YANKTON, S.D. (WNAX) – When the first surge of COVID-19 hit in March, statistical models at that time showed the possibility of up to 130,000 people in South Dakota being infected by July 1. Total positive tests now number about 8,500.

Doug Ekeren, (eck-urn) President of Avera Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton and Avera Queen of Peace Hospital in Mitchell, says while they don’t expect those high numbers now, they are prepared.

Ekeren says they continue to see coronavirus cases.

Ekeren says they screen all patients coming into their facilities.

Over 100,000 people in South Dakota have now been tested for coronavirus.