Dakotas lead U.S. in growth of caseload
Coronavirus infections in the Dakotas are growing faster than anywhere else in the nation, fueling impassioned debates over masks and personal freedom.
Health experts warn that the infections must be contained before care systems are overwhelmed. North Dakota and South Dakota lead the country in new cases per capita over the past two weeks, ranking first and second respectively, according to Johns Hopkins University researchers.
Infections have been spurred by schools and universities reopening and mass gatherings like the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally last month, which drew thousands of people from across the country.
North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum and South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, both Republicans, have resisted mask requirements. Burgum promotes personal choice but tried to encourage masks with a social media campaign. Noem has discouraged mask requirements, saying she doubts a broad consensus in the medical community that they help prevent infections.