67 New COVID-19 Cases Reported Tuesday
South Dakota Department of Health officials report 67 new COVID-19 cases. That brings the statewide total to 1,075 active cases, 50 deaths and 3,528 people have fully recovered. Overall, 4,653 people have tested positive for COVID-19 in South Dakota.
Beadle County saw the largest increase of the day with 18 cases. Minnehaha County saw 15 new cases, and Brown County saw ten new cases. Ten other counties saw smaller increases.
Officials announced 1,688 negative test results since Monday. They say that large number is tied to ongoing mass testing of nursing home residents and staff.
SD Continues Hydroxychloroquine Trial After WHO Discontinues Its Own
The World Health Organization recently suspended its clinical trial of using an anti-malarial drug to treat COVID-19. It is the latest trial of Hydroxychloroquine put on hold because of concerning side effects, but South Dakota’s statewide trials of the drug are continuing.
State Secretary of Health Kim Malsam-Rysdon says the team involved with the trials is reviewing the latest research.
“There’s about 175 studies across the country and across the continents that are dealing with hydroxychloroquine that are all different in terms of who they’re treating, the type of regimen they’re using. So just because we see one study that’s not moving forward doesn’t mean it’s necessarily comparable to the study as it is in South Dakota.”
The World Health Organization’s trial is on hold after a published report found coronavirus patients being treated with hydroxychloroquine died at higher rates than other patients.
Sanford Health is leading the statewide clinical trial to see if the drug can prevent COVID-19 in people who’ve been exposed to the virus. Sanford is also leading trials to see how the drug treats in-patient and out-patient COVID-19 cases.
Crushed Dreams, The Power of Perspective
Imagine tearing your ACL three times in five years, finally getting the chance to play in a state tournament, and then it gets canceled. Nate Wek tells us the story of one student's journey here.
South Dakota Focus: SD's 2020 Tourism Season
Representatives from South Dakota’s travel industry join South Dakota FOCUS Thursday, May 28, 8pm (7 MT) on SDPB1 and SDPB.org to discuss how COVID-19 is impacting the state’s summer visitor season. Learn what restrictions are in place and where to find updated information.
Guests include:
- Jasper Diegel – Executive Director, South Dakota Hotel & Lodging Association
- James Haagen – Secretary, SD Dept. of Tourism
- Kasi Haberman – Director, Yankton Convention Center & Visitors Bureau
- Julie Schmitz Jensen – President & CEO, Visit Rapid City
- Gary Keller – Executive Director, Southeast South Dakota Tourism Association
- Frank Smith – Missouri River Tourism Association
- Michelle Thomson – President, Black Hills & Badlands Association
South Dakotans are invited to join the conversation by texting 956-7372 or emailing [email protected]
Cave-In Raises Alarm About Abandoned Mines And Sinkholes Lurking In Black Hills
Mine collapses aren’t the only subterranean risk to homeowners in the Black Hills. Many of the region’s geologic formations are prone to sinkholes. Seth Tupper has more.
Breaking Down the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program with Kevin McNew
Last week, the US Department of Agriculture announced details of direct assistance to farmers and ranchers through the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program. The CFAP will provide up to $16 billion in direct payments to deliver relief to American farmers and ranchers impacted by the pandemic. Joining us to answer questions about eligibility and how to receive assistance, and how this impacts South Dakota, we welcomed Kevin McNew. He's Chief Economist for the Farmer's Business Network. Read or listen to the full interview here.