Tribal president urges Noem to take more action
April 24, 2020 6:10AM CDT
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — The president of the Oglala Sioux Tribe is calling on South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem to take more action to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus, saying members of the tribe are especially at risk.
Julian Bear Runner sent a letter to Noem on Thursday saying that the health and living conditions on the Pine Ridge Reservation could lead to the virus spreading at “a devastating speed.” Noem has not issued sweeping stay-at-home orders or mandated the closing of businesses.
The Oglala Sioux Tribe has enacted lockdowns on the reservation and even banished one person who tested positive for COVID-19.
