South Dakota kicked off its annual state fair Thursday without a requirement to wear masks, following two previous large events in the state amid the coronavirus pandemic.
- Per USA Today, South Dakota held its state fair after hosting The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and the The Sioux Empire Fair earlier this summer.
The fair will have hand-washing stations, social distancing and an encouragement to wear masks. But the five-day event does not assume responsibility, according to ABC News.
- “Exposure to COVID-19 is an inherent risk in any public location where people are present,” according to the fair website. “By visiting the South Dakota State Fairgrounds, you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19.”
A look at Sturgis.
- Sturgis has been linked with about 118 positive COVID-19 cases for South Dakota residents and about 300 cases across the country.
- That’s 1% of the 460,000 people who attended. But experts told USA Today that “COVID-19 is a particularly difficult virus to trace to its infection point. Symptoms might not show up for weeks, if at all, in an infected person. Meanwhile, that person could be spreading the virus.”
South Dakota vs. COVID-19
South Dakota has become a hotbed for COVID-19, though, according to USA Today. Experts suggest the rise is due to schools reopening, small gatherings and big events.
South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem has discouraged schools from requiring masks and promoted hand-washing instead. She also has campaigned against “elite class of so-called experts,” who, she said, impact liberty.
“We are not—and will not—be the subjects of an elite class of so-called experts.”
Correction: This article originally said Sturgis was linked 118 positive COVID-19 cases. That’s just for South Dakota residents. It has been linked to about 300 cases across the country.