Cindy James is frustrated at some backlash she is feeling after the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit sent out a community notice about potential public exposure to COVID-19 at Highball Billiards and Bar on Second Avenue in North Bay.
"To set the record straight, I absolutely do follow the COVID-19 protocols," James, the business owner, stated via social media Wednesday morning.
"I’ve been nothing but a bitch to all of my customers about the rules. Ask them and they will tell you. I do have a record of customers."
See related: Notice issued about potential COVID exposure at Highball Billiards and Bar
The Health Unit stated that contact tracing is underway but they noted contact information for patrons of the establishment was not available.
"I contacted everyone to the absolute best of my abilities all day today even if they weren’t here last week, just to be safe," James said.
"Yes, there is a confirmed case of Covid in North Bay that has been in Highball. The Health Unit told me the case is a very low risk. By law, they cannot release their identity but they did say this case is asymptomatic (NO symptoms) which they did not post on their website, so it could literally happen to anyone. Any bar, any restaurant, any store, any office, and any pool hall."
The dates of potential exposure are Thursday, Oct. 8 to Sunday, Oct 11 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. each day.
The Health Unit confirmed to BayToday via email that Highball Billiards is not under investigation.
"The Health Unit uses a progressive enforcement model. At this time, the facility will not be fined."
The business has been closed today as a precaution.
"Due to the possibility of a very low-risk exposure, Highball will be closed today." a sign stated on the front door Wednesday morning.
"This is not mandated in any way, it is a precautionary measure only. Your safety is my first concern. I will update as soon as possible."
James says the Health Unit did not tell her to get tested only to self-monitor.
"They only recommend to self-monitor, I disagree because I care about my customers and I care about this city," she continued.
"I also care about containing this virus. So I closed my doors immediately and I am getting tested along with my staff. I will not open until I know everyone is safe. I am praying that no one else has been affected, my heart is in my throat with the thought of it. So please people think before you speak."
She says some of the comments and texts she has received have been hurtful.
"Thank you to the ones that texted with support, I truly appreciate it, but the rest of you; most who have never even met me. Stop with the blame and the assumptions and the innuendos. This is a worldwide problem. Today you put the weight of the world on my shoulders. And that is just cruel."