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UPDATE: COVID-19 Exposure at Two Macomb Businesses; WIU Warns About Large Gatherings

NIAID-RML/Wikimedia Commons

The McDonough County Health Department said people might have been exposed to the coronavirus at two establishments in Macomb: The Forum and Buffalo Wild Wings.

The department said it learned about both cases during the course of contact tracing investigations.

The potential exposure at The Forum happened on Saturday, August 22 and Sunday, August 23. The potential exposure at Buffalo Wild Wings happened on Friday, August 21; Saturday, August 22; and Monday, August 24.

The department said the owners of both businesses are following CDC guidelines for cleaning and disinfecting their establishments

The agency recommends that anyone who visited either business on the dates listed get tested if they’re experiencing COVID-19 symptoms:

  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headache
  • New loss of sense of taste or smell
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion/runny nose
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea

McDonough District Hospital’s nurse hotline can be reached at 309 836-1715. MDH said the hotline’s hours now coincide with those of the drive-thru screening station, which is open Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., and Saturday-Sunday, 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.  You do not need to pre-register for a COVID-19 test at the drive-thru screening station.
Warning from WIU

The university released a video of Interim President Martin Abraham urging students to follow CDC guidelines for preventing the spread of COVDI-19. You can watch the video here.

Dr. Abraham said most students are following protocols. But he said the university is aware of large gatherings of students “who are not making smart choices.” He said students are not allowed to gather in large groups in university parking lots and fields or any other university property, and they should not host house parties.

He said face coverings are required in public. “This is non-negotiable.”

Abraham also said, “A successful Fall 2020 semester can only occur if you follow the policies and procedures that are in place.”

This story was produced by Tri States Public Radio.  TSPR relies on financial support from our readers and listeners in order to provide coverage of the issues that matter to west central Illinois, southeast Iowa, and northeast Missouri. As someone who values the content created by TSPR's news department please consider making a financial contribution.

Rich is TSPR's News Director.