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
Why does the Department of Health issue public health notices identifying a business as a source of potential COVID-19 exposure in some situations but not others?
The Department of Health will issue a public health notice when an employee or patron of a business is unable to identify persons they were in close contact with (15 or more minutes within 6 feet or less) while able to transmit the virus. Public notices allow individuals who may have been exposed to monitor their symptoms regularly and help them more quickly associate that their symptoms may be due to COVID-19. When a business has a case, even if transmission is identified among employees, the Department of Health does not issue a public notice if all close contacts can be identified.
When is a person considered recovered from COVID-19?
A person is considered recovered when they have had no fever for at least 72 hours (that is three full days of no fever without the use medicine that reduces fevers), AND there has been improvement of respiratory symptoms (for example, when your cough or shortness of breath have improved), AND at least 10 days have passed since symptoms first appeared.
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. Close contact is defined as spending prolonged periods of time in the same room (more than 15 minutes), direct personal contact (e.g., hugging), contact with respiratory secretions (e.g. cough, sneeze on you), and shared eating/drinking utensils.
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. For more information about isolation and quarantine, click here.
Do I have to keep wearing a mask when I am in public?
Masks have never been required, but South Dakotans are encouraged to continue to consider CDC guidance and use.
Does this mean I no longer have to “stay at home”?
South Dakota never issued a “stay at home” or “shelter in place” order. South Dakotans are encouraged to use common sense and practice good hygiene and reasonable physical distancing.