New COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations dropped Friday, but 28 new deaths were reported by the South Dakota Department of Health.
After an uptick of new cases Thursday, the state recorded 575 Friday. Of 1,650 new tests conducted, 34.9% returned positive, a significant decrease from 66.4% the previous day. The number of people currently hospitalized (387) decreased for the fifth day in a row and came in fewer than 400 for the first time since Oct. 27.
There are 73 people currently in the intensive care unit and 13.9% of hospital beds are occupied by COVID-19 patients. Statewide, 36.5% of hospital beds are available, while 63.7% of ICU beds are occupied.
The state’s death toll due among people with COVID-19 has reached 1,329, with 636 coming from long-term care residents.
