South Dakota reports no surge after Independence Day celebrations

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota health officials say they have not yet seen an uptick in community spread of the coronavirus after thousands of people gathered for Independence Day celebration.

Gov. Kristi Noem has encouraged some public gatherings in recent weeks. She held an outdoor fireworks celebration without social distancing at Mount Rushmore on July 3. She also pushed for a Professional Bull Riders competition that allowed fans into a Sioux Falls arena this weekend. She even appeared at that event on horseback, wielding the American flag.

South Dakota’s report of 25 new cases Monday was one of the lowest since April.

Numbers were up last week but health officials says they could not attribute that to specific events.