WOW in Wausau closed due to COVID-19

By Shereen Siewert

Wausau on the Water Family Entertainment Center is closed until further notice after a person who tested positive for COVID-19 was in the building over the weekend.

WOW, as the business is known, posted a message on a public Facebook page notifying customers of the closure.

“We practice social distancing with our tables and games as well as sanitize things guests and staff interact with more than what is required by the health dept.,” the post reads. “We are going above and beyond what the health [department] and occupational health recommends to make sure our guests and employees are safe.”

WOW, 1300 N. River Dr., Wausau, Wis., is a restaurant and arcade venue that sits on the bank of the Wisconsin River. The business reopened last month after Gov. Tony Evers’ Safer at Home order was overturned, but employed safe distancing between tables, including on the patio, and kept laser tag closed for safety.

Marathon County Health Department officials say they are “actively investigating” the situation to identify any potential risk to patrons.

“The order is gone, but the virus is not,” health officials said. “Anytime we go into the community we may be exposed. Continue to protect yourself and others – clean those hands, stay home if you’re ill, wear face coverings, and keep space between yourselves and others.”

Unclear is whether the person who tested positive for the virus is an employee or customer at WOW.

Health officials report 83 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Marathon County, up one from 24 hours prior. One person has died and 54 people have recovered, up from four on Monday.

On Facebook, WOW representatives instructed anyone concerned about potential exposure to contact the Marathon County Health Department at 715-261-1900.