What You Need to Know About COVID-19

The South Dakota Department of Health has a dedicated team working on the state's planning and response efforts. The team currently meets multiple times each day to ensure they are ready and responsive to the needs of all South Dakotans. Because the situation is rapidly evolving every day at both national and international levels, the state believes it pertinent to set up a single place where information can be dispersed.

Visit covid.sd.gov for the most up-to-date information available about Coronavirus and COVID-19 in South Dakota. There has been widespread misinformation making its way across various websites and on social media about COVID-19. We ask that you please help us get accurate information out to South Dakotans by sharing this website. 

A COVID-19 FAQ is also available on the BHR website for all State employees who have questions about leave, travel, or no cost resources through the health plan. This page will be updated as new information becomes available.

What can I do?

It's up to all of us to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Common precautions include:

  • Hand Washing: Washing your hands with soap and warm water for at least 30 seconds will help to kill germs and prevent the spread of illnesses.
  • Stay Home if You're Sick: Leaving the house only increases exposure for others. Stay home from work and avoid going outside of your home if possible. Talk to your supervisor if you need to work from home.
  • Cover Your Mouth: Cough into a tissue and immediately discard it into the trash. If you don't have a tissue handy, cough or sneeze into your sleeve. This prevents you from spreading additional germs both through the air and with your hands.
  • Cleaning: Cleaning frequently touched surfaces and objects both at home and around the office is never a bad idea. Desk phones, cell phones, keyboards, door knobs, remote controls, countertops, and refrigerators should all be cleaned regularly.
  • Take Care of Yourself: Getting lots of rest, eat healthy foods, drink lots of fluids, and managing your stress can help you both prevent getting COVID-19 and recover if you do contract it.
  • Avoid Touching Your Face:
  • Don't touch your mouth, nose, or eyes if you have not washed your hands. This will help to prevent the transfer of any germs you may have picked up from surfaces you come into contact with.
  • Avoid Unnecessary Travel: Currently the CDC recommends avoiding all nonessential travel to heavily affected countries, including China, Italy, and South Korea. Avoiding non-essential travel to U.S. cities with large outbreaks is also a sensible precaution. Monitor the CDC Travel Website for current guidelines and recommendations.

What if I develop symptoms?

  • Call your health care provider immediately and tell them about your recent travel exposure. If you are having trouble traveling or live in a rural area, we suggest you use a video visit. Telehealth services are a convenient and affordable alternative that can help minimize exposure for yours and others.
  • Stay home from work and avoid contact with other people.
  • Follow all directions given to you by your provider and public health officials.

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