Two Ocean City bars close doors after staffers test positive for COVID-19

Richard Pollitt
Salisbury Daily Times

Multiple Ocean City, Md., bars are closing their doors until further notice after staffers tested positive for COVID-19.

Fish Tales and the Purple Moose Saloon announced they will immediately close until restaurant owners can meet with health officials to determine a safe procedure to ensure all staff members have been tested and cleared to work.

The Purple Moose Saloon reported two of its staff members tested positive, while Fish Tales learned on Friday three of its employees carried the coronavirus.

“Thank you for understanding that the health of our staff is most important during this time,” a Fish Tales Facebook post read. “We believe that we have set a positive example in our community following this pandemic thus far.

“Fish Tales will come back stronger and better than ever!”  

Two ladies chat by the water in some of Fish Tales' infamous bumper tables that allow guests to socially distance and eat a meal at a table on May 29, 2020 in Ocean City.

Purple Moose Saloon stated in a release all employees will be tested and a cleaning company has been hired to disinfect all surfaces.

“(We) will only open after a thorough inspection of the premise and employees,” the release stated. “We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause our customers. Our main concern is for everyone’s well-being.”

READ MORE: Maryland breweries reopen slowly after COVID-19 hit taproom sales. Here's what to expect.

BACKGROUND: 'Like a bumper boat': Ocean City's Fish Tales unveils social distancing tables

Fish Tales made national news in May with its creation of social distancing tables, a bumper-style table shaped like an oversized inner tube that allowed customers to maneuver throughout the bar while maintaining distance.

Other Ocean City establishments, such as the Longboard Café, have reported positive COVID-19 cases among its employees.

On July 7, Longboard Café announced on Facebook one of its staffers tested positive for the coronavirus after visiting a family member out of town. The restaurant closed its doors for three days, but reopened on Friday.

The Original Crabcake Factory in Ocean City also announced Friday it would discontinue its bar and indoor dining service until further notice. 

"Our hands are tied and at this point, we don't feel we can continue to provide indoor seating and dining under these restrictions". owner Johnny Brooks said. 

According to a news release, the health department informed the establishment it was in violation of social distancing and face masks policy after an anonymous complaint was made. The Crabcake Factory will remain open for carry out and outdoor dining services. 

"We have never closed for this pandemic and we would love to continue to serve you but we cannot go on this way," the release stated.