SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (WNAX) – COVID-19 vaccinations are going at a rapid pace in South Dakota with health care and long-term care providers in the first round.

Dr. David Basel, Medical Director at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls says they have a lot of their people vaccinated.

Basel says COVID-19 related hospitalization have dropped.

Basel says they are watching for signs of the COVID-19 virus mutation.

Basel says it is still important for people to wear masks, socially distance and wash hands to hold down infection spread.