PIERRE, S.D. (KBHB) – After two days of having none, the state department of health reported 6 new COVID-19 related deaths Wednesday.

The new deaths were four men and two women and included people in the 60-69, 70-79 and 80-plus age ranges. The new deaths raise the state’s death total to 1,519.

New cases totaled 607 with 188 of which are probable.

Active cases are up 353 Wednesday to 6,387 and the number of people hospitalized is down six to 264.

During their weekly media briefing Wednesday, State Epidemiologist Dr. Joshua Clayton says the newly reported U.K. strain of COVID-19 has not been found in South Dakota as of yet.

However, he says they remain on the lookout for it.

He says at this time, they are not concerned about it affecting vaccine effectiveness.

He says they continue to monitor that situation and will provide any updates as warranted.