State of Mind smoke shop closed its doors this week after all 3 of its employees tested positive for the virus.
State of Mind smoke shop closed its doors this week after all 3 of its employees tested positive for the virus.
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State of Mind smoke shop closed its doors this week after all 3 of its employees tested positive for the virus.
As a new strand of COVID-19 begins to emerge, many are beginning to revisit daily health and safety precautions they left behind as the pandemic ebbed.
One business owner in Plattsburgh said he was blindsided by the recent outbreak at his shop.
"I let my guard down and we got snapped for sure," said Dennis Arthur, owner of State of Mind Glass Works.
The smoke shop closed its doors this week after all three of its employees tested positive for the virus.
"We've made it all the way through COVID without a positive test. It was a real surprise to me," Arthur said.
Arthur said the summer months are typically a busy time for the shop and the close could not have come at a worse time.
He anticipates the close will cost his business upwards of tens of thousands of dollars.
"It's been quite a financial burden to us to close down for a week," he said.
He said hopes other businesses in the area take notice and practice health and safety precautions to prevent any COVID-19-related closures.
Vermont Health Commissioner Dr. Mark Levine wants to remind area residents that while COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are low, you should still pay close attention to your health and those around you.
"We know that New England as a whole looks much different than the rest of the country right now. The virus seems to have gotten to lower levels here as it's increasing everywhere else," Levine said.
"We are learning to coexist with this virus, and that's very important that we do. We still have to remember that there are vulnerable people amongst us and if we're in contact with someone who is more vulnerable it should impact the way we behave when we're out in the real world," he continued.
Levine said the best way to protect ourselves from the B.A5 strain of the virus is to be fully vaccinated and to consider booster shots as they become available to further decrease the severity of the virus for those who test positive.
"This would be a great time for people to get a booster. I would hate to see them wait till October or November when the next shot may be available," he said.
I'd hate to see them wait for that knowing this is the time of high virus transmission and they could protect themselves at least now," he continued.
State of Mind Glass Works said following the recent outbreak, employees will be required to wear masks and practice cleaning protocols.
They are expected to reopen for business on July 25.
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