COVID-19 Forces Shutdown Of 5 Businesses In Lake Geneva

LAKE GENEVA, WI — Several Lake Geneva restaurants have decided to close after reporting that at least one of their employees tested positive for COVID-19.

The popular tourist destination that is Lake Geneva has seen in influx of tourists ever since the state relaxed COVID-19 safety precautions and the weather warmed up. Lake Geneva officials have yet to implement face covering ordinances or social distancing rules governing public spaces.

According to the Lake Geneva Regional News, ever since the Wisconsin Supreme Court's decision to overturn Safer At Home, "Lake Geneva city officials have rejected proposals to require face masks and to prevent congestion on public sidewalks, including where restaurants offer outdoor dining."

"It’s sad to see what is happening in Lake Geneva and around the country. There is no other way to say it. There are safe ways to be outside our homes and still enjoy the summer weather," the owners of Simple Cafe Lake Geneva wrote in a Facebook post this weekend. Their business shut down after one person tested positive for the virus. "Unfortunately, the choice to be in public - whether that be at work, the grocery store, a park, etc. - carries inherent risk as the virus has not disappeared and businesses are not immune."

Popeye's on Lake Geneva announced they were shutting their doors temporarily after an employee tested positive for COVID-19. The restaurant seats 400 indoors and more than 100 outside.

On Thursday, the owners of Pier 290 Bar and Grill announced they were temporarily shutting down after three employees became infected with the virus after they had been together at an off-site social gathering.

The previous Monday, the owners of Chuck's Lakeshore Inn said they were closing after two of their employees tested positive for the virus.

"Two of Chuck's employees have tested positive for Covid-19. Although we are not required to shut down, we feel it is our responsibility to let you know and to close for the next three days while our staff is being tested. We will then reassess and develop a plan for moving forward.

According to a WISN-12 report, Simple Cafe Lake Geneva and Claw's Hot Dogs also volunteered to shut down after each business experienced a close call with COVID-19. Simple Cafe Lake Geneva just announced they were opening for curbside delivery when they received a call letting them known that one person was infected with the virus.