Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - Olmsted County Public Health officials say they have traced at least a portion of the recent increased COVID-19 activity in the Rochester area to people who spent time in downtown Rochester bars.

An advisory issued this afternoon asks anyone who spent time in downtown Rochester bars from June 26 through July 7 where customers and/or staff were not masked or not following safe social distancing recommendations to contact their healthcare provider's triage line to assess whether they should be tested for COVID-19. County Public Health Director Graham Briggs says anyone who was in those social settings, under those circumstances, is facing a considerable risk of being infected.

Briggs says it was not possible to narrow down an exact "hot spot" for the infections. He noted the risk appears to be spread among a number of establishments in the downtown area because people tend to visit more than one bar during an outing. The owners of Dooley's Pub recently closed the bar for two weeks after a staff member tested positive for the coronavirus infection.

The Mayo Clinic COVID-19 nurse line is 507-293-9525. The Olmsted Medical Center COVID-19 nurse line is 507-292-7266. If you do not have a healthcare provider, you are asked to call the Olmsted Medical Center number.

Enter your number to get our free mobile app

SAY WHAT? 20 of the Hardest Lake Names to Pronounce in Minnesota

More From 106.9 KROC-FM