Statement from Dragonfly Tavern Owners Aaron Gibalski and Brant Riggs on COVID-19 Exposure

Situation presents opportunity for restaurants and bars in our region to work together with Health Department

Rochester, NY––Dragonfly Tavern co-owners Aaron Gibalski and Brant Riggs issued a statement today regarding information released from the Monroe County Department of Public Health on June 16 that an individual who had patronized the Dragonfly Tavern in Rochester on June 8 tested positive for the coronavirus.

First, we wish this person and all coronavirus sufferers a fast recovery.

Since learning about this possible positive exposure, out of an abundance of caution, we made the decision to temporarily close and will re-open soon to welcome our customers back to our outdoor spaces. We have followed the advice of the Monroe County Department of Public Health, monitored our staff for any symptoms and are awaiting test results for staff who were voluntarily tested. At this time, no staff member shows any of the symptoms that would indicate a further need for testing. In addition, we are taking this time to

professionally disinfect and sanitize our entire space.

We are grateful for the support of our patrons over the last three months. Our customers and employees are our number one concern. We believe we can get through these unusual times if we all work together to keep each other healthy.

From the start we have diligently followed all recommended guidelines for reopening during Phase Two. We do not know where the patrons who visited our business became previously infected. But when Monroe County made an announcement that a patron was infected – and we understand such announcements are critically important for contact tracing – it stated “a positive exposure connected to our business” without any accompanying statement from us or the Health Department that we had followed all guidelines. While the inspector said to us, “you are doing everything right,” the public statement did not and implied that we could have been the source of the infection. We have no evidence that this is the case, and most important, is there more that we can do to prevent a future exposure?

Where does this leave establishments like ours that have followed all the recommendations yet are faced with being “connected to an exposure?”

We view this as an opportunity for restaurants and bars in our region to work together and have an open dialogue with Monroe County to assure that during these reopening phases, we are doing everything possible to provide a safe environment for our patrons.

We have reached out to the Monroe County Department of Public Health for a follow-up conversation and hope to open a dialogue to discuss this in more detail.

We would like to see a process created to help responsible businesses in the hospitality industry, which are already in a precarious financial position due to the pandemic and trying to do the right thing, to:

• Stay informed of new cases possibly involving their establishment,

• Get as much detail as possible so we can take any necessary action,

• Have an opportunity to comment at the time of the announcement and not learn about it in the media,

• Get recommendations specifically for restaurants and bars on how to safely move forward once notified of such connected cases. Are the current guidelines enough? Do we need to do more?

We are hopeful that our health and government experts will be our partners in providing the appropriate guidance as we all move forward in our mutual efforts to safely re-open.

Dragonfly Tavern Background on Reopening through Phase Two

On March 17 we closed our bar according to NYS guidelines and offered only takeout and curbside from our kitchen menu during limited hours.

On June 4 we re-opened our outdoor patio in accordance with the NY Forward Safety Plan Phase Two that included allowing outdoor spaces to be open with seated customers.

From the beginning of reopening, we have strictly enforced the following in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, NYS, and Monroe County Department of Public Health requirements, regulations, and protocols:

• All employees are required to and have worn masks and gloves at all times.

• All tables on patio and driveway area are six feet apart.

• Each table is disinfected after a party leaves and before a new party arrives.

• There is no bar service available.

• All customers order through a server and must be seated.

• Customers waiting to sit down at a table must wear a mask while waiting.

• Restrooms are limited to two customers at a time.

• Customers are not allowed into the bar for any other reason other than to use the restroom with mask.

• Masks must be worn while using the restroom. 

• Signage is posted indoors and out.

On June 11, although it was announced that our region was approved to do so, in an effort to maintain extra precautions, we never pursued moving into Phase 3. 

This means that at no time whatsoever have we allowed patrons to enter our establishment other than to use the restrooms (maximum of two patrons at a time while wearing masks). It was our right to move into Phase 3, but we purposefully elected not to do so.

On June 16 at 2:38 p.m. we received a call from an individual who identified himself as the Monroe County Health Inspector stated that a statement would be released to media that an individual who had patronized our business on June 8, 2020 between 9 and 11 p.m. had tested positive for the coronavirus. When we asked for more specific information, such as where they were seated and if they used the restroom, he could not disclose any further details.

On June 16, once learning about the possible positive exposure, out of an abundance of caution, we made the decision to temporarily close and professionally disinfect and sanitize our entire space.

On June 18 we learned through local news that another patron, who had tested positive for coronavirus had visited our business and another business on June 12, 2020. As of today, June 19, we have not been notified directly of this by the Monroe County Department of Public Health.

Dragonfly Tavern will reopen soon, weather permitting. 

About Dragonfly Tavern

Open since January 2009, Dragonfly Tavern is a full bar and restaurant located in the Park Avenue neighborhood in Rochester, NY. A neighborhood establishment reminiscent of a ski lodge, they offer a variety of craft beer, wine, and spirits served by a friendly and knowledgeable staff. The Dragonfly Tavern is co-owned by Aaron Gibalski and Brant Riggs.

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