UPDATE: Tommy’s staff member tests positive for COVID-19

Update (Tuesday, May 11, 2021):

Tommy Hunter, owner of Tommy’s in downtown Kingston, shared more details on their COVID-19 exposure and voluntary shutdown on Tommy’s Facebook page on Tuesday, May 11, 2021.

“On Saturday I received a message shortly after 12 p.m. from a member of my staff that they had tested positive for COVID,” Hunter stated. “Understanding the seriousness of the situation we took immediate action. By 12:30 p.m. we shut down the restaurant and by 3 p.m., three-quarters of the Tommy’s staff had been COVID tested whether they had worked in the previous week or not.”

Hunter said he has been in constant contact with the KFL&A to assist in determining who the high risk contacts were and that they have taken the proper steps to ensure all safety measures are being followed. “Fortunately we do have staff that were at low risk and no risk because of our reduced lock down schedules,” he said.

Tommy’s is reopening today with a slightly reduced menu and reduced hours, open daily from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. “We truly appreciate all the kind msgs and support we’ve received from the community,” Hunter shared. “We have so many great friends that are ensuring those employees that must isolate as a precaution will have food and other essential supplies delivered.”

“Thank you again, and when you’re planning dinner tonight, consider making it a Tommy’s take out night!”

Original Article:

A downtown Kingston restaurant is temporarily closing voluntarily after one of its staff members tested positive for COVID-19. Tommy’s owner, Tommy Hunter, says the staff member had not worked at the location for five days before becoming aware of the infection.

“Tommy’s has also not been instructed by the KFL&A to close down,” Hunter wrote in a Facebook post. “However, because the safety of both our staff and guests as well as their families is of the utmost importance to us, we feel it is our responsibility to take a proactive response and shut down immediately.”

Hunter goes on to say that all staff will be tested, even those who did not have any direct contact with the positive case.

There’s no indication when the restaurant will re-open. Hunter’s post on social media indicated the restaurant will reopen only once he and his team have decided they’re ready to.

“We are looking forward to serving you again, but only when we know it is safe to do so,” he wrote.