Noem wants to remain independent as it relates to decisions on re-opening economy (Audio)

April 20, 2020
Mike Tanner

WATERTOWN, S.D.—Several states around the country have formed regional coalitions where the governors of those states will work together on plans to re-open their economies that were shut down during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Governor Kristi Noem says it’s unlikely South Dakota will be part of any coalition with Midwest states. That’s because she chose not to order a statewide business closure in the first place…

The biggest business closure in South Dakota has been the Smithfield pork processing plant in Sioux Falls.

They shut down voluntarily after an outbreak of coronavirus cases among employees. There were 725 workers infected with the virus as of Sunday.