Monument Health has been asked about rumors on social media and elsewhere that the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19 illness has turned up locally.
- There are no known cases of COVID-19 in South Dakota. There are many types of human coronaviruses, including some that cause mild upper-respiratory illnesses such as the common cold. Some people might be confusing these virus types with COVID-19.
- Monument Health is taking this seriously. On Jan. 31, we implemented the 2019 Novel Coronavirus Interim Guidance. It includes a process to quickly identify and Isolate any person under investigation (PUI) based on travel history, symptoms and other factors.
- The South Dakota Department of Health has its own public health processes that will be put into place if COVID-19 emerges anywhere in the state.
- Regular influenza has sickened nearly 10,000 South Dakotans. Steps you take to avoid the flu would also protect from most viral infections, including COVID-19: avoid close contact with those who are sick, avoid touching your eyes and mouth, stay home if you’re sick, cover your coughs and sneezes and wash your hands often.