Owner of popular East St. Louis bar tests positive for coronavirus, temporarily closes
The owner of a popular bar in East St. Louis temporarily closed her business Tuesday after learning she tested positive for coronavirus.
Denese Drummond, owner of Denese’s Place, said she does not have any symptoms, but it is not just about her.
“I love my customers and I want all of them to be healthy and safe,” Drummond said. “So, I made the decision to temporarily close the business. It is going to hurt me financially, but making sure everyone is safe is my number one concern.”
Drummond posted a message on Facebook saying, “Denese’s place has been exposed to COVID-19. For the safety of our community, we will be closed until further notice...to deep clean and regroup. Remaining safe is important. The staff will be tested as well”.
Drummond has been in business at 218 Collinsville Ave. for 10 years.
For now, Drummond said she is going to quarantine and wait until it is safe for her to start up again.
Drummond doesn’t know how she got the virus, but speculates that she was exposed by hugging people and attending small social gatherings.
She warned others to take the health warnings from scientists and the medical community seriously.
“This is a serious thing. It is not a joke. Get tested, wear masks, stay 6 feet apart, and stay healthy East St. Louis,” she said. “I want all of my friends and customers to know I am eagerly looking forward to reopening the doors to the business and seeing them again real soon.”
This story was originally published July 15, 2020 at 5:00 AM.
