NH Officials: COVID-19 Outbreak Reported At Sturgis Biker Rally

Tony Schinella
Updated ·3 min read

CONCORD, NH — New Hampshire health officials have issued a COVID-19 outbreak alert warning residents who may have attended a recent biker event in South Dakota to get tested for the new coronavirus and quarantine immediately.

More than 100 people, including six Granite Staters, have been confirmed to have contracted the new coronavirus while attending the 80th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in South Dakota earlier this month.

The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services recommends all residents who were in Sturgis between Aug. 7 and Aug. 16 get tested immediately. Attendees of the event should also quarantine and monitor themselves for symptoms for at least two weeks — even if their test comes back negative.

"Per the state’s travel guidance, all individuals traveling anywhere outside New England are reminded to quarantine for 14 days," the department said in an alert Wednesday.

Family members or acquaintances of anyone who may have been exposed to attendees of the rally should also monitor themselves for symptoms.

The South Dakota Department of Health has issued public notifications about the exposures during the event, mostly between Aug. 11 and Aug. 17.

"Because there are multiple locations in Sturgis with potential community exposure and the number of confirmed cases associated with the event will continue to increase, anyone who attended the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally may have been exposed and potentially contracted COVID-19," the state said.

For information about testing, call 603-271-5980 or complete this online form here.

Stop The Spread Of COVID-19

The COVID-19 virus is spread through respiratory droplets, usually through coughing and sneezing, and exposure to others who are sick or might be showing symptoms.

Health officials emphasize residents should follow these recommendations:

  • Avoid any domestic and international travel, especially on public transportation such as buses, trains, and airplanes.

  • Practice social distancing. Stay at least 6 feet from other people, including distancing while in waiting areas or lines.

  • When you can't practice 6 feet of social distancing, wear a face covering.

  • Anyone who is told to self-quarantine and stay at home due to exposure to a person with confirmed or suspected case of COVID-19 needs to stay home and not go out into public places.

  • If you are 60 years or older or have chronic and underlying health conditions, you need to stay home and not go out.

  • Avoid gatherings of 10 people or more.

  • Employers should work from home as much as possible.

  • There is increasing evidence that the virus can survive for hours or possibly days on surfaces. People should clean frequently touched surfaces, including door handles, grocery carts and grocery basket handles, etc.

Take the same precautions as you would if you were sick:

  • Stay home and avoid public places.

  • Wear a face covering.

  • Cover mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing.

  • Wash hands frequently.

  • Disinfect frequently touched surfaces.

More information from the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services about coronavirus can be found here on the department's website.

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This article originally appeared on the Concord Patch