Gen X Tavern has closed its dining room service after an employee tested positive for coronavirus and as Tampa’s cases continue to rise.
The restaurant took to Instagram on June 27 to announce the reopening writing, “After careful consideration, we have made the difficult decision to close down our dining room temporarily” the post read. “The sharp rise in local cases is a major concern, and in the interest of public health and safety, we feel this painful and difficult decision is in the best interests of our staff, customers, and the greater community we serve.”
Both Gen X Tavern and Bake ‘n Babes, which operates out of the tavern, will continue to provide carry out and Uber Eats service.
This limited reopening comes after a temporary closure following a Bake ‘n Babes employees’ positive test for coronavirus. During the closure, the restaurant underwent deep cleaning while all staff members were tested for coronavirus.
In an interview with WTSP, Gen X Tavern General Manager Chris Falls said "Our sole reason for existing as a bar, as a restaurant is to serve the public… We'd be doing the public a big disservice if we withheld this information for a short term monetary gain."
The choice to close dining room service and even alert the public of employees infected with coronavirus is completely optional for businesses.
Danielle Egger, a former health inspector, told the TV station: “They [restaurants with employees with COVID-19] are not required to report that to the Division of Hotels and Restaurants and technically they don’t even have to close the restaurant if they’re able to isolate the area where that person had contact.”
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This article appears in Jul 2-8, 2020.