Noem extends executive order for at-risk individuals in Minnehaha, Lincoln counties

PIERRE, S.D. (KWAT) — Governor Kristi Noem announced Friday that she’s extending an executive order for certain people living in Minnehaha and Lincoln counties.

It applies to people older than 65, and those with underlying medical conditions. She’s asking those people to stay home for two more weeks.

Meanwhile, the president of the Oglala Sioux Tribe is asking Governor Noem to take more action to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Julian Bear Runner, in a letter to Noem, says members of the tribe are especially at risk, and the health and living conditions on the reservation could lead to the virus spreading, “at a devastating speed.”

Noem was asked what advice she’d give people who plan on traveling through one of South Dakota’s reservations.

The Oglala Sioux have enacted lockdowns on the reservation and even banished one person who tested positive for COVID-19.