South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem laid out a “common sense” plan for families to spend time with their loved ones during Thanksgiving amid the coronavirus pandemic.
“Thanksgiving is around the corner, and across the country families are planning how to celebrate with their loved-ones in the midst of #COVID19,” Noem said in a lengthy Twitter thread on Friday. “In South Dakota, we won’t stop or discourage you from thanking God and spending time together this Thanksgiving.”
Thanksgiving is around the corner, and across the country families are planning how to celebrate with their loved-ones in the midst of #COVID19.
In South Dakota, we won’t stop or discourage you from thanking God and spending time together this Thanksgiving. (THREAD)
— Governor Kristi Noem (@govkristinoem) November 20, 2020
Noem continued: “Some states across the country are imposing restrictions on Thanksgiving celebrations. Some in the media are even looking ahead and planning to cancel Christmas. I’ll continue to encourage each and every one of you to exercise personal responsibility and make smart choices.”
The Republican governor then reminded South Dakotans to use “common sense” and suggested families should not visit each other on Thanksgiving if a family member is experiencing symptoms typically associated with the coronavirus.
Noem encouraged residents in her state to reflect on what Thanksgiving is “all about.”
“Let’s all take the time to remember what Thanksgiving is all about — thanking God for everything that he has blessed us with in our lives. During difficult times, it’s important to be extra thankful for what we have,” Noem tweeted.
Noem has been widely criticized by media outlets for her response to the pandemic, which she said in April is based on her “oath to uphold the Constitution.”
In October, the largest paper in South Dakota refused to publish Noem’s coronavirus update, citing disagreements with her positions on certain restrictions, including the wearing of face masks, which she stressed should be used on a case-by-case basis.
Earlier this month, Noem said her state will not adhere to any mask mandate pushed by President-elect Joe Biden because he “does not have the authority.”
