BALTIMORE — Some area business owners have a growing concern over COVID-19 after employees tested positive for the virus at three Canton restaurants, forcing the businesses to temporarily close.
On Facebook Wednesday, Lee’s Pint and Shell, Cowboy Row and Looney’s Pub all wrote they would close their doors for the safety of employees and customers.
The news got the attention of several businesses in Canton, where a meeting was held, discussing the closures.
WMAR-2 News also saw a COVID-19 response team, cleaning Lee’s Pint and Shell Thursday.
The positive cases come less than three weeks after the state lifted the ban on indoor dining.
Justin Brockmeyer, the owner of Riptide in Fells Point, said the closures in Canton are a concern. He said he spent the day reinforcing the rules and making sure people are wearing their masks.
Brockmeyer added it would be devastating if he had to shutdown again because of someone contracting the virus.
“Everything worries me a little bit. I got kids. I got parents. I can’t go hug them until I know this is gone,” he said. “It’s difficult. It’s a matter of making sure take the right steps. Everybody got to make sure we stay clean, constantly washing hands, constantly sanitizing, mask on when you’re talking to people, when you’re close to people…our customers, they got to eat, but they also got to keep their mask on. Our employees got to keep their mask on all the way through.”
Governor Larry Hogan said earlier this week people under the age of 35 are contracting the virus at an alarming rate.
Brockmeyer said for the most part people have been following the rules, but he added when alcohol gets involved things can start to go downhill.
Ahead of the holiday weekend, where restaurants and bars could see large crowds of young people, that’s going to be the one of the biggest challenges for businesses, but Brockmeyer said it’s one he’s ready to take on.
