JACKSON, Wyo. — More and more “closed” signs are starting to appear on businesses around Jackson after an influx of positive COVID-19 cases have caused them to shut down once again.
The Children’s Learning Center closed its doors earlier this week after learning someone who had been in their facility tested positive.
“It’s unfortunate we have to take this step at this time, but necessary to ensure the health and safety of Teton County families,” said Patti Boyd, executive director of CLC.
Recently, Buckrail learned that Creekside Market and King Sushi have temporarily closed in light of new cases.
“The store will be closing temporarily due to possible Covid exposure” wrote Creekside Market owner, Nick Bochicchio in an email Thursday morning.
“[Creekside Market] is a very high volume store, with relatively few employees, about a dozen,” Bochicchio said. “This is a weird time, and we have to play it smart.”
King Sushi announced their temporary closure via their Instagram page on Thursday morning. The small restaurant, located just outside of Town Square, cited their reason for closure as “the recent surge in COVID-19 cases.”
According to a press release from Teton County Health Department, the organization is working with Moe’s Original BBQ to identify contacts of a patron who dined in the establishment and tested positive for COVID-19. The patron was pre-symptomatic, but still infectious, at the time of dining. Due to insufficient physical distancing, the patron was unable to identify specific individuals who may have been exposed to COVID-19. They are choosing to remain open.
Teton County Health Department is recommending that anyone who was at Moe’s Original BBQ on Friday, July 10th between 10:30 and 11:30 p.m. for more than 10 minutes monitor their symptoms, self-quarantine, and physically distance themselves from others. For those who do develop symptoms, they are being asked to call their doctor or the St. John’s Health line at (307) 739-4898 to be tested.
It is still unclear when these businesses will open back up, and how many more will close as a result of positive cases. Health officials are currently undergoing contact tracing protocol to prevent further community spread. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, contact tracing identifies those who came into contact with confirmed COVID-19 cases and asks them to self-quarantine for 14 days.
“As a business owner, it is my right and responsibility, to hit the pause button,” Bochicchio said. “We need to take time to make sure that everyone, our staff, and community, is healthy and safe.”
Updated on July 16 at 11:49 a.m. to clarify that at this time, it is not confirmed that all closures are a result of cases at the businesses. Moe’s BBQ remains open. Original text read: “Recently, Buckrail learned that Creekside Market, King Sushi, and Moe’s Original BBQ have also closed in light of new cases that link back to the restaurants.”
