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The front of Casa Nueva Restaurant and Cantina on Thursday, July 9, 2020.
Casa Nueva Restaurant and Cantina. [WOUB photo | Aaron Payne]

Athens Restaurant Closes Temporarily After Employee Tests Positive For COVID-19

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ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB) — Casa Nueva and Cantina has closed temporarily after an employee tested positive for COVID-19, the restaurant announced on its Facebook page Wednesday.

Grace Corbin, the marketing coordinator for Casa and one of its worker-owners, said the restaurant is working closely with the Athens City-County Health Department and having daily conference calls with staff. There is no timeline for reopening at this point.

“We are working to form a timeline as soon as possible,” Corbin said in an email to WOUB. “There are many factors to consider.”

As of Thursday, there are 56 active COVID-19 cases in Athens County. Thirty-three people are presumed to have recovered from the virus, and one has died. This brings the total to 90 cases since the start of the pandemic and 53 more cases reported since July 1, according to the Athens City-County Health Department.

“…our concern at this time is for our workers and our community,” Corbin said. “The rapid spike of COVID-19 cases in Athens County is troubling.”

Several other uptown businesses have adjusted their plans due to the rise in cases.

Donkey Coffee announced Thursday that they would be closing indoor seating “until there is a vaccine” and is requiring customers to wear masks inside the shop. Jackie O’s Brewery has also closed its patio and Public House dining room for the time being.

Tony’s Tavern had planned to open Thursday, but is remaining closed until further notice.