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New COVID-19 Case in Pennington County Not Tied to Monument Health

State Department of Health Officials say a new case of COVID-19 in Pennington County is not linked to a Monument Health caregiver who tested positive last week.

Monument Health estimates more than 100 employees and patients may have had contact with the caregiver in its Rapid City facility.

State epidemiologist Josh Clayton refused to say how many of those individuals have yet been contacted or tested.

“That’s all part of the ongoing investigation and not something we’d release on a call,” he told reporters on Monday.

Clayton says the patients and workers identified so far are advised to quarantine for 14 days and watch for symptoms. Those individuals will only receive testing if symptoms arise.

“Individuals who are exposed to COVID-19 cases are not recommended for testing unless those individuals themselves develop symptoms," he explains. "Just because a person may have been exposed does not mean that they will go on to develop illness.”

The CDC says COVID-19 symptoms can appear anywhere from two to 14 days after exposure. Symptoms include fever, cough, and shortness of breath.

If symptoms arise, individuals can call their healthcare provider to determine if they should be tested. Regardless of test results, officials encourage anyone who’s ill to stay home.

Jackie is based out of SDPB's Sioux Falls Studio.