Keep calm – and wash your hands

At Monument Health, we’ve been asked about rumors on social media and elsewhere that the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19 illness has turned up locally.

1. There are no known cases of COVID-19 in South Dakota. There are many types of human coronaviruses, including some that cause mild upper-respiratory illnesses such as the common cold. Some people might be confusing these virus types with COVID-19.
2. Monument Health is taking this seriously. On Jan. 31, we implemented the 2019 Novel Coronavirus Interim Guidance. It includes a process to quickly identify and Isolate any person under investigation (PUI) based on travel history, symptoms and other factors.
3. The South Dakota Department of Health has its own public health processes that will be put into place if COVID-19 emerges anywhere in the state.
4. Regular influenza has sickened nearly 10,000 South Dakotans. Steps you take to avoid the flu would also protect from most viral infections, including COVID-19: avoid close contact with those who are sick, avoid touching your eyes and mouth, stay home if you’re sick, cover your coughs and sneezes and wash your hands often.