Some Columbia restaurants that reopened have re-closed for COVID-19 safety concerns
At least two Columbia restaurants that recently reopened after S.C. Gov. Henry McMaster lifted coronavirus restrictions have now closed again due to COVID-19 safety concerns.
Publico Kitchen + Tap, a Five Points taqueria, said Wednesday that it has closed after an employee’s roommate tested positive for COVID-19.
“Out of an abundance of caution we have decided to close Publico as of 2pm today (Wednesday) and we have set up testing for our entire staff for tomorrow through DHEC,” the restaurant wrote in a Facebook post. “We want to maintain the highest level of standards while ensuring public safety during these times. Stay tuned to our facebook and instagram for reopening details.”
Another downtown restaurant, Market on Main, said in a social media post Thursday that it, too, would temporarily close. The announcement made no indication that any employees had been directly exposed to coronavirus.
“As we all know, the times we are in are challenging and have created much anxiety for us all,” the restaurant wrote on Facebook. “This anxiety has created many challenges for MOM as we execute our mission of providing a unique space to relax and have fun with friends joined together in a shared love of food, beverage, and entertainment. We’ve all had to make difficult adjustments throughout these times, and we’ve had to be ever vigilant about our health and that of our friends. To that end we are temporarily closing to ensure our staff is safe. We promise we will be reopening soon so that you, our friends, may continue to enjoy the great MOM experience you have come to love.”
Both restaurants reopened shortly after McMaster allowed outdoor restaurant dining, and later indoor dining, to resume in early May amid the ongoing spread of the coronavirus.
Both restaurants have attractive outdoor seating areas that have been popular among people eager to get back to social activities and enjoy recent good weather.
This is not the first time Publico has re-closed after reopening. The restaurant’s owners said they were surprised by the size of the crowds that flocked to the patio the first week of May, and they opted to briefly close the restaurant again after Cinco de Mayo celebrations.
There has been debate over whether McMaster allowed restaurants and other businesses across the state to reopen too quickly as the coronavirus continues to spread. Public health officials continue to warn that a lack of social distancing and wearing face masks in public settings could lead to even greater virus spread.
The average number of new infections reported each day in South Carolina has risen markedly since many businesses reopened, with an average of more than 270 new positive cases each day since May 26, according to the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control. More than 500 people in South Carolina have died of COVID-19, with the total rising daily.
