Coronavirus News & Updates

Experience Sioux Falls continues to monitor the current coronavirus pandemic and the impact it is having on the Sioux Falls visitor industry. A resolution (132-20) was adopted and encourages businesses to take the Safer Sioux Falls Pledge.

We will follow the leadership set forth by Sioux Falls Mayor Paul TenHaken, Governor Kristi Noem, Secretary of Tourism Jim Hagen, and the Center for Disease Control (CDC) throughout these unprecedented times.

The U.S. Travel Association has put together a guide for "Travel in the New Normal" promoting the health and safety of all travelers. It was developed based on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and White House guidelines: “Opening Up America Again“ and in consultation with public health experts. View it here.

The CDC has updated its guidance to say that Americans who are fully vaccinated can go without masks or physical distancing in most cases, including indoors or in large groups. However, the CDC continues to advise that even vaccinated individuals cover their faces and physically distance when going to doctors, hospitals or long-term care facilities like nursing homes; when traveling by bus, plane, train or other modes of public transportation, or while in transportation hubs like airports and bus stations. Note that many individual businesses and organizations may continue to keep mandates in place.

CDC Domestic Travel During COVID-19:
Delay travel until you are fully vaccinated. If you are not fully vaccinated there are additional recommendations to follow before, during, and after travel.

Before You Travel

Check the current COVID-19 situation at your destination.
Make sure you understand and follow all state, local, and territorial travel restrictions, including mask wearing, proof of vaccination, testing, or quarantine requirements.
- For up-to-date information and travel guidance, check the state or territorial and local health department's website where you are, along your route, and where you are going.
If traveling by air, check if your airline requires any testing, vaccination, or other documents.
Prepare to be flexible during your trip as restrictions and policies may change during your travel.

Testing (Recommended)

Consider getting tested for current infection with a viral test as close to the time of departure as possible (no more than 3 days) before travel.

Do NOT travel if...

You have COVID-19 symptoms, even if you recovered from COVID-19 within the past 90 days or are up tot date with your COVID-19 vaccines.
You tested positive for COVID-19.
You are waiting for results of a COVID-19 test.
You had close contact with a person with COVID-19 and are recommended to quarantine.

During Travel

Protect Yourself and Others (Recommended)

Everyone aged 2 years or older—including passengers and workers—should properly wear a well-fitting mask or respirator in indoor areas of public transportation (such as airplanes, trains, buses, ferries) and transportation hubs (such as airports, stations, and seaports), especially in locations that are crowded or poorly ventilated such as airport jetways.
Follow all  state, tribal, local, and territorial health recommendations and requirements at your destination.
Follow recommendations for protecting yourself and others.

After Travel

You might have been exposed to COVID-19 on your travels. You might feel well and not have any symptoms, but you can still be infected and spread the virus to others.

All Travelers (Recommended)

Get tested for current infection with a viral test if your travel involved situations with greater risk of exposure such as being in crowded places while not wearing a well-fitting mask or respirator.
- Follow additional guidance if you know you were exposed to a person with COVID-19.
Self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms; isolate and get tested if you develop symptoms.
Follow all state, tribal, local, and territorial recommendations or requirements after travel.

If Your Test is Positive or You Develop COVID-19 Symptoms

Isolate yourself to protect others from getting infected. Learn what to do and when it is safe to be around others.

If You Recently Recovered from COVID-19

You do NOT need to get tested if you recovered from COVID-19 in the past 90 days. You should still follow all other travel recommendations. If you develop COVID-19 symptoms after travel, isolate and immediately get tested. Continue to isolate until you know the results. Wear a well-fitting mask around others.

For more information on COVID-19 please utilize the following resources:

*The CDC is the go-to resource as the situation evolves.

It is important that we continue to support small businesses throughout our community, as they are the heart of the travel and tourism industry.

If you have any questions please contact us and follow @ExperienceSFSD across social channels.

This page will be updated as the situation evolves.