A person who visited a bar during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally tested positive for the coronavirus, South Dakota health officials said.
The person visited One-Eyed Jack’s Saloon in Sturgis between noon and 5:30 pm on Tuesday, August 11, “while he could transmit the virus to others,” according to a State Department of Health news release.
“Because of the risk of exposure, individuals who visited the company during the specified dates and times should check for 14 days for symptoms,” the health department said.
The health department said the person who tested positive was a South Dakota resident, but gave no other details.
The rally took place on August 7 in Sturgis, about 30 miles northwest of Rapid City, and ended on Sunday. The state Department of Transportation said the 10-day event drew more than 460,000 cars, nearly 8 percent down from last year’s figures.
In 2019, about 500,000 cars entered the city with an estimated 490,000 people in attendance, according to the Associated Press.
Officials had earlier said they thought about 250,000 people from across the country would attend the rally this year.
Rallygoers were encouraged, but not required, to wear masks. The governor of South Dakota never issued a stay-at-home mandate as a mask mandate for the state. Many of those who traveled to the rally did not appear to be dealing with important precautionary measures against the virus.
Some people were seen wearing masks and said they would avoid large crowds, but others packed close together in bars and at concerts.
To try to prevent outbreaks of the virus, Sturgis residents can take a free coronavirus test a week after the rally.
