Whiteside County Health Department and Sterling Moose Family Center are working together, after a COVID-19 exposure by a contagious patron who was not showing symptoms. After working with the location to review the situation, WCHD decided to issue a general release. This is due to the extended potential for exposure, typical visit duration, and difficulty identifying all close contacts.
Exposures only occurred Thursday, July 9, 2020, between 11:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Individuals who visited other times are not at risk due to this exposure.
WCHD 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 feet of a positive case for 15 minutes or more.
The Whiteside County Health Department and Sterling Moose Family Center advise all patrons who visited the premises during those times to take special care to monitor themselves for any symptoms of COVID-19. They should social distance and wear a mask. Individuals with symptoms or questions should contact Whiteside County Health Department at 815-626-2230, extension 1216.
Symptoms of COVID-19 can develop 2-14 days after exposure and may include any of these:
● Fever or Chills ● Headache ● Loss of Taste and Smell ● Cough ● Fatigue ● Congestion or Runny Nose ● Shortness of Breath ● Sore Throat ● Muscle or Body Aches ● Nausea or Vomiting ● Diarrhea.
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 experience 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. Let them know you may have been exposed to COVID-19, so they can work to protect you and themselves.
After contacting the Health Department, contact your employer and follow CDC recommendations for “What to Do if You are Sick.”
To self-isolate remain at home in a separate room or bedroom, and use a separate bathroom if possible. Avoid contact with other household members and pets. Do not share personal items such as towels, cups, and utensils. Wear a face covering when around others if possible
Individuals who are not experiencing symptoms should call the Whiteside County Health Department. Take extra care to physically distance yourself (stay apart six feet or more) from others. Wear a mask when you go out whenever possible. Consider limiting the frequency and attendance at social gatherings until 14 days after your last possible exposure.
Individuals interested in testing can utilize one of the following resources. As a reminder, an individual with COVID-19 may test “negative” early after their infection. This does not release an individual from isolation. To reduce 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
- 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 COVID-19 and CDC COVID-19 websites.