BROOKINGS – There is now one confirmed case of COVID-19 in Brookings County, according to the South Dakota Department of Health, and another confirmed case in Beadle County (13 total).

The Brookings County case is travel related.

The COVID-19 data on the Department of Health website, covid.sd.gov, increased in the male category by two cases Tuesday, and the two age groups that showed an increased count were in 20-29 years and 30-39 years.

The statewide total as of midday Tuesday was 30 positive cases, 790 negative tests, and 268 pending at the state health lab. Two more people have recovered from COVID-19 in South Dakota, bringing the total to eight recovered.

Gov. Kristi Noem said in a Tuesday press conference that she is recommending to school administrators that kids stay out of school buildings until May 1, and state employees will work from home through May 2.

South Dakota universities will finish out the remainder of the semester online, the South Dakota Board of Regents announced Tuesday.

“Please know that our local health system is prepared and continuously planning with the city, county and state officials to care for our community and surrounding area,” Brookings Health System President and CEO Jason Merkley said in a message posted on YouTube Tuesday.

“While there is currently no indication of community transmission in Brookings County, I want to stress that we must remain vigilant to slow the spread of this virus. We must continue social distancing, frequent hand washing and all other standard precautions. We must do this to protect our family, friends and neighbors. We must also do this to prevent overwhelming our local health care resources. We are here to care for you, but I need every employee healthy to do so. Help us, help you and stop the spread,” Merkley continued.

“Lastly, I do believe at the end of this pandemic our community will be stronger for having endured this together. I am proud to see our community businesses, city and county rise up and lead the efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19. The team members and medical staff at Brookings Health System are also stepping up during this time of crisis by providing safe care to our patients and residents. I am equally as proud of their efforts and commitment in combating this pandemic. We are in this together, we are stronger together, and we are here for you.”

Find more COVID-19 information online www.brookingshealth.org/covid.