The number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in South Dakota has risen to 626. Of the 438 total cases reported in Minnehaha County, 238 have been tied to an outbreak at a Smithfield Foods pork processing plant in Sioux Falls. In a letter to Smithfield president Ken Sullivan, Gov. Kristi Noem and Sioux Falls Mayor Paul TenHaken on Saturday recommended the company close the plant for a minimum of 14 days.
“This isolation period is consistent with what we understand to be the incubation period of COVID-19,” said Noem. “Based on the science behind the virus and it’s based on the date of this letter as well.”
They also requested Smithfield continue to provide full pay and benefits to its employees as well as paid sick time for infected and asymptomatic employees to encourage them to stay home.
The Governor also announced Avera and Sanford are setting up a test facility for Smithfield workers.