South Dakota avoids mass COVID-19 testing to avoid delays

August 14, 2020

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) – South Dakota health officials say they will stick to recommendations that only people with COVID-19 symptoms or exposure to the coronavirus get tested because an increase in testing nationwide is delaying test results.

As large gatherings such as the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and the state fair get underway, local officials are planning to conduct mass testing to screen for outbreaks.

But the Department of Health is balancing calls for more mass testing with making sure they can get test results quickly.

Secretary of Health Kim Malsam-Rysdon says the state’s public health lab currently produces test results within one or two days.