.

Two more coronavirus deaths reported as cases increase by 60 in South Dakota

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in South Dakota increased by 60 on Wednesday and the number of deaths increased by two.

The state health department reported that two Minnehaha County men in the 80+ age group died of the coronavirus. The state's death toll is now at 13.

Cases in Minnehaha County increased by 45 to a total of 1,984, and Lincoln County's cases increased by five to a total of 138 cases, according to the South Dakota Department of Health.

S.D. woman who gave birth while on ventilator dies of COVID-19 after federal prison transfer

An Eagle Butte, South Dakota, woman has died of COVID-19, weeks after being transferred from South Dakota to a federal Texas prison and giving birth to her child while on a ventilator, according to the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

Andrea Circle Bear, 30, is the first female federal inmate to die of the virus. Her baby survived after being delivered via cesarean section on April 1. Circle Bear died Tuesday.

Circle Bear was transported March 20 by the United States Marshal Service from the jail in Winner, South Dakota, to the Federal Medical Center Carswell, a federal prison in Fort Worth, Texas, according to a release from the bureau. Circle Bear was immediately placed in quarantine, per Bureau of Prisons protocol.

Tuesday, April 28

Noem: 'Back to Normal Plan' puts power back 'into the hands of the people'

Gov. Kristi Noem unveiled a "Back to Normal Plan" for businesses and residents for the next phase of the coronavirus response.

The plans lays out actions for South Dakota residents, employers, schools and health care providers once four criteria categories are met, including a downward trajectory of documented coronavirus cases for 14 days in an area with sustained community spread.

However, some South Dakotans will never be able to return to normal because they've lost a family member to coronavirus, Noem said, adding, "My heart breaks for them."

Noem emphasized personal responsibility throughout her announcement of the plan on Tuesday.

See the full plan.

Case count in South Dakota increases by 68

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in South Dakota increased by 68 on Tuesday.

Cases in Minnehaha County increased by 59 to a total of 1,939, and Lincoln County's cases increased by two to a total of 131 cases, according to the South Dakota Department of Health.

South Dakota has a total of 2,313 COVID-19 cases. That doesn't include people who show symptoms or are asymptomatic but are not tested.

The number of death remains at 11. The Department of Health erroneously reported a 12th death on its website on Tuesday morning before fixing the information.

Monday, April 27

Cases increase by 33 in South Dakota, 26 in Minnehaha County

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in South Dakota increased by 33 on Monday.

Cases in Minnehaha County increased by 26 to a total of 1,880, and Lincoln County's cases increased by three to a total of 131 cases, according to the South Dakota Department of Health. The number of deaths remained at 11 on Monday.

South Dakota has a total of 2,245 COVID-19 cases. That doesn't include people who show symptoms or are asymptomatic but are not tested. The state remained at 11 deaths on Monday.

Staff, guests test positive for COVID-19 at Union Gospel Mission

Several guests and staff members at the Union Gospel Mission have tested positive for COVID-19 over the last two weeks.

CEO Eric Weber said two staff members who had tested positive are quarantined at home, while a third has already been cleared to return to work.

Eight guests at the shelter had also tested positive over the last two weeks, Weber said. If a guest is showing symptoms of the virus, such as a fever, they're quarantined until the county can get them to one of the four local hotels used to house the city's homeless population who are awaiting test results.

14 test positive for COVID-19 at Sioux Falls retirement community

Eleven residents and three employees have tested positive for COVID-19 at the Touchmark at All Saints Retirement Community in Sioux Falls.

An assisted living resident tested positive for COVID-19 on April 21, said Amanda Snoozy, executive director at Touchmark at All Saints, in an emailed statement. The illness eventually spread through the facility, with six residents in the assisted living "neighborhood" testing positive, two residents in the early dementia support neighborhood and three in a memory care neighborhood.

Touchmark at All Saints has 211 residents and 139 employees.

Sunday, April 26

South Dakota sees 1 COVID-19 death Sunday, 65 new cases

South Dakota's number of confirmed coronavirus cases increased to 2,212 cases statewide, with one new death announced by the South Dakota Department of Health on Sunday. A majority of the cases were reported in Minnehaha and Lincoln Counties.

