Thursday Update

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Please see the joint press release from us and the Essex County Health Department. As it details, we are closing for about two weeks out of precaution - this is not mandated but we want to be extra-vigilant keeping our staff and customers safe. We look forward to seeing everyone the week of November 16th. Stay safe out there.

November 5, 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For More Information:

Andrea Whitmarsh, Public Information Officer, Essex County Health Department

518-873-3546 │andrea.whitmarsh@essexcountyny.gov

Two Popular Lake Placid Businesses Voluntarily Suspend Operations Temporarily Due to COVID-19

Citing concern for staff, patrons, and the community, both the Lake Placid Pub & Brewery and Big Slide Brewery & Public House will close today for about two weeks. Two employees at the breweries are in isolation after testing positive for COVID-19, which resulted in several additional staff members being identified as contacts. These cases and their contacts are under health orders to remain at home, limit contact with others, and will be monitored daily by the Essex County Health Department (ECHD).

The first case was already quarantining at home due to an exposure completely unrelated to the breweries when they became symptomatic and subsequently learned of their positive test result earlier this week. Although they were adhering to the health department order of quarantine, they did have some prior contact with other staff during the window of time when they would be considered contagious.

The second employee was reported to ECHD this morning. This individual was also already quarantining due to contact with the first case, but given the timeline, some additional staff members were deemed at risk of exposure.

“Our case investigation is ongoing and all contacts of the positive cases have received a call from the health department to discuss their risk and the measures necessary to reduce further infections,” stated Linda Beers, Director of Public Health for Essex County. “We are working to contain this cluster and limit further spread, so we support the efforts of owners Christopher and Catherine Ericson to do the same. They were under no direct order to close, so we appreciate their responsible actions”. "During these unsettling times, our top priority continues to be the safety of our staff and our customers,” Christopher Ericson noted. “While only two of our almost 100 employees have tested positive, we have decided to take the precautionary step of closing our doors temporarily in order to break any links in the COVID chain. We are working with Essex County Health Department to ensure the correct timeframe for this, and although we were absolutely not mandated to close, Catherine and I have made this difficult decision to ensure the health of our staff and customers”. The risk of exposure to the general public is low. “We want to remind everyone to take the proper precautions when enjoying public spaces and to remain vigilant about mask wearing, hand washing, and social distancing. Watch for symptoms and take your current health into consideration when planning activities that may put you a risk of exposure,” cautioned Beers. The Ericson’s plan to keep both Lake Placid Pub & Brewery and Big Slide Brewery closed through the middle of the month. “We have always worked diligently to maintain and exceed all mandatory COVID-19 safety procedures and we are taking all necessary steps to safely reopen after November 16th,” Ericson emphasized. This closure will allow sufficient time for staff to complete their isolation and quarantine periods, while the health department monitors for any additional cases. For additional business information, go to: www.ubuale.com or www.bigslidebrewery.com. Questions about COVID-19 can be directed to the Essex County Health Department at 518-873-3500. Additional information is available on the ECHD website www.co.essex.ny.us/Health or Facebook page www.facebook.com/EssexCountyPublicHealth