Sturgis Rally Update -- September 19, 2020

Link here.

Sturgis Rally: August 7 - August 16, 2020.

At link above, set "search" for "yesterday."

Number of cases means absolutely nothing.

Number of deaths associated with Covid-19 "means more" but numbers are incredibly questionable. Criteria for diagnosis varies across jurisdiction.

This is Saturday. I don't know how accurate these numbers are. It would mean that the state health officers would have had to come into work on a Saturday to post the results for "yesterday." The next set of numbers that might be more reliable will be Tuesday, September 22, 2020. 

But be that as it may, new deaths in last 24 hours:

• Montana: 3
  
• Wyoming: 0
  
• North Dakota: 2
  
• South Dakota: 5
• Nebraska: 0
• Iowa: 10 --- OUCH!
  
• Minnesota: 8 
  

Deaths per million population, and (ranking among 50 states and DC):

• Iowa: 400 (23) -- ranking unchanged
  
• Minnesota: 355 (27)  -- ranking unchanged
  
• North Dakota: 241 (37) -- ranking unchanged
  
• Nebraska: 228 (39) -- ranking unchanged
  
• South Dakota: 224 (40) -- ranking unchanged
  
• Montana: 137 (44) -- moved up to 44 from 45 yesterday (bad)
  
• Wyoming: 85 (50) -- moved down to 50 from 29 yesterday (good)

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Commentary

I surfed through a number of "sports networks" today, and a new trend seems to be developing. Outside of New York and New Jersey, it seems states are tip-toeing toward a post-Covid-19 "normality."

Right now, NASCAR racing at Bristol, TN/VA. The stands are about as "full" as one expects any more at a NASCAR race even though strict limits were placed on the number that could attend. I'm sure it's not 50% filled but it certainly looks close. Racers, pit crews, officials, and announcers are wearing masks to "play the game," but not many are taking it seriously. Most folks wearing masks have let the masks slip below their noses. Certainly no social distancing on the track or infield. 

So, it appears the nation's governors are falling into two groups:

• one set of governors who don't want any more Covid-19-associated deaths; none, period (NY, NJ)
• another set of governors who have accepted the original goal: "to flatten the curve" and accept "what will be"
  

Understanding the nature of pandemics, the set of governors taking the second route will probably see an end to the pandemic more quickly than the ones that continue draconian measures. 

This will fascinating to watch. I'm most interested in Florida and Texas.

Que Sera Sera, Doris Day