PIERRE, S.D. (WNAX) – While South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem has declared a state emergency due to the spread of coronavirus, there isn’t a need to declare a public health emergency, yet.

State Health Department Secretary Kim Malsam-Rysdon says that is reserved for a different situation.

Malsam-Rysdon says the current declaration does what they need right now.

Malsam-Rysdon says her department is getting new medical equipment and supplies.

South Dakota is one of about a dozen states that don’t have a shelter in place order.

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