Health officials issue COVID-19 warning to those who attended Waukegan basketball tourney
The Lake County Health Department is encouraging people who attended a basketball tournament in Waukegan last week to self-quarantine at home until Sunday, June 28, because a person who attended the event has tested positive for COVID-19.
The event was the Above the Rim Classic and was held on Sunday, June 14 at Belvidere Park.
Health officials suggest that people who attended the event should not only quarantine until Sunday, but they also should monitor their health and call their health care providers if symptoms develop such as fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headaches, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion, runny nose, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.
Symptoms may appear two to 14 days after exposure to the virus.
According to the health department, those who experience symptoms should get tested for COVID-19 and also limit their contact with others in their homes, avoid contact with vulnerable people and wear a face covering when leaving the home to seek testing or medical care.
"This pandemic is far from over," Lake County Health Department executive director Mark Pfister said. "The virus is still spreading in our communities, and if we let our guard down we could see cases and deaths start to rise again in Lake County."
The health department also recommends anyone who has attended a recent protest or demonstration to get tested five to seven days after the event, or right away if symptoms develop. Getting tested too soon after being exposed may not detect the virus, resulting in a false negative.
To get tested, contact your health care provider or visit the state-run testing site at 102 W. Water St. in Waukegan. The site now offers walk-up tests in addition to drive-through testing.