South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem signed an executive order banning COVID-19 vaccine passports in the state.
In a news release, Noem says since the start of the pandemic the state provided up-to-date science, facts, and data and trusted South Dakotans to make the best decision for themselves the their loved ones.
Noem encourages people to get vaccinated against the coronavirus, but will not issue a mandate. She wrote, quote, “Under God, the people rule.”
During a news conference today, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds highly encouraged people to get vaccinated.
She says so far 37% of Iowans 18 and older have received a vaccine.
However, there is hesitancy for certain demographics, especially young men.
An official with the Iowa National Guard says half of guard members haven’t received a vaccine yet. He also talked about his serious battle with the disease.
Lt. Governor Adam Gregg plans to receive his vaccine in Sioux City on Friday. Gregg, a native of Hawarden, will be at the Siouxland Expo Center from noon until two in an effort to urge more Iowans to get vaccinated. People can sign up through Hy-Vee. Governor Reynolds says Gregg will be joined by a few special guests.
The Iowa Department of Public Health added seven more deaths due to COVID-19, and more than 600 new cases, including 25 more in Woodbury County.
The positivity rate statewide for the last 14 days is 4.4%, down slightly from the day before. In Woodbury County the level is 5.8 percent, down one-half of a percentage point.
A first-degree murder trial continues in Woodbury County District Court for a South Carolina man accused of killing his mother in Sioux City in April of last year. Police say 31-one-year-old Paul Belk stabbed his mother Lisa Belk to death and injured his sister.
