Eau Claire County reports possible COVID-19 exposure at 2 establishments

Eau Claire County (WQOW) – If you were at a pair of Eau Claire bars/restaurants earlier in the month you may have been exposed to the coronavirus.

That is the message put out by the Eau Claire City-County Health Department on Wednesday morning.

The health department reports the potential exposures were at Olive Garden on June 4, 9, 10 and 11 from 4-9 p.m. and Wagner’s Lanes in the bar area on June 16 and 17 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

If you visited those locations on the days and times listed and are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms you are encouraged to contact your health provider for a COVID-19 test.

A manager at Olive Garden tells News 18 the positive case was an employee and they haven’t worked for roughly two weeks. They did not show any symptoms the last time they worked. Once they learned the employee was not feeling well they did not allow them to return to work.

“The health and safety of our guests and team members is our highest
priority,” said Nick Hewitt, general manager of the Olive Garden in Eau
Claire. “We have thoroughly sanitized the entire restaurant using CDC-approved disinfectant. Additionally, we continue to follow a number of
daily processes to create a safe environment for our guests and team
members and the health department has assured us we are taking the
right steps.”

“Wagner’s Lanes takes this situation very seriously, as the safety and well-being of both our employees and our customers are of the utmost importance to us. We can assure you that we are going above and beyond the guidelines and recommendations of the Health Department, taking extra precautions in as many areas as possible,” said Rob Ingram, general manager of Wagner’s Lanes.

The health department says both businesses are cooperating with the investigation.