The Daily World

There was a “high possibility” of exposure to COVID-19 to patrons of Charlie’s Sports Bar in Montesano during certain hours and days between June 28 and July 11, according to Grays Harbor Public Health Officer Dr. John Bausher.

Health officials said anyone who was at Charlie’s Sports Bar at 313 Main St. S in Montesano during any of the following dates and times, should quarantine immediately and watch for symptoms of COVID-19. If symptoms develop, testing for COVID-19 is advised.

There are the dates and times of possible exposure:

June 28, 6 p.m.-12 a.m.

July 4, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

July 5, 6 p.m.-12 a.m.

July 8, 7 p.m.-8 p.m.

July 9, 6 p.m.-12 a.m.

July 10, 6 p.m.-2 a.m.

July 11, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Patrons during those times are asked to contact the county COVID-19 call center at 360-964-1850 for information and testing referrals. Assistance is available in both English and Spanish. The call center is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m. and 12:30 p.m.-4 p.m.

As of Monday evening, Grays Harbor Public Health did not have contact information for individual patrons who may have been exposed.

Charlie’s is one of the most popular spots in Montesano. The owners closed voluntarily after being notified by local health officials and have started a deep cleaning.

Charles Dietrich, who owns the bar with his wife, said they’ve been working with the health department and were grateful for the help. “They were very supportive, very informational. I really felt comfortable talking to them. It’s been an open line of communication and I’ve talked to them a few times. … My wife and I made a decision that we are voluntarily closing down for a deep clean.”

Phase 3 reopening rules include:

— Six feet between tables

— Tables of 10 or fewer patrons

— 75 percent of maximum occupancy

When asked what it’s like to have to enforce those rules in such a social setting, Dietrich deferred and didn’t want to talk about that aspect. He said masks are required as people enter and sometimes “there are people who feel they have their rights.”

“It’s difficult for any business,” he said. “We’ve … had a lot of support and heard from hundreds of people. We’re trying. We’re trying. This is a tough environment. … The main thing is, we want to make it public so everyone knows everything.”

Meantime, another popular eatery and drinking spot in Montesano announced on social media that it was voluntarily closing out of caution because many of its employees and patrons also go to Charlie’s Sports Bar. Bob and Sue McEndoo, owners of Geppetto’s about two blocks away, posted on a community Facebook page.

They said no one is sick but all employees are being tested “because most of us have frequented Charlies’s. We are being proactive in this matter to ensure everyone’s safety.