COVID-19 Cases Originating From Sturgis Bike Rally Spread Across State Lines

At least seven cases linked to the last week’s 80th annual Sturgis motorcycle rally in South Dakota have been detected over the state line in Nebraska. The report was confirmed by the Panhandle Public Health District, which also stated that contact tracing had been conducted.

On Thursday, health officials in South Dakota reported that an employee at Asylum Tattoo Sturgis had tested positive for coronavirus and might have spread the virus during the rally. Another person tested positive after visiting a Sturgis bar from 12-5:30 p.m. on Aug. 11. Those who visited the locations are urged to self-isolate.

Over 462,000 motorcycle enthusiasts flooded the town for the event from Aug. 7-16, making it one of the largest public gatherings during the ongoing pandemic. In the leadup, health officials expressed concern over the event and dubbed it a potential “super spreader,” due to the large number of people visiting from different parts of the country.

Footage taken from Smash Mouth and Fozzy concerts held at the rally showed many attendees failing to wear face masks or practice social distancing.

Fozzy frontman and famed professional wrestler Chris Jericho had been dismissive of the potential health risks posed by the rally and further downplayed cases spreading to a new state.

Despite 60% of Sturgis residents voting against the rally, the city government opted to go through with the event and try to prepare as best they could.

“So we kept hearing from people saying it doesn't matter, they are coming to Sturgis,” city manager Daniel Ainslie told CNN. “So with that, ultimately the council decided that it was really vital for the community to be prepared for the additional people that we're going to end up having.”