COVID-19 continues to rise in the state

YANKTON, S.D.(WNAX)- Covid-19 infections continue to rise and that continues to put pressure on health care providers.

Doug Ekeren, President of Avera Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton, says they are feeling the pressure.

Ekeren says the infection numbers and hospitalizations spiked quickly.

Ekeren says they are also caring for a large number of out patients.

Ekeren says they are also dealing with staff shortages due to illness and rotating people to avoid burnout.