Two people who attended O'Kellys on Halloween test positive for COVID-19
At least two people who attended O'Kelly's Sports Bar & Grill on Halloween tested positive for COVID-19.
According to a press release from the Central Michigan District Heath Department, the department’s case investigations determined that employees and other patrons may have been exposed to the virus. Additional cases may be seen in the coming days, according to the press release.
Employees and attendees who were at the bar on Oct. 31 should monitor themselves for coronavirus symptoms until Nov. 14.
“It is very important to continue to take the only steps we have to keep COVID-19 from getting worse,” said Dr. Jennifer Morse, Medical Director for Central Michigan District Health Department. “That includes staying home when ill, avoiding crowded areas, keeping at least 6 feet apart from others, wearing a mask when in public, covering coughs and sneezes, and frequent hand washing.”
John Hunter, owner of O'Kelly's, Wayside Central, Hunter's Ale House and the Cabin, said he was notified of the potential exposures by the health department and was asked to notify the employees.
On Nov. 2, all of Hunter's locations started posting QR codes for contact tracing. These collect names and phone numbers will only be used if the health department needs them for contact tracing.
"We want to help (the department) and will continue to implement this tool in support of this effort," Hunter said. "We pledge to work with the local health authorities to keep people safe during this unprecedented time."
As of Nov. 7, there were 1,175 cases in Isabella County since the start of the pandemic, according to the health department website. There have been 660 recoveries and 15 deaths.
