PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Department of Health reported another large increase in positive cases of COVID-19 Saturday.
The department confirmed 249 positive tests for the virus – with 232 in Minnehaha County where officials have ramped up testing this week. Officials there have sampled over 3,000 people in the Sioux Falls area this week.
Active cases jumped for a second straight day and are now at 1,234 – up 190 from Friday. A total of 79 people are hospitalized.
There were also three new deaths reported Saturday – all in Minnehaha County, where the death toll is now 29. The statewide death toll is now 34.
One new positive test was reported in Pennington County, bringing the cumulative total to 19. There are now 8 active cases in the county. Also West River, Stanley County reported an additional case for a cumulative total of 9. The county, however, only has two active cases.
Recoveries increased. The department reports 56 new recoveries, bringing the statewide total now to 2,125.
There have been 19,559 negative tests total performed in South Dakota. Pennington County has 1,089, Meade County has 342 negative tests, Lawrence County has 223 and Butte County has 79.
