Noem signs order extending state of emergency

April 10, 2020

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) – South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem has signed an executive order extending a state of emergency in the fight against the spread of the coronavirus.

Noem’s original order was set to expire on April 12. The new order she signed Thursday extends the state of emergency until May 31.

The declaration gives Noem the authority to activate emergency powers so the governor and state agencies can respond to the outbreak of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.

South Dakota health officials reported 54 new confirmed cases of the coronavirus, bringing the state’s total to 447.

Officials reported no new deaths from COVID-19, but six people have died so far.