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A person who attended a protest Saturday that started in Knox Park in McHenry was asymptomatic for COVID-19 and then tested positive for the virus, according to the McHenry County Health Department.
In a press release sent out Wednesday afternoon, the MCDH confirmed a positive case of COVID-19 for a person who attended a Black Lives Matter protest last Saturday between 1 and 2:30 pm that started in Knox Park and ended at the McHenry Police Department.
MCDH is encouraging anyone who attended the event to get tested.
The closest community-based testing sites, located in Rockford, Rolling Meadows, and Waukegan, offer free trials and are open to everyone, with or without symptoms. Private testing locations in McHenry County have requirements that a person must meet to receive the testing.
A map with test locations can be found here.
“Confirmed McHenry County cases have decreased since April, when social distancing and universal masking in public places became common practice. MCDH would like to remind everyone that the virus continues to circulate. The more people interacting with an individual and the longer an interaction, the greater the potential risk of becoming infected with COVID-19 and spreading the virus, “the statement said.
“We should all continue to take precautions every time we attend a meeting or come into contact with anyone who resides in another home,” said McHenry Police Department chief John Birk. “We are a few days away from Independence Day and we know it.” people are likely to gather to celebrate. However, we know what it is like to be in the early stages of Restore Illinois. We know the best way to stop the spread of COVID, and it’s up to us to avoid taking steps back. “
If you plan to attend a meeting, MCDH recommends:
– Use a cloth that covers the face
– Keep a 6 foot space between you and others.
– Wash your hands frequently or use hand sanitizer with a minimum of 60% alcohol.
– Stay home if you are sick
– Plan ahead and get tested at a community site before the event
– Disinfect all personal items that are touched frequently and have a hard surface, such as a cell phone, that are brought to the meeting
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