BROOKINGS – The Brookings Volunteer Firefighters Association has canceled its annual street dance due to the current COVID-19 situation, Fire Chief Darrell Hartmann announced Thursday.
The Brookings City Council had approved an alcohol application last week for the 105th annual street dance, which had been set for July 25. Planning for COVID-19 safety precautions was still in the works at that time.
“It was put to a vote of the association, and it was not an easy decision for them to cancel the street dance, as it was also their fundraiser,” Hartmann said, adding that they plan on sending out mailers instead of going door-to-door to raise funds for the Brookings Volunteer Firefighters Association.
“In light of what happened in Gary at their street dance, they just did not want to have something similar happen in Brookings,” Hartmann said.
The state Department of Health issued a press release Tuesday, saying that an individual who attended the street dance in Gary has tested positive for COVID-19.
“The individual attended the event while able to transmit the virus to others (from) 10 p.m. July 4 through 2 a.m. July 5,” according to the press release.
Individuals who were at the dance during that time should monitor for symptoms for 14 days due to the risk of exposure, according to the press release.
A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention screening tool is available at covid.sd.gov, which can help recommend when to call your medical provider if you develop symptoms.
State health officials remind all South Dakotans to:
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Refrain from touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Clean frequently touched surfaces and objects.
• Individuals at higher risk for severe COVID-19 illness, such as older adults and people who have chronic medical conditions like heart, lung or kidney disease, should take actions to reduce their risk of exposure.
If you develop symptoms:
• Call your health care provider immediately.
• Individuals who are concerned they have COVID-19 should contact their healthcare provider via phone before going to a clinic or hospital to prevent spread in healthcare facilities.
• Avoid contact with other people.
• Follow the directions of your provider and public health officials.
For more information and updates related to COVID-19, visit covid.sd.gov or cdc.gov or call 1-800-997-2880.
