We Will Get Through This
With the COVID-19 situation changing rapidly, it's hard to predict what tomorrow may bring. With the help of healthcare providers, schools, leaders, businesses and communities across the state we are taking proactive steps to reduce the spread of the virus. Together, we will get through this.
Protect yourself and help prevent the spread.
What to do if you develop symptoms.
What to do if you are a local elected official.
Small Business Administration's Economic Injury Disaster Loan funds now available.
South Dakota continues to respond to COVID-19.
The latest information in South Dakota.
Top Questions About COVID-19
Do COVID-19 vaccines affect fertility?
No, they do not. There is no evidence that COVID-19 vaccines cause fertility problems, in women or men. If you are trying to become pregnant now or want to get pregnant in the future, you can and should receive a COVID-19 vaccine.
Are the vaccines safe for people who are currently pregnant or breastfeeding?
Yes, vaccines are safe for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding. COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for all people 12 years and older, including people who are pregnant, breastfeeding, trying to get pregnant now, or might become pregnant in the future. There is no evidence of miscarriages, stillbirths, or preterm births linked to the vaccines. In fact, getting vaccinated is especially important for pregnant people who have a higher risk of complications from COVID-19. Additionally, a recent study found antibodies against COVID-19 in babies born to vaccinated people, which might help protect the babies. And recent reports indicate that vaccinated breastfeeding people have antibodies in their breastmilk, which may also help protect their babies. Read more about vaccinations and pregnancy/breastfeeding here.
What should I do if I have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 or who is being tested for COVID-19?
If you have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 or who is being tested for COVID-19, you should follow the instructions found here. A close contact is defined as anyone who was within 6 feet of an infected person for at least 15 minutes starting from 48 hours before the person began feeling sick until the time the patient was isolated.
What is the difference between isolation and quarantine?
Isolation and quarantine help protect the public by preventing exposure to people who have or may have a contagious disease like COVID-19. Isolation is for people who are already sick. Isolation separates and restricts the movement of the sick individual so they can’t spread the disease. Quarantine is for people who are not sick but may have been exposed. Quarantined individual must stay at home or another location so they don’t unknowingly spread the disease to others. Click here to use our Quarantine & Isolation Calculator.
How does contact tracing work?
The SD Department of Health is providing secure web-based questionnaires to aid in the contact tracing process. If you tested positive for COVID-19, you may receive a health assessment via text message or email that asks about your health and those you may have been in close contact with. Please complete this questionnaire within 24 hours to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Click here to learn more about the contact tracing process.
How can we know the vaccines are safe and effective if they have only been authorized for emergency use?
The FDA has authorized the use of three vaccines in response to the public health emergency caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. (Pfizer has been granted full FDA approval for those 16 years and older) Emergency use authorizations get vaccines distributed faster than the formal FDA approval process without skipping any mandatory safety checks. Large clinical trials demonstrated that the vaccines were safe and effective, and real-world experience has confirmed those findings.