COEUR D'ALENE, Idaho — Capone's Pub & Grill in Coeur d'Alene announced Wednesday two employees tested positive for COVID-19.
One employee worked Monday, July 6 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the front part of the patio and 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the back room of the dining area. They worked again July 7 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on the front part of the patio.
The other person worked in the kitchen for lunch and dinner service on July 6 and 7. Then again on July 8 and 9 from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. On July 10 they worked lunch and dinner in the kitchen.
The restaurant posted on Facebook saying they met with the health department and they said due to the procedures they already had in place, there is little to no risk for the public to get sick from the kitchen.
The restaurant reopened at noon Wednesday after a customer who knew they tested positive for the coronavirus visited the restaurant, and sat with customers and staff, according to a post on the restaurant's Facebook page.
"We have been closed the last couple days cleaning and sanitizing and have just meet with Panhandle Health," the post reads.
The restaurant is offering limited inside seating, patio seating, curbside pickup and delivery.
The restaurant says they've contacted customers who were in close proximity with the customer who tested positive.
In a comment, the restaurant's Facebook page said the customer with coronavirus was there last Wednesday and Thursday before being kicked out.
Panhandle Health District confirmed information from the Capone's Facebook post. A spokesperson said the restaurant reached out to the health district to let them know what happened.
A spokesperson for Capone's declined additional comment, saying the restaurant was awaiting employees' test results.
"The person who was positive, they should isolate. That's common. People know that. This person irresponsibly did not do that," said Katherine Hoyer with PHD.
Health officials also reiterated that anyone who was in close contact with the customer should isolate. But not everyone else who visited the restaurant at the time is necessarily at risk of contracting COVID-19.
"The whole entire establishment was not infected. It really needs to be that close contact. Basically, where someone's respiratory droplets could have gotten on you from an infected person," Hoyer said.
Capone's plans to reopen on Wednesday with changes to the restaurant's hours and occupancy levels.
Several restaurants in the Inland Northwest have temporarily shuttered due to coronavirus-positive customers or employees, in order to stem further outbreak. North Idaho has seen a recent surge in COVID-19 cases, especially in Kootenai County.