The Latest: Noem signs bills to address COVID-19 outbreak

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) - The Latest on the coronavirus outbreak in South Dakota (all times local):

5:30 p.m.

Gov. Krist Noem on Tuesday signed nine emergency bills passed by the South Dakota Legislature to address the outbreak of the coronavirus.

Lawmakers passed the bills just hours before Noem’s signing. They met in a marathon session that stretched from Monday into Tuesday, voting remotely through a conference call system.

The measures make a slew of changes like postponing local elections from mid-April until June, waiving state requirements on schools due to the coronavirus, and adjusting the state budget to distribute $93 million in federal aid.

All the legislation goes into effect immediately, but is also temporary, expiring at various points this year.

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4:30 p.m.

A Sioux Falls elderly care facility announced on Tuesday two of its residents have tested positive for COVID-19.

Staff at the Prince of Peace Retirement Community, operated by Avera Health, isolated two residents when they started showing symptoms of the coronavirus. Avera said in a statement the residents don’t need to be hospitalized.

The facility had closed to visitors the last two weeks, leading Avera to suspect the residents were infected through an employee. Avera said it screens employees and residents daily for symptoms.

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8:15 a.m.

Sanford is currently identifying patients and others who may have had contact with a physician at its Watertown clinic who has tested positive for the coronavirus.

Dr. William Devine isolated himself at home as soon as he developed symptoms, according to the health care system. It’s believed his exposure to patients was limited.

Those who were seen by Devine on or after March 25 will be contacted by the South Dakota Department of Health.

The Argus Leader says Sanford is also encouraging patients who have had recent contact with Devine to monitor themselves closely and call the Watertown clinic or schedule an e-visit if they have COVID-19 symptoms.

For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and death.