SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem has joined a handful of governors who have issued executive orders banning the development or use of COVID-19 vaccine passports in their states.
Vaccine passports are documents that could be used to verify coronavirus immunization status and allow inoculated people to more freely travel, shop and dine. New York was the first state to institute a passport system.
Noem said in a statement Wednesday that South Dakota has resisted government mandates and the state “is stronger for it.” She encouraged all residents to get a COVID-19 vaccine but said the state will not require it.
