16 Coronavirus Cases Linked To Volleyball Games In Lake Co.

LAKE COUNTY, IL — The Lake County Health Department is continuing to investigate a coronavirus outbreak after several who played in or watched adult volleyball games at a Gages Lake bar in September contracted the virus, health officials said Tuesday. As of Tuesday, 16 cases of COVID-19 have been linked back to volleyball games played at Jesse Oaks Food & Drink, Hannah Goering, marketing and communications manager for the Lake County Health Department, told Patch in an e-mail response.

Health officials said last week nearly 200 players and spectators may have been exposed to the virus. Of those who tested positive, several also played volleyball at other bars and restaurants, according to a statement released by the health department last week. Details surrounding where else they played has not been released.

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"The investigation is ongoing. We hope to have more information to share soon," Goering told Patch.

Jesse Oaks has suspended all volleyball activities, and may only resume once in compliance with state guidelines. The bar and restaurant at Jesse Oaks remained open, according to recent Facebook posts.

Meanwhile, the health department is urging anyone who played volleyball at Jesse Oaks in September to:

• Quarantine at home for 14 days from your last game
• If you are still within your quarantine period, get a molecular (PCR) COVID-19 test, at least five days after your last game. Get tested sooner if symptoms develop
• Call the Communicable Disease program at (847) 377-8130 if you have not already been contacted by the health department

Health officials provided the following guidance for those who visited Jesse Oaks in September and did not wear a mask or consistently maintain a six feet distance from others:

• Quarantine at home for 14 days from your last visit
• If you are still within your quarantine period, get a molecular (PCR) COVID-19 test, at least 5 days after your last visit. Get tested sooner if symptoms develop

During quarantine, a person should stay home, limit their contact with others in their home, avoid having any visitors, and wear a face covering if they must leave to seek medical attention. A negative test result does not shorten the 14-day quarantine period since the virus may take up to 14 days to be detectable by a COVID-19 test.