PIERRE, S.D. (DRG News) – Sunday’s update from the South Dakota Department of Health showed there are currently 577 people hospitalized because of COVID-19.

Dr. Mikel Holland is the President and Chief Medical Officer at Avera St. Mary’s Hospital in Pierre, which is connected to Avera’s Hospital and clinic locations in Gettysburg. Holland says some staff members have been helping to care for patients at both locations.

Holland says like the staff in Pierre, the employees in Gettysburg have a lot more work to do.

The best thing the public can do to help lighten the work load of the staff at any medical facility, Holland says, is to wear a mask, wash your hands and maintain good hygiene. He says employees at all levels– from janitors and schedulers to nurses and doctors– are also thankful for other ways the public are helping.

He says staff are tired, but continue to give their all because they’re taking care of people they know.