South Dakota reports 12 COVID-19 deaths Saturday

South Dakota reported 12 more COVID-19 deaths on Saturday, bringing the state's total to 1,696, according to the Department of Health

Four were over the age of 80, six aged 70-79, one aged 60-69 and one aged 50-59. 

The number of COVID-19 cases in South Dakota continued its downward trend on Saturday, as the state reported 247 confirmed cases.

The seven-day trend of cases fell to 241, the lowest since September.

The Department of Health reported 172 current hospitalizations, down from 177 on Friday. Active cases fell by 69 to 4,021, the lowest since early October. 

After being in the top two of COVID-19 seven-day trend cases for several weeks in the fall, South Dakota is now toward the bottom of the pack, according to New York Times data. Entering Saturday, the state is 41st in the country. 

The state's death rate (190 per 100,000 people) is seventh in the United States.