Around the country, states are reporting record increases in the number of new COVID-19 cases. North Dakota and South Dakota are seeing the largest outbreak per capita.
The Associated Press reports that South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem (R) attributes the rise in cases to more tested. She said, “We have tripled the amount of testing that we are doing in the state of South Dakota, which is why we’re seeing elevated positive cases.”
“That’s normal, that’s natural, that’s expected,” Noem added.
The state, as with others, is experiencing a rise in cases. Hospitals in Sioux Falls have about 41% of their intensive care units available. The state has also seen a roughly 23% test positivity rate.
In a statement, a spokesperson for Noem told The Hill, “South Dakota remains focused on hospital capacity, not positive tests, as our primary means of monitoring the spread of the virus.”
The spokesperson added that Noem “has always said, we can’t stop the virus from spreading.”
However, “We can, however, ensure that we have the capacity to take care of those who get seriously ill, and we remain well within our capability to care for these individuals.”
In September, Noem responded to MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow, who noted the surge in cases in that state. Noem wrote, “Stop spreading fear. Only 8% of South Dakota’s hospital beds are occupied by COVID patients. We have and will continue to manage our resources to care for the people who need help.”
Stop spreading fear.
— Governor Kristi Noem (@govkristinoem) September 24, 2020
Only 8% of South Dakota’s hospital beds are occupied by COVID patients. We have and will continue to manage our resources to care for the people who need help.
The people of South Dakota have accomplished this WITHOUT draconian lockdowns. #FactsNotFear https://t.co/VIUPmMPaSm
“The people of South Dakota have accomplished this WITHOUT draconian lockdowns,” she added.
Noem has made headlines throughout the pandemic for her decision to buck recommendations to implement a lockdown to help slow the spread of the virus.
The state also hosted President Donald Trump for an Independence Day event at Mount Rushmore. Ahead of the event, Noem announced that state officials would not be enforcing social distancing.
And over the summer, she vowed that schools would be open in the fall.
Noem’s comments about the ongoing surge in cases are similar to Trump’s claims that “If we stop testing right now, we’d have very few cases, if any.”
