Annual Sturgis rally expecting 250K, stirring virus concerns

[SheltieLover]

https://www.localmemphis.com/mobile/article/news/regional/annual-sturgis-rally-expecting-250k-stirring-virus-concerns/89-22a44a2d-81c8-4271-8798-accee3d2bb81

The Aug. 7 to 16 event, which could be the biggest anywhere so far during the pandemic, will offer businesses that depend on the rally a chance to make up for losses

Credit: AP
FILE - In this Aug. 5, 2015, file photo, motorcycles stretch down Main Street in Sturgis, S.D., for the landmark Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Officials are expecting a smaller and quieter rally than last year's 75th anniversary event, which drew record crowds. The 76th rally in western South Dakota's Black Hills is Aug. 8-14, 2016. (AP Photo/James Nord, File)
Author: Associated Press
Published: 12:15 PM CDT August 2, 2020
Updated: 6:12 PM CDT August 2, 2020

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Sturgis is on. The message has been broadcast across social media as South Dakota, which has seen an uptick in coronavirus infections in recent weeks, braces to host hundreds of thousands of bikers for the 80th edition of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.

More than 250,000 people are expected to rumble through western South Dakota, seeking the freedom of cruising the boundless landscapes in a state that has skipped lockdowns. The Aug. 7 to 16 event, which could be the biggest anywhere so far during the pandemic, will offer businesses that depend on the rally a chance to make up for losses caused by the coronavirus. But for many in Sturgis, a city of about 7,000, the brimming bars and bacchanalia will not be welcome during a pandemic.

How can this be allowed? 250,000 people?

tRumpers?

[Ferrets are Cool]

1. If it weren't for the health hero's, this would be my only thought

I don't care, do you?

I'm all out of fucks.

[old guy]

6. Yup, completely out here too.

[SharonClark]

8. Agree.

[TheCowsCameHome]

2. Fools.

n/t

[Clearly fogged in]

3. I thought I was against building a wall, but... nt

[soothsayer]

4. Farewell, bikers for drumpf

The ride there is fine. It’s the inevitable swarming together of these nice pilgrims that may well spread the virus badly throughout their corps.

It’s sad.

We all want things to be normal. It’s not time.

Pretending won’t help. It will make things worse.

[SheltieLover]

11. Right!

At what point do they come to terms with the fact that humans cannot cram themselves together like sardines any longer?

I wish they would all have to quarrentine together until no one is infected.

🤬

[dem4decades]

5. That's not exactly a mask and social distance crowd. How many ICU beds in South Dakota?

[tinrobot]

12. Not nearly enough

[Wellstone ruled]

14. Understand all ICU Beds are taken.

Patients were being shipped out of State.

[dem4decades]

15. Of South Dakota?

[Wellstone ruled]

16. As per our Rellie in Minny.

[former9thward]

17. Not true.

Plenty of ICU beds available. https://covid19.healthdata.org/united-states-of-america/south-dakota

[Fiendish Thingy]

7. And Then they'll all ride back home and infect their communities Nt

[SheltieLover]

9. This!👆

[madaboutharry]

10. South Dakar's has a nutball Governor.

Gov. Kristi Noem - (right wing looney/former beauty contest winner - my liberty! My liberty! - S.D.) thinks it’s just fine to have Sturgis this year because....freedom.

[dem4decades]

13. Maybe she'll show up and greet the crowd.

[Penn Voter]

18. Freedumb isn't Free

Sometimes you have to pay with your life as Herman Cain just did. If you want to be stupid and take chances with your life, fine, but think for a minute of the lives you will infect and end with your selfish behavior. The problem is that these freedumb loving people won't think.

[Initech]

19. Talk about a "super spreader" event!