COVID Update: Omicron and Peoria Events

Omicron COVID-19 Variant Peoria IL

COVID Update: Omicron and Peoria Events

For many in the Peoria area, Omicron appeared as an unexpected and unwanted holiday surprise.  It started sweeping the nation in early December and has definitely made it’s way through the Peoria area and continues to be an issue for many Peorians.  How has the spread of Omicron affected Peoria events?  For the most part, not much is different from what it’s been as far as precautions that are being taken by most event promoters in the area.

A Peoria Civic Center representative told ExplorePeoria.com that they will continue to require masks for those attending events at the building and once you leave an event, you may not return.  As far as affecting ticket sales, it’s difficult to know for sure at this point.

The Heritage Ensemble choral group will perform at the ICC Performing Arts Center, however the audience will only see the show via live stream.  Their annual MLK themed concert this year is entitled “Through it all, the Dream Continues” and is scheduled for Saturday, January 15, 2022.   On the group’s Facebook page, it says “…since COVID numbers have begun to climb at an alarming rate, we are once again facing the need to reimagine this pivotal community concert in a way that will still honor Dr. King’s life and legacy in a befitting manner.”  It continues, “You will be able to enjoy the concert in the comfort of your own home as it is live streamed on the Heritage Ensemble YouTube Channel. We are moving on while doing our part in helping to be responsible for the health of the community.”  If interested in watching the live stream of their program, visit their page at https://www.facebook.com/theheritageensemble

Peoria County Covid-19 Infographic for Jan. 13, 2022

Another event scheduled to be held at the Peoria Civic Center, the Mid-West Truck & Trailer Show, has been cancelled due to COVID concerns.  Their Facebook page states, “We’re sorry to announce that the threat of COVID is forcing us to cancel the 2022 Mid-West Truck & Trailer Show, scheduled for February 4 & 5 in Peoria, Illinois. Health experts predict the Show dates would coincide with the expected peak of the Omnicron variant. We don’t want to be a “super spreader” event and subject our attendees and exhibitors to a potentially life-threatening situation.”

Another victim event-wise of the current COVID Omicron variant surge is the Aqualung 50th Anniversary Tour featuring Martin Barre, Jethro Tull’s guitarist who was scheduled to perform on January 23rd at the Scottish Rite Theatre.  The promoter cancelled the concert due to COVID concerns.

According to the Peoria Health Department, the “Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) will begin a centralized contact tracing system on January 13, 2022 to address the high volume of COVID-19 cases. Positive cases will receive a text message from IDPH and individuals must answer the text to opt into the state contact tracing system to receive a return to work letter.”  Their website continues “With the currently high volume of cases and with the shortened isolation and quarantine periods, a positive individual &/or close contact may not receive a return to work letter before their quarantine/isolation periods are finished and they can return to work.”

Coronavirus Test

Find information about quarantining and isolation guidelines at https://dph.illinois.gov/covid19/community-guidance/quarantine-guidance.html   And for information about masking and vaccines, visit https://dph.illinois.gov/covid19/community-guidance/face-covering-vaccination-requirements.html

To find locations for COVID-19 testing in the Peoria area, visit the Peoria Health Department’s website at https://www.pcchd.org/299/Testing

Looking for Peoria Events?  Visit the ExplorePeoria.com Events Calendar!