RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota reported three more COVID-19 deaths as the state marked the end of its deadliest month of the pandemic to date.

 Health officials reported 521 deaths in November _ more than all other months of the pandemic combined.

 The total death toll from the virus is currently at 946. During November, South Dakota had the nation’s highest rate of COVID-19 deaths per capita, with Johns Hopkins researchers tracking 59 per 100,000 people. 

The state has the nation’s ninth-highest rate of death over the course of the entire pandemic. 

Meanwhile, students in the Rapid Area School district are returning to in-person instruction.

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota reported three more COVID-19 deaths as the state marked the end of its deadliest month of the pandemic to date. Health officials reported 521 deaths in November _ more than all other months of the pandemic combined. The total death toll from the virus is currently at 946. During November, South Dakota had the nation’s highest rate of COVID-19 deaths per capita, with Johns Hopkins researchers tracking 59 per 100,000 people. The state has the nation’s ninth-highest rate of death over the course of the entire pandemic. Meanwhile, students in the Rapid Area School district are returning to in-person instruction.

South Dakota marks November as deadliest month of pandemic