Whiteside County Health Department and Whiskey Barrel Saloon in Rock Falls, IL, are working closely together, [regarding] COVID-19 exposures by contagious individual(s) who were not showing symptoms. The Whiskey Barrel released a statement [Tuesday, July 14, 2020,] on Facebook and is joining the Health Department for this [Monday, July 20, updated] release.
Exposures occurred Wednesday, July 8, 2020, after 6:00 p.m., and Thursday, July 9, after 6:00 p.m. While we believe there is minimal risk to the majority of customers, others may have had more direct, and prolonged, contact. They will be at higher risk for developing or spreading COVID-19.
WCHD and Whiskey Barrel 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 contact WCHD at 815-626-2230, extension 1216, if they develop symptoms. 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.