South Dakota COVID-19 Deaths Bust Record and Noem Shopping Tweets

South Dakota set a new record for COVID-19 deaths on Saturday – and the state’s anti-lockdown governor has tweeted a call for people to shop. The health ministry has reported 54 deaths, one more than the previous record set two weeks ago. And the state has also identified 819 new infections out of 1,892 people tested – a terrifying 43% positivity rate. Gov. Kristi Noem has repeatedly rejected calls for a statewide mask warrant and refused to warn people not to gather for the holidays. On Saturday, she tweeted a reminder from #SmallBusinessSaturday: “These businesses are the lifeblood of so many communities in South Dakota. Please support them today and every day! “