The latest reported death was a male from Minnehaha County in his 50s, according to the report.

Saturday, April 25

South Dakota sees 107 new confirmed coronavirus cases Saturday, recoveries surpass 1,200

South Dakota's number of confirmed coronavirus cases grew by 107 Saturday for a total of 2,147 statewide.

Of those, 1,223 have recovered, and 10 people have died.

Friday, April 24

Noem extends order as cases hit 2,040; additional death confirmed

Gov. Kristi Noem extended an executive order Friday asking residents of Minnehaha and Lincoln counties 65 and older or those with chronic health conditions to remain indoors.

“I’m asking them to stay home another two weeks,” she said, adding that she realized some would be discouraged by the order but that it was meant to protect their health.

The governor also signed an executive order providing greater regulatory flexibility.

Thursday, April 23

Confirmed cases near 2,000 in South Dakota, recoveries surpass 1,000

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in South Dakota increased by 98 on Thursday.

Cases in Minnehaha County increased by 81 to a total of 1636, and Lincoln County now has a total of 110 after an increase of six on Thursday, according to the South Dakota Department of Health. South Dakota has a total of 1,956 COVID-19 cases. That doesn't include people who show symptoms or are asymptomatic but are not tested.

CDC calls for better social distancing, hygiene and training at Smithfield

Smithfield Foods should implement stronger measures to control the spread of the COVID-19 among its employees, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The CDC is recommending that the plant keep space between individuals using methods such as installing barriers between workers, reducing the number of tables in the cafeteria, offering alternate locker rooms and adding visual cues to indicate a width of 6 feet, according to the report. Smithfield should also implement hygiene measures such as face coverings, improve sick leave policies and practices, and begin screening everyone entering the plant, according to the report.

Wednesday, April 22

Drive-by visitation held for Smithfield Foods worker who died of COVID-19

Classic cars, Oakland Raiders attire and well-wishers bearing bags of Cheetos filled the road in front of Craig Franken's house Wednesday evening.

Franken, 61, died on Sunday from COVID-19 complications, according to his obituary. He is the second Smithfield Foods worker to die from the disease.

While the family is planning a celebration of his life "when things settle down," for now his sister-in-law, Cathy Howard, organized a drive-by visitation, urging people to pay their respects to the family and remember Craig.

And dozens upon dozens of cars did just that. Horns honked, motorcycle engines revved and Karen Franken, Craig's wife, spoke with nearly every visitor.

Tuesday, April 21

Coronavirus cases surpass 1,750 in state, additional death confirmed

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in South Dakota increased by 70 on Tuesday, and the state saw its eighth death resulting from the virus.

Cases in Minnehaha County increased by 64 to a total of 1,469, and Lincoln County now has a total of 99, according to the South Dakota Department of Health. South Dakota has a total of 1,755 COVID-19 cases. That doesn't include people who show symptoms or are asymptomatic but are not tested.

Second Smithfield Foods worker dies from COVID-19

A second Smithfield Foods worker has died from COVID-19 complications after a coronavirus outbreak at the Sioux Falls-based meatpacking plant erupted earlier this month.

Craig Franken, 61, died on Sunday from COVID-19, according to his obituary. Franken started working at John Morrell and Company, now Smithfield Foods, after serving in the U.S. Army for three years in 1979. The obituary did not say what position Franken had at the plant.

Monday, April 20

Arch halfway house goes on lockdown as COVID-19 cases climb to 16

The Arch, a halfway house in in Sioux Falls, now has 16 confirmed cases of COVID-19, and that's sent the house and its residents into full lockdown mode for the past week, officials said.

As of Monday afternoon, 14 residents and two employees have tested positive for the virus, executive director Gary Tuschen said.

Both employees are expected to return to work later this week, based on their isolation requirements, Tuschen said. Meanwhile, only one resident has received a clearance letter from health officials. The rest are on various stages of isolation, including off-site isolation at a hotel through a partnership with the county, Tuschen said.

