PIERRE, S.D. (KBHB) – The South Dakota Department of Health says staying safe at this year’s Sturgis Motorcycle Rally starts with each individual.

During today’s media briefing, health secretary Kim Malson-Rysdon asked if the state had any special plans for the rally after the city of Sturgis voted on toning down this year’s rally due to COVID-19.

She says people planning on coming to the rally need to be remember staying safe starts with them.

Because the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is a different animal than what it once was, an overall cancellation of it is practically impossible.

The city council knew some preparations had to be made to handle a certain influx of people who would come no matter what.

In doing so, the city decided to continue with normal preparations for the rally but cancel city-sponsored events that usually take place on Main Street.