COVID-19 FAQ

The Bureau of Human Resources is working closely with other departments to ensure that we have a safe and healthy workplace. As this is a fluid situation, we will work to keep you informed as changes occur.

We understand the spread of COVID-19 across South Dakota may impact you and your families whether related to work changes, school and daycare closures, or illness. Our goal is to minimize that impact whenever and wherever possible.

Looking to get tested?
  • South Dakota and Vault Medical Services have teamed up to offer at-home COVID-19 saliva testing for any individual who believes they have been exposed to COVID-19. You do not need to have symptoms to be tested. Visit https://learn.vaulthealth.com/southdakota/ for more information or to order a free test.
  • To obtain Covid-19 tests from the federal government: Visit COVIDTests.gov or call 1.800.232.0233 (TTY 1.888.720.7489) to order your cree COVID test kids from the federal government. No one will call, text, or email you from the federal government asking for your information to “help” you order free kits. These are scammers and should be ignored immediately.

A novel coronavirus is a new coronavirus that has not been previously identified. The virus causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is not the same as the coronaviruses that commonly circulate among humans and cause mild illness, like the common cold. A complete list of symptoms is available at Covid.sd.gov.

The following websites will provide you with up-to-date information:

  • Covid.sd.gov - A new department of Health website with up-to-date information on COVID-19 in South Dakota.
  • CDC Coronavirus Page - The official CDC page for COVID-19.
  • If you experience symptoms, please contact your health care provider immediately. If you live in a rural area or have difficulty traveling to your doctor, you can use Doctor on Demand telehealth services. Telehealth is a convenient and affordable alternative that can help minimize exposure for others.

    You should contact your health care provider if you have reason to believe you have been exposed to the virus, even if you are not showing any symptoms. Notify your supervisor so that they can assist you in properly assessing the situation. 

    Other precautions everyone should take:

    • Stay home if you begin feeling sick.
    • Wash your hands frequently with warm water with soap for at least 20 seconds.
    • Cover your mouth with tissues when you sneeze and immediately discard them in the trash.
    • Avoid people who are sick with respiratory symptoms.
    • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
    • Get your flu vaccine if you have not already done so.     
    • Clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched, including cell phones, desk phones, keyboards, remote controls, refrigerators, countertops, and door handles.

    Not necessarily. Human Resource Managers will work with the DOH and Agency on individual employee or agency issues. Human Resource Managers will give additional direction on those specific issues as they arise.

    Supervisors can tell employees to go home if they are suspected to be sick. The employee would then be allowed to utilize sick leave if they have available accrual.

    We recommend you seek direction from your supervisor prior to making any decisions related to planned travel. All business travel to impacted areas on the CDC list Warning Levels 2 and 3 should be cancelled. Requests for exceptions to travel to CDC-restricted areas must be reviewed and approved by the Governor’s Office. Non-essential business travel should be limited, while essential business travel will be determined by Agency Directors.

    Employees with higher risks or who have family members in the same home with higher risks who work in an office the public frequents should speak to their doctor, supervisor, and Human Resource Manager to determine options as well as the best steps for prevention.

    Talk with your supervisor about what job duties can be completed remotely and what actions will need to take place to do so. You may need to complete a RAD form to allow you access to email and desktop remotely

    24/7 facilities have different demands and will need the flexibility to address employee leave requests while still meeting the needs of patients, clients, and prisoners. Success for these facilities will require all involved to be flexible, patient, and understand as the situation continues to develop.

    Should the spread of COVID-19 impact you due to work changes, illness, or the closure of school and/or daycare, leave options may be available. Work with your supervisor and Human Resource Manager to determine the best course of action for your situation. Our goal is to minimize the impact to your pay as fairly and consistently as possible.

    When necessary, we will utilize short-term remote work strategies where possible for individual positions and circumstances.


    The Employee Assistance Program, administered by GuidanceResources ®, is available to all state employee health plan members at no additional cost. This service can provide a wealth of information and emotional support.

    Visit guidanceresources.com and enter WebID southdakota to access resources related to the COVID-19 Pandemic, anxiety, depression, work/life balance, and more.

    Additional information on the Employee Assistance Program is available on the BHR Website.