The light at the end of the tunnel has been getting larger, with vaccinations picking up the pace and things beginning to return to normal in Garretson. Despite the light growing brighter, no one is quite out of the tunnel yet, as active cases remain high in Minnehaha County.
As of Tuesday, Minnehaha County had 885 active cases, twice the number of active cases it had at the end of February. Whether this is due to variants that are easier to spread or a loosening of restrictive behaviors by those who have not yet been fully-vaccinated, it means that active cases are still on the rise, despite vaccinations.
At Garretson's City Council meeting on Monday, councilors discussed whether they should continue or rescind the mask resolution that is in place. At this time, it remains active, but most councilors showed support for ending it at the next meeting. Sioux Falls allowed its mask ordinance to lapse at the end of March, though most businesses have kept their policies of requiring masks in place. A reduction in mask use may be a reason for the continued increase in cases, and vigilance is important.
"The last few seconds of any game can be crucial," said Commercial Club Vice President Garrick Moritz. "The coach isn't going to tell you to sit on your laurels just because you have an extra 10 points on the board. You have to keep going hard to make sure you win." In this case, continued precautions and vaccinations can mean the difference between beating COVID, or allowing it to become endemic, like the flu.
Precautions such as masking, staying home, and hand washing have helped the normal flu season nearly vanish, with only 66 flu cases this season. Normally, the flu impacts thousands each year.
Hospitalizations for COVID continue to remain around 100 people per day throughout the state, with an average of 12 people per day being admitted. The Sioux Falls area averages about half the total hospitalizations.
Fortunately, COVID-related deaths among those ages 70+ have been decreasing substantially as that age group has seen many people vaccinated. The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) reported a 96% drop in COVID cases among long-term care residents since December 2020. The Palisades Healthcare Center has seen only two cases since its October-November outbreak, one at the end of January and one at the end of February.
Vaccinations have been staying strong. As of Tuesday, at least 46% of all South Dakotans age 16 or older had received at least one dose, and 31% were fully vaccinated.
In Minnehaha County, over 71,000 residents have received at least one dose, which is approximately 36% of its total population.
South Dakota averaged around 5% of the adult population per week receiving at least one dose during March. Herd immunity requires at least 70% of the population to be vaccinated; if the pace continues, the state is on track to attain that goal in mid-May for adults. However, vaccines have not yet been approved for use in those under age 16, which leaves them vulnerable to acquiring and spreading the virus.
On Monday, the SD Department of Health opened vaccination availability to anyone aged 16 or older, only one week after opening up to Phase 1E.
“Given our efficient and orderly vaccination distribution efforts and increased allocation, we are delighted to open up Phase 2 starting Monday,” said Kim Malsam-Rysdon, Secretary of Health. “Without a doubt, this is testament to the hard work and dedication of our frontline workers, our healthcare and pharmacy partners, and the staff at the Department of Health. I encourage all South Dakotans to schedule their vaccination today.”
Minnehaha County residents can receive vaccinations through Avera, Sanford, Lewis Drug, Hy-Vee Pharmacies, Walgreens, and Wal-Mart Pharmacies. Veterans can receive vaccinations through the VA as well. The vaccine is free of charge at any of those locations. The Helpline Center is offering free Lyft rides to anyone who may require transportation. Simply call 2-1-1 for assistance.
