SIOUX FALLS, S.D.(WNAX)- Infection numbers continue to increase  as the Delta variant of the coronavirus spreads.

Dr Michael Elliot , Chief Medical Officer at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, says there is still a lot they don’t know about the variant.

Elliot says they are seeing more people with the infection and being hospitalized.

Elliot says they are seeing some serious infections.

Elliot says vaccinations are critical to slowing the spread of the virus. He also says face masks and washing hands frequently are still good habits to slow the spread.