South Dakota COVID cases reach highest level ever, hospitalizations also rising

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) –COVID-19 cases in South Dakota are as high as they’ve ever been.

The state’s rolling 7-day average of positive tests has eclipsed its peak in late 2020, according to the New York Times COVID Tracker.

The tracker says the state reached a 7-day average of 1,587 cases Monday. The previous high was 1,458 on November 14.

Hospitalizations in the state are not rising as sharply, but they are up 27% over the last two weeks.

Gov. Kristi Noem said last week she is not concerned about the rise in cases, but added she will monitor the state’s hospitalization totals.