San Lorenzo Valley bar temporarily closes due to positive COVID-19 cases

Another San Lorenzo Valley business is temporarily closing due to a COVID-19 outbreak.

On Wednesday, Joe’s Bar in Boulder Creek announced it would be closing for a week due to positive COVID-19 results in both patrons and staff. The announcement came via Joe’s Facebook page.

“There have been some positive cases of COVID-19 recognized in both customers and staff. For the safety of the community and our staff, we made the conservative decision to close for a minimum of one week,” the post read.

Joe’s Bar is located at 13118 Highway 9 in Boulder Creek. It’s the second San Lorenzo Valley venue to temporarily close due to COVID reports this week.

On Monday, Felton Music Hall reported a COVID outbreak following an indoor show on July 18. Felton Music Hall will continue its outdoor schedule at nearby Roaring Camp; however, all indoor shows have been canceled until Aug. 5.

As concerns over the Delta variant continue and new cases are reported, new restrictions have begun to spring up around the region.

On Monday, Governor Gavin Newsom issued a mandate requiring all state and health care workers to provide proof of vaccination or comply with weekly testing. Additionally, Contra Costa, Santa Clara and San Francisco counties have asked employers to require employees be vaccinated for continued employment.

Currently, Santa Cruz County is recommending all unvaccinated persons to wear masks and county health officer Gail Newel urged all individuals to begin wearing masks indoors and at crowded outdoor spaces.

Following Monday’s news, some local venues have begun asking for proof of vaccination upon entry while others continue to follow county and state guidelines, which require all unvaccinated individuals to wear masks. Businesses are permitted to implement further restrictions or instructions such as vaccine passports.