SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) — The large turnout at demonstrations in Sioux Falls Sunday evening could lead to an uptick in area COVID-19 cases.
Between 1,000 and 2,000 congregated Sunday to protest police brutality after the death of George Floyd, who died after a Minneapolis police officer kneeled on his neck last week.
South Dakota State Epidemiologist Joshua Clayton said he’s keeping an eye on the situation.
“Wherever individuals congregate, there is the risk for transmission of COVID-19,” Clayton said, adding that protesters should do their best to wear masks and stay apart from one another.
People who contract the virus can take up to two weeks to show symptoms, making it difficult to predict exactly what the impact of Sunday’s events will be.
(KELO.com News Director Todd Epp contributed to this report.)
