Find COVID-19 case numbers, other updates here
The rapidly developing COVID-19 pandemic is having a broad impact on Sioux Falls-area businesses and events. This page will be updated frequently, so check back often for the latest developments. If your business has information that needs to be communicated to the public, email [email protected].
Dec. 31 update
Twenty-four more South Dakotans have died from COVID-19, bringing the statewide death toll to 1,488.
The state reported 445 new COVID-19 cases today, bringing the total of all cases to 99,165.
The update includes a total of 24,977 cases in Minnehaha County, which is 81 more than the last report, and 6,780 cases in Lincoln County, which is 22 more than previously reported.
The state has 5,696 active cases, 33 fewer than the last report. The state total includes 91,980 people who are reported as having recovered, which is 453 more than the previous report.
There are 297 people hospitalized, which is four more than yesterday. According to the report, there are 166 patients in the hospital with COVID-19 between Avera McKennan and Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls. Of those, 33 are in intensive care.
The total number that are or have been hospitalized is 5,672 people, an increase of 33 from yesterday.
There have been 273,476 negative tests statewide, an increase of 737.
Across the state, 21,144 people have received a COVID-19 vaccine, an increase of 2,184 from the previous report.
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Dec. 30 update
Eighteen more South Dakotans have died from COVID-19, bringing the statewide death toll to 1,464.
The state reported 562 new COVID-19 cases today, bringing the total of all cases to 98,720.
The update includes a total of 24,896 cases in Minnehaha County, which is 122 more than the last report, and 6,758 cases in Lincoln County, which is 48 more than previously reported.
The state has 5,729 active cases, nine fewer than the last report. The state total includes 91,527 people who are reported as having recovered, which is 553 more than the previous report.
There are 293 people hospitalized, which is 10 fewer than yesterday. According to the report, there are 168 patients in the hospital with COVID-19 between Avera McKennan and Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls. Of those, 33 are in intensive care.
The total number that are or have been hospitalized is 5,639 people, an increase of 34 from yesterday.
There have been 272,739 negative tests statewide, an increase of 738.
Across the state, 18,960 people have received a COVID-19 vaccine, an increase of 3,130 from the previous report.
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Dec. 29 update
The state reported 501 new COVID-19 cases today, bringing the total of all cases to 98,158.
The statewide death toll remains at 1,446.
The update includes a total of 24,774 cases in Minnehaha County, which is 111 more than the last report, and 6,710 cases in Lincoln County, which is 34 more than previously reported.
The state has 5,738 active cases, 785 fewer than the last report. The state total includes 90,974 people who are reported as having recovered, which is 1,286 more than the previous report.
There are 303 people hospitalized, which is 15 more than yesterday. According to the report, there are 170 patients in the hospital with COVID-19 between Avera McKennan and Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls. Of those, 38 are in intensive care.
The total number that are or have been hospitalized is 5,605 people, an increase of 22 from yesterday.
There have been 272,001 negative tests statewide, an increase of 389.
Across the state, 15,830 people have received a COVID-19 vaccine, an increase of 1,031 from the previous report. That includes Pfizer and Moderna vaccines.
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Mask mandate extended
The Sioux Falls City Council has voted to extend the city’s mask ordinance until March 13. The measure, which does not have a penalty for non-compliance, passed 6-2.
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Sanford accepting handmade masks
Sanford Health is now accepting homemade cloth face masks in addition to N95 masks,.
Acceptable cloth face masks must be made from quilting cotton, T-shirts, denim, duck cloth, canvas or twill. The CDC has published step-by-step instructions to make a face covering.
In Sioux Falls, donations can be made by contacting Nona Bixler, director of volunteer services, by calling 605-333-5273 or emailing her at [email protected]
“There is a true outpouring of generosity across our communities during these very difficult times,” said Stacy Wrightsman, executive director of community relations for Sanford Health. “We are so thankful for the help our communities are offering as Sanford’s staff works around the clock to offer the best care for all of our patients.”
These alternative face masks will be made available to Sanford and Good Samaritan Society employees who do not perform direct care to patients and residents. Patients such as new moms and visitors also can use the masks.
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State accepting bulk unemployment claims related to COVID-19
The South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation is now accepting bulk unemployment claims related to COVID-19 from any employer laying off more than 50 workers. The employer can file on behalf of the individuals. This means individuals do not file an initial claim but must complete the weekly request for payment.
Bulk claim services will eliminate the need for an employer to complete a Request for Separation Notice for each employee individually. Visit dlr.sd.gov/bulkclaims for filing instructions and forms.
“Our department continues to spend long hours brainstorming innovative solutions as this pandemic continues to produce new challenges,” Labor Secretary Marcia Hultman said. “Accepting claims in bulk will save businesses and workers valuable time.”
Businesses will be required to submit a list of employees affected by a layoff or shutdown as a result of COVID-19 to the Reemployment Assistance Division. The list should include:
- Employee’s full name (first, last and middle initial)
- Social Security number
- Last day worked (day/month/year)
- Gross weekly wage
- All gross monies paid to the employee at the time of separation (severance, vacation, etc.)
- Year-to-date earnings
- Return-to-work date (day/month/year), if applicable
“We will review all information submitted in order to establish and process an unemployment claim for each employee,” Hultman said. “We will contact the designated contact person if additional information is needed.”
Businesses also can call 605-626-2452 to speak to a customer service representative to answer any questions or concerns about bulk claims. To learn more, visit RAClaims.sd.gov.
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