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WAUKEGAN, Ill. (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- An unsanctioned basketball tournament in the northern suburbs 10 days ago has led to at least one person contracting COVID-19.
Basketball games are not even allowed under Phase 3 of the Governor Pritzker's Restore Illinois plan, due to the level of contact. But on Sunday, June 14, an "Above the Rim Classic" basketball tournament took place that was promoted as "protesting on the court through the sport."
The event was held at Belvidere Park in Waukegan; and even though promoters encouraged attendees to wear masks, pictures on social media indicate not many in attendance wore them.
Now the Lake County Health Department said one person who attended the event has tested positive for the coronavirus.
Health officials advise anyone who was at the tournament to self-quarantine until Sunday, June 28 and to get tested for COVID-19. Officials said symptoms of COVID-19 may appear two to 14 days after exposure to the virus, and can include fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headaches, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, and/or diarrhea.
"This pandemic is far from over," said Lake County Health Department Executive Director Mark Pfister. "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 Lake County Health Department also recommends anyone who has attended a recent protest or demonstration 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 test.
Officials said if you need to get tested for COVID-19, contact your health care provider or utilize the community-based testing site located at 102 W. Water Street, in Waukegan. This site now offers walk-up tests in addition to drive-thru testing.
The Lake County Health Department now has 70 contact tracers on staff and plans to hire an additional 150 in the coming months.