Whiteside County Health Department is working with the Majestic Pines Event Center, in Thomson, IL, while investigating potential exposures by an asymptomatic attendee, who was considered contagious, during a private event. Unfortunately, after working with the individuals involved, through the Contact Tracing Process, we have been unable to locate and contact all individuals who may have been at risk. This press release is being issued out of an abundance of caution, due to the extended duration of exposure; difficulty identifying close contacts; limited adherence to Restore Illinois Phase 4 Guidelines. WCHD issued this alert on Friday, September 18, 2020.
Exposures could have occurred Saturday, September 12, from 5:00 to 10:30 p.m. Individuals who visited Majestic Pines Event Center at other times, or were not at a private event, are not believed to be at risk.
Whiteside County Health Department advises all individuals who visited this location during this event, to limit their interactions with others until Sunday, September 27. These attendees should also take special care to monitor themselves for any symptom of COVID-19. They should consider getting tested–even if symptoms have resolved or are mild.
COVID-19 will continue to be a concern for the foreseeable future. It is the responsibility of everyone to work with and protect local businesses, by following their instructions, Illinois Executive Orders, and Restore Illinois Guidelines.
WCHD reminds residents that every interaction carries some level of risk. This risk is increased any time individuals are attending events with symptoms of COVID-19; not physically distancing six feet or more); not being masked; present for an extended duration; spending time around people they do not know; being indoors. Exposures like this are a reminder of the importance of taking protective measures for others, even when you feel healthy.
All patrons who visited the premises during those times should contact WCHD at 815-626-2230, extension 1216, if they develop symptoms. Symptoms of COVID-19 can develop two-to-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.
Take extra care to physically distance yourself 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.
If you have questions please contact the IDPH COVID-19 hotline at 1-800-889-3931 or reach out to WCHD. Additional information is also available on the Illinois COVID-19 and CDC COVID-19 websites.