HOLLAND (WHTC-AM/FM) — The Itty Bitty Bar, 1136 Ottawa Beach Rd., is closed until further notice, after at least two employees tested positive for COVID-19, according to a statement on the bar’s Facebook page and numerous other social media posts.
Last week, the bar’s operators told customers via social media that they’d be open on July 2, then hours later announced they’d shut down on July 2 for “a deep cleaning” after learning an employee had been exposed elsewhere, but hadn’t been inside the bar for at least six days. In response to a question in the comments, bar officials noted the person in question had tested postive.
On Monday, bar managers noted the second person who tested postive had worked at the bar on July 1. The bar re-opened for service on July 3, but closed on July 4. It’s unclear if the bar offered service on Sunday. WHTC has asked a series of questions related to how many people may have been exposed, and whether the employees who tested postive were asymptomatic or not.
The bar’s complete Facebook announcement, posted just after 11 a.m. Monday, July 5, 2020:
“Good morning, As we stated last week we believe it is best to be forthright. We have had another positive result as of weds last week. That was their last shift. We have decided for the safety of our community and of the staff we are going to close until we have all negative results.
Many have been tested as of last week and the rest will be tested this week. We will not reopen until we have a staff with 100% negative results. Let me be clear we have taken all the measures recommended by the health department and the CDC to ensure your safety.
We were not told to shut down or recommended to shut down this our choosing, this is our community. We are steadfast in our efforts to be candid tho we have been put down on other sites that we’ve never heard of. Share this post, were not hiding. We’ll continue to be genuine in our efforts to keep you informed even if it’s to the detriment of the business.
Everyone stay safe, be conscientious, this was brought into our home we don’t want to bring it yours. Much love!”
Not everyone is happy with the bar’s statement. Several people commenting on the bar’s Facebook page questioned why they resumed service on Friday. This story will be updated when more information becomes available.
