PIERRE, S.D.(HubCityRadio)- On Wednesday, the South Dakota Department of Health held a press briefing updating the public on COVID-19.

State epidemiologist Josh Clayton compared the number of cases per day last week was lowered than two weeks ago.

Dr. Clayton updated us the Johnson & Johnson vaccine that’s now being used in South Dakota.  15 people out of close to 8 million had issues with blood clots assoicated with the vaccine.  Dr. Clayton says the benefit of the vaccine out weighs the risk.

Dr. Clayton provided an update courtesy of the CDC regarding people who are fully vaccinated.

Secretary of Health Kim Malsam-Rysdon gave an update on the allocation of vaccines coming for next week.

Malsam-Rysdon said the Department of Health is combatting some of the misinformation coming out regarding the vaccines.

Malsam-Rysdon continue to encourage COVID-19 testing.

Starting May 12, the South Dakota Department of Health will hold briefings once a month about COVID-19.