Patrons of Niko’s in Marengo in mid-May should quarantine, McHenry County Department of Health says

Those who visited Niko’s R&R Supper Club in Marengo from May 14 through 22 are being asked to quarantine by the McHenry County Department of Health.

On June 1, the local health department received a complaint indicating a potential COVID-19 exposure at a large event held May 22 at Niko’s, according to a news release.

The event was a prom, McHenry County Department of Health spokeswoman Lindsey Salvatelli said Wednesday.

“I don’t believe it was school-sponsored,” she said.

After more investigation, the health department confirmed that individuals who went to Niko’s R&R Supper Club, at 7509 S. Grant Highway in Marengo, between May 14 and May 22 had tested positive for COVID-19.

Salvatelli declined to say how many people tested positive for COVID-19 after going to Niko’s, saying the incident is under investigation.

“While there was a large event that was there, there were other potential exposures that could have occurred between the timeframe,” she said. “We just want to be sure that people who may have been there during a certain timeframe are aware of this.”

As a result, the McHenry County health department said those who were at the establishment on May 22 should quarantine themselves until June 5, unless they develop symptoms. If people visited the business and have symptoms, or begin to develop symptoms, the McHenry County health department said they should be tested and isolate themselves from other people in their home to avoid spreading COVID-19.

The owner of Niko’s R&R Supper Club could not be reached for comment.

“We’re working to ensure that they have the proper protocols in place,” Salvatelli said. “[The McHenry County health department has] been in contact with them and are speaking with them on that.”

Back in December, when the state and municipalities had more stringent COVID-19 restrictions as a result of a higher positivity rate and rising deaths, another Niko’s location was reprimanded for a city curfew violation.

Niko’s Red Mill Tavern, in downtown Woodstock, was one of three businesses had its liquor license suspended after the city said they disregarded a 10 p.m. city curfew for alcohol service meant to slow the COVID-19 pandemic.

This was back when the state was under its second-tightest set of regulations, put forward by state officials to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. Even though Illinois’ liquor curfew was 11 p.m., Woodstock went a step further with its bar curfew by making it an hour earlier.