A customer who attended 3 Guys And A Stove restaurant in Huntsville on Sunday, August 2, 2020, has tested positive for COVID-19.
Jeff Suddaby of 3 Guys And A Stove said he heard from the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit yesterday. Based on the information he was given, they were able to determine who served the client on that day. That staff member is now in isolation and Suddaby is hoping that no one else has contracted the virus. He said he’s hopeful that the opportunity for spread has been contained, or at least minimized, because sanitization as well as the wearing of masks has been rigorous at the restaurant.
Although public health did not order the restaurant to close, Suddaby said a decision to shut down and get everyone tested was made by the restaurant in order to safeguard staff and the public. He’s hoping the results will be in soon and that they’ll return negative for COVID-19, and that they’ll be able to open their doors soon.
He said all precautions are being taken to ensure the safety of all staff and patrons.
No further information was available about the customer who frequented the restaurant, or whether the person was visiting or a resident of the area. When Doppler contacted the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit, the public health organization indicated it would issue a release shortly.
UPDATE: Staff later sent a statement from medical officer of health Dr. Charles Gardner and indicated he would be addressing the infection in his regular Tuesday briefings on August 11, 2020.
“We are presently investigating a COVID-19 exposure in a restaurant in Muskoka with individuals from outside of Simcoe Muskoka, and with one individual from Muskoka. All individuals involved have been notified, and SMDHU has not required the restaurant in question to close,” said Gardner in the email statement.
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Great decision Three Guys and a Stove…Not so great Simcoe Muskoka Health….why don’t you require businesses with confirmed Covid 19 contact shut down until all staff Covid test results are in? Shame on you
Certainly a very prompt and positive reaction on the part of the popular eatery establishment.
However, it would be useful to know whether the infected patron is a local person or an “imported” case from GTHA. The Simcoe Muskoka Health Authority continues to assure us that Huntsville has so far had 10 cases (all recovered). Therefore, the 11th case is not local. It is unfortunate that allowing visitors from the nation’s petri dish to come and spread the virus in Muskoka may not be so very beneficial as it has been hoped for by the local economy.
Good move on the part of 3 Guys and a stove. The real question should be….where else, in town, did the infected person go? Should we not be given that information too!
This is the sort of leadership and professional responsibility that all businesses can emulate. Three Guys and Staff are placing customer, staff and community safety before financial gain. Commendable! It has to be exceptionally challenging to maintain a quality restaurant business through Pandemic constraints. The Public and your customer base won’t forget that you were there for us throughout these trying times. My wife and I had an exceptional meal at Three Guys shortly before you closed. Can’t wait for the “re-open” to have another of your delightful dinner options.
Right move 3 Guys! Thanks for working to keep your team and us, your customers, safe!
Knowing the responsible way the management team at 3 Guys and a Stove has dealt with this report gives me reassurance that the restaurant is a safe place to dine once it reopens.
Excellent decision and very responsible, Jeff. Good to know that you have strict protocols in place at your restaurant. Here’s hoping for all to turn out well.
Wise move. Proactive not reactive. Responsible.