As Coronavirus Cases Rise in Houston, a Downtown Bar Preemptively Closes

As positive cases of the novel coronavirus continue to rise in Houston and Harris County, Downtown cocktail bar Dean’s has chosen to shutter preemptively in an effort to stem the spread of the virus.

Dean’s, the longtime bar at 316 Main Street, announced in a Facebook post on Wednesday that it would close indefinitely, citing an “influx of [novel coronavirus] cases” across the city. “We want to keep our staff, families, and customers safe,” a rep for the bar wrote. “We will continue to be active on social media, and keep everyone updated when it comes to reopening.” The bar has not yet set a date for its return.

A spokesperson for the bar confirmed to Eater that no employees at Dean’s have tested positive for coronavirus. “The decision was made for the safety of both Dean’s staff and our customers,” the rep said.

The decision to close preemptively comes as more than a dozen Houston restaurants have announced that they would temporarily close after one or more employees tested positive for COVID-19, including spots like Coltivare, Nobie’s, Rosie Cannonball, and El Bolillo Bakery. Many of these establishments are closing for at least two weeks, and paying for COVID-19 tests for all of their employees.