By Blake Haas
NORMAL – Local health officials continue to warn people about holding or attending large gatherings, which are a high risk for spreading the novel Coronavirus.
In a social media video, at least 100 individuals attended a large gathering at The Lodge apartment complex located on 200 and 214 W. Willow Street.
“McLean County Health Department continues to discourage holding or attending large gatherings, which are a high risk for spreading the virus,” said McLean County Health Department Administrator Jessica McKnight. “Parties and events where social distancing is not practiced needlessly put all those present in danger. Parties and gatherings are not just a threat for those present. Anyone could unknowingly spread the virus to friends, family, or co-workers who are more vulnerable. A person can infect another person up to 48 hours before they exhibit any symptoms…if you have been at a party or large gathering, it is recommended that you be tested for COVID 5-7 days after attending.”
While the video shows most individuals unmasked, Normal Police Public Information Officer Brad Park says he hopes those attending large gatherings take the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic seriously.
“Our main goal is still education; we’re hoping people will take that into account when they go out. As far as any laws issued by the state legislator, there is no enforcement action that Normal PD can do right now. Every apartment complex or apartment management can enforce any type of policies that they want to make as far as gatherings and stuff like that. What we are kinda doing at this point is just monitoring and trying to help out those apartment companies, management companies and try to help them out the best that we can.”
Young America, who leases The Lodge, did not return a request for comment.
Blake Haas can be reached at [email protected].
