BROOKINGS, S.D. (KJJQ) – Brookings County has a plan in place to deal with pandemics. In fact, the planning began back in 2006.

Bob McGrath is the Chair of the Brookings Pandemic Preparedness Coordinating Committee. He says it started with a global scare over the bird flu.

McGrath says they received a federal grant in 2008 and now have, if needed, the equipment needed for an alternate care site to deal with lower-severity patients.

It appears social distancing may be having an impact in South Dakota, slowing the spread of the disease.

Those supplies are also considered part of the state stockpile so the state could take some, if needed.

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