The McDonough County Health Department reported a COVID-19 outbreak at The Ritz in downtown Macomb. The department said people in the bar on August 21, August 22, and August 29 were exposed to the virus.
The department said the business’ management is following CDC guidelines for cleaning and disinfecting the bar.
As of Friday morning, the state reported 251 confirmed cases in the county since the pandemic began. The number of cases reported on Wednesday, August 26 was 164, meaning the county’s figure has increased by 87 in a little more than a week.
A couple other counties in the region have also experienced sharp rises recently.
The number of confirmed cases in Lee County jumped from 298 to 446 between August 26 and September 2 (an increase of 148) and Des Moines County’s cases increased during that time from 452 to 580 (a rise of 128 cases).
Health departments in the region are urging people to take precautions to minimize transmission of the coronavirus. The recommended guidelines:
- Wear a mask in public places
- Maintain social distancing
- Avoid large gatherings
- Wash hands frequently
- Clean and disinfect common touch surfaces such as door knobs
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