Four area restaurants close June 28 for cleaning after employees test positive for COVID-19

By Melanie LeCroy
Posted 7/1/20

Four area restaurants announced Sunday via social media that they would close for cleaning due to an employee testing positive for COVID-19.

The restaurants with known confirmed cases now total …

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Four area restaurants close June 28 for cleaning after employees test positive for COVID-19

Posted

Four area restaurants announced Sunday via social media that they would close for cleaning due to an employee testing positive for COVID-19.

The restaurants with known confirmed cases now total five: The Hangout, The Original Oyster House – Gulf Shores, DeSoto’s Seafood Kitchen, GT’s on the Bay and Luna’s Eat and Drink.

The Hangout marketing manager Derek Rowan confirmed to WKRG News June 24 that a few teammates had tested positive for COVID-19. The individuals were self-quarantining and under medical care and will not return to work until cleared by a physician.

“The Hangout is continuing to follow all recommendations and guidelines by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In addition, we undergo a nightly disinfection and sanitation process as well as ongoing sanitation throughout the day. All of our team members are using best practices, as recommended, including wearing masks and gloves,” said Rowan.

The Original Oyster House - Gulf Shores and DeSoto’s Seafood Kitchen did not specify when they plan to reopen. GT’s on the Bay and Luna’s Eat and Drink both reopened Monday, June 29.

The Original Oyster House-Gulf Shores statement read:

“To protect our employees, our patrons and our community, the Gulf Shores Original Oyster House is temporarily closing due to a staff member testing positive for COVID-19. The restaurant will be professionally cleaned, sanitized while each member gets tested. Our COVID-19 safeguards which require staff members to be temperature checked before shift and mandatory mask wearing will continue to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus when we reopen. We pray our family members and our community continue to stay safe as we work through this difficult time. To read more about our COVID-19 safeguards please visit www.originaloysterhouse.com/covid. We look forward to serving you when we reopen.”

DeSoto’s Seafood Kitchen’s post on their Facebook page June 28 said, “Out of an abundance of caution, we have decided to close to professionally sanitize and clean the restaurant. We have informed the employees that were in close contact so they can isolate. We will communicate our reopening information through our social media platforms.”

GT’s on the Bay announced on their Facebook page June 28 that they had been informed one of their part-time employees tested positive for COVID-19.

“The employee worked Monday, June 22, and Tuesday, June 23, as a server and Friday, June 26, for a private event. During the event, the employee wore a mask and had zero contact with any other guest,” according to the information available.

The restaurant was closed Sunday for a deep cleaning of the entire restaurant but reopened Monday, June 29, at 11 a.m. Sister restaurant Luna’s Eat and Drink reopened June 29 at 4 p.m.