For Immediate Release: March 10, 2021

Contact: SD COVID-19 Joint Information Center

South Dakota Reaches Milestone of 1 Million COVID-19 Tests
Testing Remains Critical in the Fight Against COVID-19

PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Department of Health (DoH) today announced it has passed the 1 million marker of COVID-19 tests administered, reporting 1,002,366 total tests performed statewide. This number reflects 429,839 unique persons tested or approximately 48.5% of the state’s population. The DoH would also like to use this milestone to highlight the importance of continued testing in the fight against COVID-19. 

 “As we hit the one-year anniversary of COVID in our state, testing remains more important than ever,” said Daniel Bucheli, Communications Director for the Department of Health. “Between testing and our excellent vaccination efforts, South Dakota is working its way through this pandemic. We encourage all residents to order a free COVID-19 at-home test kit today.”

Since December, DoH in partnership with Vault Health, Inc., has offered free and convenient at-home COVID-19 testing kits to all South Dakota residents. The saliva-based test can be requested by visiting the department's website or by clicking HERE. The test is geared towards people who’ve had close contact with confirmed positive cases. No symptoms or medical insurance are required.

To get the most up-to-date COVID-19 data, updated daily, please visit the Department of Health dashboard. For additional information and the latest COVID-19 resources, visit COVID.SD.GOV.