This is a joint news release issued by the Whiteside County Health Department and Bushy’s Bar & Grill
The Whiteside County Health Department and Bushy’s Bar & Grill are working together after a confirmed COVID-19 exposure by an individual considered contagious and a probable case who had direct contact to a confirmed case. After working with the location to review the situation we have decided to issue a general release. This is due to the extended potential for exposure, typical visit duration and difficulty identifying all close contacts. We are working with Bushy’s Bar & Grill to review plans and ensure a safe environment.
The Whiteside County Health Department reminds residents that every interaction carries some level of risk. This risk is increased anytime individuals are attending events with symptoms of COVID-19, not physically distancing (6ft or more), not masked, present for an extended duration, spending time around people they do not know or indoors. A workplace, private gathering at someone’s home, or closed event where protective measures are not observed is just as risky however, COVID-19 cases are more easily able to name their contacts so releases are not issued.
Exposures May Have Occurred: July 14th, July 20th, July 21st, and July 22nd.
Individuals who visit or visited other times are not at risk due to this exposure.
The Whiteside County Health Department believes there is minimal risk to the majority of customers . Individuals most at risk are those who are considered “close contacts”, or those who were within 6 ft of a positive case for 15 minutes or more.
The Whiteside County Health Department and Bushy’s Bar & Grill advise All patrons who visited the premises during those times take special care to monitor themselves for any symptom of COVID-19, social distance and mask. Individuals with symptoms or questions should reach out to the Whiteside County Health Department at 815-626-2230 ext. 1216.
What to do if you Don’t Have Symptoms
Individuals who are not experiencing symptoms may not have been close contacts and may not be infected and would not require testing. Because we cannot specifically identify those who are most at risk for contracting the virus, everyone who may have been exposed should take extra care to monitor themselves for symptoms, physically distance themselves (6ft or more) from others and wear a mask when they go out. These individuals should also consider temporarily limiting the frequency and
attendance of social gatherings for 14 days after their last possible exposure.
1300 W. 2nd Street – Rock Falls, Illinois 61071 – Phone: 815-626-2230 – whitesidehealth.org
Facebook: @WhitesideCHC – Twitter: @Whiteside_CHC
What are the Symptoms and When Could They Start?
Symptoms of COVID-19 can develop 2-14 days after exposure and may include ANY of:
- Fever or Chills ● Headache ● Loss of Taste and Smell ● Nausea or Vomiting
- Cough ● Fatigue ● Congestion or Runny Nose ● Diarrhea
- Shortness of Breath ● Sore Throat ● Muscle or Body Aches
Individuals Experiencing Symptoms
Individuals who experience any of these symptoms, that cannot be explained by previously diagnosed conditions, should immediately self-isolate at home and call the Health Department at 815-626-2230 for further instructions. If you are experiencing any emergency warning signs (such as trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion or inability to rouse) immediately contact your local emergency department or 911, tell them your symptoms and let them know you may have been exposed to COVID-19 so they can work to protect you and themselves.
How to Self- Isolate
To self-isolate , individuals should remain at home in a separate room, bedroom and use a separate bathroom if possible. Individuals isolating should avoid contact with other household members and pets, not share personal items such as towels, cups and utensils, and wear a face covering when around others if possible. After contacting the Health Department you should contact your employer and follow CDC Recommendations for What to do if You are Sick
Testing
At this time, we only recommend testing for confirmed close contacts and those experiencing symptoms. As a reminder and individual with COVID-19 may test negative early after their infection and does not release an individual from isolation. To reduce the chances of a false negative, IDPH recommends testing 5-7 days after your last known exposure to COVID-19. For Testing:
- Contact your primary care physician to learn more about options for testing
- Utilize Illinois Mobile and Community Based Testing Sites: https://dph.illinois.gov/testing
- Find Other Testing Partners by Zip Code: https://coronavirus.illinois.gov/s/testing-sites
If you have questions please contact the IDPH COVID-19 hotline at 1-800-889-3931 or reach out to us.
Additional information is also available on the Illinois’s COVID-19 and CDC COVID-19 websites.
1300 W. 2nd Street – Rock Falls, Illinois 61071 – Phone: 815-626-2230 – whitesidehealth.org
Facebook: @WhitesideCHC – Twitter: @Whiteside_CHC
