For the Tomahawk Leader
TOMAHAWK – The Lincoln County Health Department (LCHD) on Monday, Aug. 3 reported a COVID-19 exposure at Outboards Bar & Grill, 616 N. 4th St., Tomahawk.
LCHD said an individual was at the establishment during a time they were contagious and “possibly spreading the virus.” The department is working to confirm positive cases and identify close contacts linked to the exposure.
“LCHD has been working with Outboards to notify staff and the public and assure proper disinfection and best practices are being followed moving forward,” LCHD stated in a release. “Individuals who were at Outboards and did not practice physical distancing on Saturday, July 25, are asked to stay at home as much as possible and monitor for symptoms for 14 days. If you must leave your home, wear a face covering, maintain at least six feet of physical distance from others, and practice good hand hygiene.”
Outboards owner Bill Eastwood said the establishment is following guidance and advice from LCHD.
“We will be closing our business immediately in order to sanitize,” Eastwood stated in the release. “We plan to reopen Wednesday, Aug. 5. While the Lincoln County Health Department assesses the health of our exposed employees, we will only be able to provide carry-out orders. When we feel confident that all of our staff members are safe and healthy, we will decide when it is best to reopen our doors for dine-in customers. We will continue to update our Facebook page as we know more.”
LCHD is working to confirm positive cases and identify close contacts linked to the exposure. Those who tested positive have been ordered to self-isolate, and close contacts have been instructed to quarantine.
“LCHD encourages the public to monitor our COVID-19 Outbreaks and Investigations webpage, https://co.lincoln.wi.us/health/page/covid-19-outbreaks-and-exposures,” the department stated. “LCHD updates this page with places identified in Lincoln County, through disease investigations, in which a high risk exposure to COVID-19 may have occurred. LCHD will continue to update our Facebook page Monday through Friday with current COVID-19 case counts.”
Those who develop COVID-19 symptoms should contact their healthcare provider about getting tested, LCHD said. Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, fatigue, body/muscle aches, diarrhea, vomiting and nausea.
Those in need of additional assistance can complete the Wisconsin COVID-19 screening tool for free at www.wihealthconnect.com.
“A trained medical professional will follow up with you to review your results and answer your questions,” LCHD stated.