Virus deaths rise to 50 in South Dakota; Rushmore to reopen

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) – Health officials in South Dakota reported two more deaths from the coronavirus on Friday.

The state’s COVID-19 death toll rose to 50, with 106 newly confirmed cases for a total of 4,356. Eighty-three people are currently hospitalized.

Codington County’s case count rose to 27, with eight active. 

The new figures came just ahead of Saturday’s reopening of the Mount Rushmore national monument, just in time for the Memorial Day weekend and three weeks earlier than expected.

The National Park Service said the accelerated reopening came after “careful consideration and consultation with local and state health authorities.”