PIERRE, S.D. (DRG News) – Over 1000 South Dakotans have died because of COVID-19 and more than 500 are currently hospitalized because of the virus.

Sanford Health Pierre Clinic physician Dr. Tom Huber says it’s aggravating to see people not following recommended guidelines intended to slow the spread of COVID-19.

While following CDC guidelines doesn’t guarantee you won’t get COVID, Huber says taking those precautions will lower your risk of getting it.

Huber says medical facility staff continue to work hard, but they are exhausted.

He says the pandemic is also taking a mental toll on medical staff, some worse than others.

According to the state Department of Health, there are currently over 15,000 active cases of COVID-19 in South Dakota.