Staff member at Sioux Falls elementary school tests positive for coronavirus

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) – Gov. Kristi Noem says South Dakota may be as much as eight weeks away from the peak of COVID-19 and needs to continue limiting business activity even as President Donald Trump considers relaxing national guidance.

The Republican governor says she’ll continue to support restrictions on businesses and social gatherings.

Noem expects infections to increase and is bracing the state’s health care system for a surge of patients.

The governor also said schools will remain closed until May 1.
Meanwhile, the Sioux Falls School District reports a staff member at Laura Wilder Elementary School has tested positive for COVID-19.

The district says parents and staff members at Laura Wilder were notified of the confirmed case Tuesday afternoon.

District officials say they have provided guidance from the South Dakota Department of Health to families and staff.

South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem has ordered schools statewide to remain closed until at least May as the state tries to stem the spread of the coronavirus.