Mayor TenHaken says Smithfield cases 'on the down slope'

Mayor Paul TenHaken said the outbreak of COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus, at Smithfield Foods' Sioux Falls plant is "on the down slope."

TenHaken spoke about the development Monday morning, prior to official numbers being released by the South Dakota Department of Health. While TenHaken said the newly-confirmed cases would be in the single digits, officials at a press conference said 23 of the 50 cases confirmed in the state on Monday were connected to Smithfield.

South Dakota to get nearly $1.6 billion in federal funding as cases hit 1,685

South Dakota is expected to receive $1.57 billion in federal funding for its coronavirus response.

The state will receive $1.25 billion from the latest legislation passed by Congress, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act or the CARES Act. The state received the first half of those funds last week and is expecting to receive the second half this week, the Legislature's Executive Board heard at its meeting on Monday.

Sunday, April 19

Coronavirus: 93 new South Dakota cases, 86 in Minnehaha County

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in South Dakota hit 1,635 on Saturday, a jump of 93 statewide.

Minnehaha County accounts for 86 of those new cases, with another four in Lincoln County.

No additional deaths were reported, and six additional people were hospitalized. Another 94 recovered from the virus.

Data from the State Department of Health does not include people who may have the virus but have not been tested.

Minnehaha County Jail employee tests positive for COVID-19

A food service employee at the Minnehaha County Jail tested positive for COVID-19, authorities say.

The employee last worked April 16, started to present symptoms on April 17 and was tested later that day, and received positive results on Saturday, according to the news release. The worker is an employee of Summit Foods, which provides food at the jail.

Employees, contract vendors and inmate workers are screened daily along with other precautions taken at the jail since early March, according to the news release. Staff plan to continue to monitor others who may have had contact with the employee.

Juvenile Detention Center employee tests positive for COVID-19

An employee at the Minnehaha County Juvenile Detention Center in Sioux Falls tested positive for COVID-19, authorities say.

The center notified parents and legal guardians of the children housed in the facility, according to a news release from the Minnehaha County Board of Commissioners. The news release did not say when the employee tested positive.

Employees at two more Sioux Falls businesses test positive for COVID-19

Two employees at two Sioux Falls businesses have tested positive for COVID-19, health officials announced Sunday.

One employee worked at Kum & Go at 1400 N. Cliff Ave. on April 9 through April 11.

The other employee at Walmart at 3209 S. Louise Ave. potentially exposed customers April 11 during an 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. shift and April 12 during a 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. shift.

Saturday, April 18

Good Samaritan Society confirms 32 additional COVID-19 cases, brings total to 40

The Good Samaritan Society on Saturday confirmed an additional 32 cases of the new coronavirus in its Sioux Falls Village location.

Eighteen of the new cases are residents, and 14 are employees, according to a news release from Sanford Health, which merged with the Good Samaritan Society last year. That brings the total cases associated with the facility to 40.

Case update: South Dakota sees 131 new cases, 119 in Minnehaha County

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in South Dakota hit 1,542 on Saturday, a jump of 131 statewide.

That's with an additional 119 in Minnehaha County and nine in Lincoln County.

No additional deaths were reported, and five additional people were hospitalized. Another 95 recovered from the virus.

Data from the State Department of Health does not include people who may have the virus but have not been tested.

Friday, April 17

Case update: Cases increase by 100 in South Dakota, 92 in Minnehaha County

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in South Dakota increased by 100 on Friday, all but eight of them in Minnehaha County.

Cases in Minnehaha county increased by 92 to 1,157 and six in Lincoln County to 77, according to the South Dakota Department of Health. South Dakota has a total of 1,411 coronavirus cases. That doesn't include people who show symptoms but are not tested.

The state's death toll remains at seven, according to the state health department. Recoveries increased by 84 to 457, and eight more people have been hospitalized. The state says 63 people have been hospitalized at certain times since the state first reported cases.

