(From Whiteside County Health Department Statement) – The Whiteside County Health Department is working with Denny O’s in Fulton IL after an asymptomatic individual who was later determined positive visited the main bar during their infectious period. 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 Denny O’s to review plans and ensure a safe environment and appreciate their efforts working to physically distance within the establishment.
COVID-19 will continue to be a concern for the foreseeable future, so it is the responsibility of every individual to work with and protect local businesses by following their instructions, Illinois Executive Orders and Restore Illinois Guidelines .
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: Saturday, 9/05 between 1:00pm to 5:00pm
Individuals who visit or visited other times, or were not in the main bar 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 did not follow Illinois Executive Orders and Restore Illinois Guidelines or were within 6ft of a positive case for 15 minutes or more and are considered close contacts .
COVID-19 is community spread so the Whiteside County Health Department advises all individuals take special care to monitor themselves for any symptom of COVID-19, physically 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 or require testing. Because we cannot specifically identify all 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.
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 their healthcare provider for further instructions and reach out to the Health Department. 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 your provider and 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 close contacts and those experiencing symptoms. As a reminder an individual with COVID-19 may test negative early after their infection and a negative test not release an individual from isolation or quarantine. 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
