Steny's Tavern closes to clean, test other employees after someone with COVID-19 was at the bar

Patrons of Steny’s Tavern will have to be patient as the bar closes temporarily starting Wednesday. The news comes as Madison has called for bars to close indoor service because of a COVID-19 spike attributed to bar patrons. 

The Walker's Point bar made the announcement on their Facebook page Tuesday saying, “Unfortunately, a positive case of COVID-19 has made its way into our building.” The bar did not disclose whether the person with COVID-19 was a customer or staff member.

Steny’s plans to close to do a deep clean of the bar and have every staff member tested. 

“When we reopen, we will find more ways to keep everyone safe and continue to adhere to guidelines of social distancing protocol, continuous sanitation, and personal protective gear for all staff members,” according to the post. “We strongly encourage others that plan on entering businesses that are open to the public or for carryout and/or taking part in other social gatherings to take care of themselves. PLEASE make sure you are completely symptom free and to get tested if any symptoms are present. We sincerely and deeply apologize for this news and hope that everyone remains healthy and safe.” 

Less than 30 days ago the bar was vocal in support of opening city bars and restaurants. 

In a Facebook post on June 4, Steny’s encouraged people to sign a petition on change.org asking for bars and restaurants be open in the city of Milwaukee.  

The bar stated, “our livelihood is on the line.” 

“The time is now and we can’t wait any longer,” the post read. “We’ve obeyed every guideline for almost 3 months!!! 90 days!!! This isn’t just for me, this is for all my fellow bar owners in the city of Milwaukee who may never get to turn their open lights on again if we don’t get answers.” 

On June 5, just 25 days ago, the bar opened its doors.

Recent studies have shown coronavirus patients may be more contagious during the days before symptoms appear. A study published by the New England Journal of Medicine looking into a nursing home in Washington, found more than half of positive coronaviurs patients were pre-symptomatic at the time of testing and likely contributed to the transmission. 

Another study in the peer-reviewed journal of Nature found nearly 44% of coronavirus transmissions occurred during the pre-symptomatic state.