ABERDEEN, S.D. (By Scott Waltman swaltman@aberdeennews.com) – Mass testing for COVID-19 at South Dakota nursing homes has started, said Kim Malsam-Rysdon, state health secretary, said during Monday’s news conference updating virus information.
That’s part of a preciously announced plan that aims to test 7,400 residents and workers this week at nursing homes in communities with substantial community spread. Testing will be expanded to all nursing homes and assisted-living centers in the weeks to come.
Statewide, there were 40 new virus cases confirmed Monday, with no new deaths, said Josh Clayton, state epidemiologist. That moves the total number of cases to 4,027, 1,199 of which are active, he said.
In Brown County, four new cases were confirmed for a total of 200 with 98 active. There have been 10 hospitalizations, no deaths and 984 negative tests.
Clayton said 118 DemKota Ranch Beef employees have tested positive. Malsam-Rysdon said 74 of those people have recovered.
There were six new cases reported in Beadle County Monday, which has 16 active cases with three people ever hospitalized, two deaths and 251 negative tests.
In Codington County, the number of cases remained unchanged at 15. There are two active cases and have been two hospitalizations, no deaths and 658 negative tests.
Statewide, there have been 44 deaths and 25,018 negative tests. Seventy-seven people are now hospitalized.