250,000 MASK-LESS MOTORCYCLISTS FLOOD SOUTH DAKOTA TOWN
Despite the worldwide emphasis on masks, an estimated 250,000 mask-less motorcyclists this week are buzzing around a small South Dakota town for the 80th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, notes Grumpy Editor.
Sturgis, with a population of 7,000, is the scene of the 10-day event. Most residents fear the gathering of mostly Harley-Davidson motorcycles could lead to a massive coronavirus outbreak.
Officials are worried that social distancing will not be possible at the event.
An Associated Press reporter on scene says masks were almost nowhere to be seen, counting fewer than 10 among the rally’s thousands over a period of several hours.
South Dakota to date reports about 9,000 cases of the virus, among the lowest state tally in the country. Meade County, home to Sturgis, tallies about 78 infections.
CNN reports Monument Health, the local hospital system, adds 172 "Covid beds" in preparation for the rally and is prepared to offer 1,300 Covid-19 tests to anyone who is asymptomatic but concerned about the disease after the rally ends.
The event stretches for miles beyond the city and also attracts tourists and vendors each year from across the country, points out CNN.
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