SIOUX FALLS, SD – The anticipated peak in coronavirus infections in South Dakota has changed over the past two months….and may be changing again, according to health officials.
Statewide, experts had predicted 132,700 infections and that most communities would peak at the same time which was initially around July 1st.
That was followed by an expected peak in mid-June, with over 265,000 people becoming infected based on the state’s early April projections.
Now, it looks like a lower peak and more sporadic outbreaks, according to Doug Ekeren, Regional President of Avera Sacred Heart Hospital.
“We still think there will be a peak although not as strong of a peak,” he says. “We’ll probably see rolling episodes of smaller peaks in certain communities, maybe based on a long-term care facility or other type of setting. But they may be more localized.”
Ekeren says their planning predicted up to 13,000 cases in a seven-county service area around Yankton.
“We have our plans developed should that surge come through to levels that were projected earlier. We certainly hope not but if it does, we’ll be prepared for it.”
Ekeren says those predicted peaks are coming down due to precautions taken by the public.
“If people can take care of themselves, wash their hands, wear masks, practice social distancing, we will be able to help people keep safe and lower the volume of people who need to be hospitalized,” he observes.
The state Health Department is reporting that 54 percent of all hospital beds are available, and 47 percent of ICU beds are open.
