UPDATE:
Through recent COVID-19 investigations, Central District Health (CDH) has identified four individuals who spent time in public locations, in close proximity to others while unknowingly infectious. Because of this, CDH wants to let the public know of the locations and dates these individuals were present, and encourage anyone there on the same date to watch for signs and symptoms of COVID-19, which may appear 2-14 days after exposure.
- Matador, (downtown) Boise.
- Bar top only area only.
- Exposure Date: 6/7/20.
- Monitor for symptoms through 6/21/20.
- Vista Bar, Boise.
- Exposure Date: 6/9/2020.
- Monitor for symptoms through 6/23/20.
- Exposure Date: 6/9/2020.
- 9th Street Nook, Boise.
- Exposure Date: 6/10/2020.
- Monitor for symptoms through 6/24/20.
- Exposure Date: 6/10/2020.
- The Breakaway Café & Spirits, Meridian.
- Bar top area only.
- Exposure Date: 6/13/2020.
- Monitor for symptoms through 6/27/20.
Illness cluster grows among 6th and Main Street bar patrons; potential exposure dates added
The illness cluster among individuals who reported visiting multiple downtown Boise bars the evenings of June 5 and 6 while infectious has increased from an initial 10 cases to 34 confirmed cases and 3 probable cases. With additional case interviews underway, CDH anticipates more associated cases. To date, most individuals in this illness cluster report mild to moderate COVID-19 symptoms. While most individuals have been in their 20s and 30s, there have also been some associated cases among household contacts of those originally infected.
Additionally, CDH has identified people who have become ill who indicate they were present at one of the identified bars the weekend of June 12 and 13.
- Amsterdam Lounge
- Cactus Bar
- Humpin' Hannah's
- Silly Birch
- StrangeLove
- Tom Grainey's
______________________________________________
Central District Health (CDH) is investigating a cluster of COVID-19 illnesses involving ten people so far. These people visited several bars while infectious in downtown Boise during the evening on June 5 and 6. Five of them tested positive for COVID-19, and the other five are considered probable cases. In probable cases, individuals who are close contacts to confirmed cases become symptomatic but are not tested.
The investigation is ongoing, but CDH has identified bars in the area of 6th and Main Streets that were visited while the individuals were infected. According to a press release from CDH, the Amsterdam Lounge, Cactus Bar, Humpin' Hannah's Silly Birch, StrangeLove and Tom Grainey's were visited. The risk of exposure to other people in the bar is unknown, so CDH is recommending anybody at these establishments or spent time in the area of 6th and main during the evening hours on those dates monitor themselves for coronavirus symptoms. These include fever, cough, shortness of breath, chills, muscle pain, sore throat or new loss of taste or smell through June 20. Symptoms may appear two to 14 days after exposure and if you experience any of them, contact your healthcare provider.
Epidemiologists with CDH are continuing their investigation which includes specific contact tracing for this illness cluster.
"As Idaho continues to reopen, illness clusters like this one are a reminder that COVID-19 is still very present in our communities. It is especially important that we find our new normal, which needs to include wearing face coverings especially in situations where sufficient physical distancing isn't possible, and continuing to look for ways to limit face-to-face exposure. Any interaction with others, particularly in close contact, puts us at greater risk for becoming infected with coronavirus," said Russ Duke, District Director for Central District Health.
Continued COVID-19 risk reduction strategies should include:
· Staying home if sick, even when symptoms are mild.
· Practicing physical-distancing (maintaining at least 6 feet between individuals).
· Wearing a cloth face covering or mask when in public settings where physical distancing measures are difficult to maintain.
· Covering your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or sleeve.
· Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
· Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces.
· Washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using hand sanitizer.
“Given community transmission in many of our counties, everyone should be continuously monitoring themselves, children, and elderly for changes in health and potential symptoms,” added Duke.
COVID-19 case counts for Ada, Boise, Elmore and Valley Counties, which are served by CDH, are updated weekdays by 5 pm unless otherwise noted on the CDH website. The CDH Call Center is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm with Spanish speaking representatives available: 208-321-2222.
