Local Bar Employee Tests Positive For Coronavirus

LONG ISLAND, NY — An employee of a Long Island-based business recently tested positive for the coronavirus. The Tap Room announced in a post on its Facebook page on Sunday that a member of their team tested positive for the novel coronavirus. The bar has three locations in Patchogue, Bay Shore and Massapequa Park. The same message was posted to all three pages, but it is unclear which location the team member worked at.

The business wrote that it is unaware of any other team member exhibiting symptoms or being diagnosed with the birus, and no customers have reported symptoms or positive test results.

"Our affected team member is self-isolating and focusing on recovery," the post read.

Out an abundance of caution, The Tap Room decided to suspend operations, including curb-side pick-up service, for 14 days

"At Tap Room, our biggest priority is the health and safety of our team and our customers," the post read. "Although we are saddened to suspend our operations--especially after experiencing the community's extraordinary support as we have endeavored to continue feeding our customers through our curb-side service--the decision was an easy one. This is the right choice for our team and our community as we work together to stop this pandemic. This is a trying time for our nation and our world--but we will get through this together. We look forward to re-opening and serving you again soon. Thank you for your loyalty and stay safe."

On March 15, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced a mandate that all restaurants and bars in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut will close Monday night, and can only offer pickup orders or delivery. Local officials and chamber of commerce groups are still encouraging residents to support small businesses in the area.