By Patrick Phillips | June 19, 2020 at 11:30 AM EDT - Updated June 23 at 1:21 PM
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - As new cases of COVID-19 continue to rise, Lowcountry businesses are temporarily closing to make sure their premises are sanitized and their employees are free of the illness.
Here are the Lowcountry businesses that have announced temporary closures or changes.
Sanitation/Deep Cleanings
- CHICK-FIL-A (Centre Point Drive & Rivers Avenue):Two Chick-fil-A locations had an employee test positivefor COVID-19. The company says it “initiated the response protocol and took precautionary measures, including disinfecting and deep cleaning the restaurants.” Both restaurants are currently open after the sanitizing but that their dining rooms remained closed.
- SPINX (2 locations): Two Spinx locations in North Charleston were temporarily closed after an employee at each tested positive for COVID-19, spokesperson Sara Dolan confirmed. The store on Ladson Road was temporarily closed on June 13 and the store on West Montague Avenue temporarily closed on Friday for professional cleaning, she said. Both stores are now open for business.
Operational Changes
- RUTLEDGE CAB COMPANY: In a Facebook, the restaurant said it learned an employee tested positive for COVID-19. “The moment we found out, we shut our doors, brought in cleaning crews, and got our entire staff tested,” the post states. The restaurant has scaled back to takeout and curbside service, saying it is “the only way we can ensure that our employees are not at risk.” They hope to have their takeout operation fully running by Tuesday.
Temporary Closings
- APPLE: The Apple Store in Charleston has been closed until further notice, according to a recorded message on their phone line. The message does not specify when the store will reopen.
- DAPS BREAKFAST & IMBIBE: In a Facebook post, the restaurant stated they learned an employee had been in close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19. “We take this virus very seriously, so we will be closed throughout the weekend and beyond until all staff have time to get tested and results,” the post states. “In the meantime, we will be deep cleaning the restaurant and re-strategizing all of our take-out/pick-up guidelines.”
- HALLS CHOPHOUSE: The downtown Charleston restaurant announced the temporary closure due to the increase of cases in South Carolina.
- O’CHARLEY’S (West Ashley): The O’Charley’s in West Ashley has temporarily closed after an employee tested positive for COVID-19. According to the company, while the employee had no outward signs of illness and had not worked in the last five days, officials were able to identify the issue from the interviews they conduct each day before employees begin work. They say anyone who worked with the employee is being tested in an abundance of caution and will be allowed to return to the restaurant until they have either self-quarantined for 14 days and remain symptom free or provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test result.
- PETCO (Mount Pleasant): Officials with Petco say the Mount Pleasant location is closed after a confirmed COVID-19 case was reported in an employee.
- RECOVERY ROOM: The bar announced one of its employees tested positive for COVID-19. “It is our goal to run this bar as safely as we can for our customers and employees, so we will be closed while we have the bar sanitized and we have the entire staff tested,” a social media post states.
- STARS ROOFTOP - Stars Rooftop & Grill Room will be temporarily closed, according to its Facebook page. “Out of an abundance of caution, we will be deep cleaning and sanitizing the entire restaurant and requiring all staff members to be tested,” the post state. “We will re-open when we are assured it is safe for our staff and guests.”
Check back for updates to this list.
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