Today, many restaurants in Texas will reopen at 25% capacity under Phase 1 of Texas’ ongoing plan to safely and strategically reopen. However, amidst the recent COVID-19 outbreak at Paris Healthcare Center, many local businesses are choosing to remain closed.
“After much consideration, we have decided to not reopen our lobby at 25% functionality. With the health of our customers, employees, and our families being our first priority we feel as though this is the right decision for the time being,” said Paris Coffee on Facebook.
Scholl’s BBQ said, “After careful consideration of the situation at hand, we feel that for the safety of our customers and employees it is in our best interest to not open our dining room at this time. The rewards do not outweigh the risk therefore we have decided to keep our dining room and bathrooms closed until we feel it to be safe for both parties.”
On Apr. 25, news broke of several confirmed cases of coronavirus at Paris Healthcare Center nursing home located at 610 Deshong Drive in Paris. However, since then, a further 49 cases and one death have been linked to the nursing home both in residents and staff.
Following the outbreak, concerns of possible cross-contamination between several nursing homes in Paris arose and on Apr. 29 the Texas Department of State Health Service sent 400 nasal tests by a special courier overnight.
”Because of how sensitive the nursing home populations are, the Health Department is being specifically careful and want to make sure the virus hasn’t gotten into any other nursing homes,” said officials.
While officials wait on results of tests from two local nursing homes, taken on Apr. 30 and May 1, locals are still using caution even as guidelines begin to ease in the state.
And whilst most restaurants have decided to remain closed and monitor the current situation locally, others will be opening their doors.
“Magels Grill will be opening for inside dining on Friday, May 1st, 2020! We will follow the Health Guidelines established for businesses that serve the public! Our customer’s safety while dining with us here at Magels Grill is our #1 priority,” said the restaurant online.
For a full list of restaurants opening and those remaining closed, click here