MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Monongalia County Health Department is reporting patrons of three downtown Morgantown bars are now infected with COVID-19 and contact tracing is underway.
According to a news release from the department, on June 24 large crowds were reported at Baby Squirrels Saloon, Big Times and The Back Door on High Street. Four patrons who were infected with COVID-19 visited Baby Squirrels Saloon that day.
“We do not know where these individuals originally came into contact with COVID-19, but we do know that they spent time in at least three bars, if not more, and two of which they described as being very crowded,” MCHD executive director and county health officer Dr. lee Smith said.
Residents who may have visited these businesses should self-quarantine, monitor symptoms for 14 days and call the health department at 304-598-5100.
Symptoms include shortness of breath, fever, dry cough, headache, nausea, vomiting, muscle aches and loss of smell.
Following CDC guidelines, wearing a mask or face covering, social distancing and good hygiene are all recommended to help fend off the virus.
Twenty-eight new COVID-19 cases have been reported in Monongalia County since June 22.
“We’re definitely seeing an uptick in cases, and many of them are community spread and involve younger people,” Smith said.