Thursday, April 16

Good Samaritan Village in Sioux Falls has 8 confirmed COVID-19 cases

The Good Samaritan Village in Sioux Falls has confirmed that five residents and two employees at its skilled nursing facility, as well as one employee in its assisted living facility, have tested positive for COVID-19.

The Good Samaritan Society made the announcement after the Argus Leader received a news tip Thursday, April 16, about a possible confirmed case.

"We are working closely with the South Dakota Department of Health to ensure our response plan meets the needs of this rapidly changing situation," Shawn Neisteadt, senior media relations specialist for Sanford Health Communications, stated in an email to the Argus Leader.

The day care opted to close based on CDC recommendations, she said. Prior to this, the facility had parents stop at the front door and did not allow outside people to come in beyond staff and children, she said.

2 more Sioux Falls day cares affected by COVID-19, 1 closing temporarily

Two more Sioux Falls day cares have been impacted by the coronavirus pandemic after employees tested positive for COVID-19 this week.

The Apple Tree Children's Center East announced on Facebook that it would be closed until April 27 after an employee tested positive. The employee last worked Friday and officials found out today, said Lori Barley, the program director for Apple Tree Children's Centers.

The day care is currently running at about 60% for capacity, and of the children there at least 20 were potentially exposed through direct contact and eight staff, she said. They've asked those who have had direct contact to quarantine for two weeks, Barley said.

HIS Ark Christian Child Development Center officials are weighing the option of temporarily closing after learning Thursday morning a staff member tested positive, director Jill Skots said.

State warns of coronavirus exposure after employee at casino tests positive

A worker at Deuces Casino in eastern Sioux Falls tested positive for COVID-19, state health officials announced Thursday.

The person reported working at the casino at 800 E. Eight Street on April 10 between 4 p.m. and 2 a.m. Saturday, with another Saturday shift between 4 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.

Coronavirus cases surpass 1,000 in Minnehaha County; seventh death reported

The South Dakota Department of Health confirmed 143 more cases of COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus, on Thursday.

The state also announced another death from the disease, bringing the state's total to seven deaths.

Minnehaha County had 131 of the confirmed cases, bringing the county to a total of 1,065 cases. The state has a total of 1,311 confirmed cases. Those numbers do not include pending tests or people who show symptoms but are not tested.

See a map of coronavirus cases in South Dakota

First cases confirmed

Gov. Kristi Noem confirmed the first cases of coronavirus in the state -- five total. One person -- a man in his 60s from Pennington County -- died, but Noem said it's not clear if the coronavirus was the direct cause of death. Noem has not declared a state of emergency at this time, like other states have done across the U.S., but the state is partially activating it's emergency operation center.

How Sioux Falls is responding

With one case of coronavirus being confirmed in Minnheha County, city officials are urging residents to remain calm and use "common sense" health practices. "We should not panic," city health director Jill Franken said. "As a community, we need to be focused on the common sense measures to reduce the spread of disease." Click for five takeaways from the city.

Where coronavirus has been reported in the U.S.

How do you get coronavirus?

Like the common cold and the flu, coronavirus spreads between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet) and through respiratory droplets, according to the CDC.

Coronavirus is spreading rapidly from person to person, and scientists are still learning more about how coronavirus spreads.

There's no evidence that the virus can be transmitted through food, according to the CDC.

It is, however, possible that a person can get the virus by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own face. There is likely a very low risk of spread from food products or packaging that are shipped over a period of days or weeks, according to the CDC.

Symptoms of coronavirus

The most common symptoms resemble the flu and include fever, tiredness and dry cough. Some people also develop aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat or diarrhea.

Symptoms can range from mild to severe, and some people don't have any symptoms at all.

About 1 in 6 people become seriously ill and develop difficulty breathing, according to the World Health Organization. If you experience fever, cough and shortness of breath, call your doctor.

Take these precautions to prevent coronavirus

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Avoid close contact with people who are sick

Don't touch your eyes, nose and mouth

Cover your cough

Stay home when sick

Clean household objects and surfaces

Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds

Contributing: Grace Pateras, USA TODAY Network; John Bacon, USA TODAY, Jorge Ortiz, USA TODAY; The Associated Press