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Lockdowns are ‘useless,’ says governor. But how is her state faring with coronavirus?

Gov. Kristi Noem said South Dakota is an example of how a state can navigate a pandemic without government mandates.

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South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem stands in the crowd on the South Lawn of the White House during the fourth day of the Republican National Convention, Thursday, Aug. 27, 2020, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem stands in the crowd on the South Lawn of the White House during the fourth day of the Republican National Convention, Thursday, Aug. 27, 2020, in Washington.

Alex Brandon, Associated Press

South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem said Monday night that South Dakota is an example for the rest of the country on how a state can navigate the coronavirus pandemic without government oversight, USA Today reports.

  • Noem said South Dakota has taken a new approach to dealing with the coronavirus pandemic, something all states can follow.
  • “As you all might imagine, these last seven months have been quite lonely at times,” Noem said. “But earlier this week, one very prominent national reporter sent me a note that said: ‘Governor, if you hadn’t stood against lockdowns, we’d have no proof of just how useless they really have been.’”

According to USA Today, South Dakota is seeing its worst month yet with the coronavirus, shattering records for cases, hospitalizations and deaths.

South Dakota had made national headlines for its response to the coronavirus pandemic, and not always for the better. For example, the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in South Dakota may have led to more than 266,000 coronavirus cases, according to a new report. The state also held its state fair.

Noem has campaigned against mask mandates, promoting hand-washing instead within the state. She as often spoken out against the “elite class of so-called experts,” who, she said, impact liberty.