South Dakota’s coronavirus count now at 21; six new cases in Beadle County

March 23, 2020

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) – South Dakota health officials say the number of people who have tested positive for the coronavirus has increased from 14 to 21.

Gov. Kristi Noem told reporters during a conference call Sunday that one of the new cases was in Brown County and the other six were in Beadle County.

She said all seven people apparently contracted the virus by traveling or having contact with someone else who had it.

She said Beadle County appears to be on the verge of community spread and local leaders should take “serious action” to limit group sizes. She stopped short of issuing any orders, however.