BROOKINGS, S.D. (KJJQ) – Coronavirus is in South Dakota. leading governor Kristie Noem to declare an emergency and close schools this week.

The latest numbers? There are 10 cases that have tested positive for COVID-19 and 327 negative tests. There has been one fatality that has been connected to the virus.

COVID-19 is a highly contagious a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person.

Brookings Health System Infection Preventionist Bunny Christie is in charge of their infection control program. She says this is not influenza.

Some will have a more severe form of the illness.

Christie says they’re prepared to care for Coronavirus patients. She says the health system and the community have prepared extensively for a pandemic.

Christie says one of the best things you can do to help prevent the spread of this and other diseases is to wash your hands often. Wash thoroughly using soap and water. Try to avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth, cover coughs and sneezes and stay home if you’re sick.

In addition, Brookings Health System has implemented a new visitor policy. It restricts all Brookings Hospital visitors to immediate family members only. Only one visitor will be allowed per patient.

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