ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — The same day Gov. Cuomo strengthened state enforcement of COVID-19 violations, a possible second exposure at two Rochester businesses was announced.
The Monroe County Health Department says a person who tested positive went to Dragonfly Tavern located on Park Avenue then went to the Rochester Beer Park located on Averill Avenue.
News10NBC talked to the owner of the Rochester Beerk Park, Lyjha Wilton talked hours after the news announcement.
“It’s a difficult situation, and as the business owner, you know you want all your patrons to be safe. I want all my employees to be safe,” Wilton said.
He continued by saying that his business has followed all the state guidelines on social distancing. Tables spread apart, patrons having their temperatures checked, and face masks upon entering. Rochester Beer Park also has plenty of room for customers.
“Cause they can separate themselves from one another and feel safe,” Wilton said. “We have been getting a lot of people coming in because of a result of that.”
To make sure bars and restaurants follow the state’s guidelines, Thursday morning Gov. Andrew Cuomo issued another executive order further increasing enforcement.
“Where violations of the rules and the regulations could allow State Liquor Authority to do an immediate suspension of an alcohol license,” Cuomo said.
That means bars and restaurants are also responsible for their patrons in the immediate areas outside their businesses. Wilton has a security team in place for that.
“I don’t have sidewalk seating so it’s a little bit easier for us to contain, but yeah we don’t allow open containers to leave at all,” Wilton said.
He does admit it’s very challenging trying to keep up with all the state guidelines.
“Learning to adapt has been the most important thing, and trying to encourage staff to be flexible and adapt with the rules, and patrons,” Wilton said “The rules change every day.”
Wilton also said starting on Friday a steam cleaning crew will come in and disinfect the entire property, and he will do this on a regular basis to prevent another COVID-19 exposure.
https://www.whec.com/coronavirus/rochester-beer-park-possible-covid-19-exposure/5764561/
— WHEC