Ottawa Mayor Dan Aussem issued an executive order Saturday requiring bars, clubs, gaming parlors and restaurants or any business with certain liquor licenses to close by 10 p.m. throughout the week, effective immediately.
“This is to reduce the opportunity for individuals to gather and to ensure individuals continue to practice social distancing, while still permitting restaurant and bars to operate,” the press release stated.
As of Saturday, Ottawa reported 106 confirmed cases.
The announcement came just an hour before the Mayor announced he had quarantined himself after attended an out of town wedding where several attendees including immediate family had symptoms and/or tested positive for COVID-19.
“Last weekend my family attended an out of town wedding. Many precautions were taken to try to minimize risks of spreading the COVID-19 virus while celebrating a special family day including an outdoor ceremony.” Mayor Aussem said in a statement. “Despite these precautions, within a few days following the wedding several attendees including some of my immediate family had symptoms and/or tested positive for COVID-19. All have mild symptoms and appear to be getting better, thankfully.”
The Mayor and other attendees of the wedding are now under quarantine according to LaSalle County Health Department and CDC guidelines.
“I share this information in order to set the record straight and also so you can consider this lesson we have learned when considering your own social events as we continue to navigate COVID-19.” Mayor Aussem said.
The order will remain in effect indefinably until further notice.
Any business in violation of the orders holding a Class B, D, E, or R liquor license could face fines up to $750 or immediate suspension of their liquor licence. “We appreciate all the restaurants and bars in our community and hope everyone sees the importance in slowing the spread of COVID-19 in Ottawa.” the press release says.
The La Salle County Health Department reported 429 active cases in the County as of Saturday with 743 reported to date. Only 290 are labeled as recovered while 24 have died from the virus in La Salle County.
