Editor’s Note: This article was updated on Nov. 4 to reflect a change in the planned re-opening date for Vashon Island Coffee Roasterie, and the good news that all of the staff members who worked at the same time as the infected employee have now test negative.

Following a member of its staff testing positive for COVID-19 on Thursday, Oct. 29, The Vashon Island Coffee Roasterie has announced a series of precautionary safety steps, taken in collaboration with VashonBePrepared, the Vashon Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) and the Emergency Operations Center (EOC).

For the general public, the only exposure resulting from the positive case would have taken place on Saturday, Oct. 24.

The MRC is asking for anyone who was served at the Roasterie’s barista counter on that day to call the testing site helpline, at 844-469-4554, to be screened for possible testing.

Only those who were served at the barista counter on Saturday, Oct. 24 should call. If the line is busy, callers should leave a message, so that the MRC can return their calls as soon as possible.

All Roasterie staff members who worked at the same time as the positive-testing employee were tested on Friday, Oct. 30, and have been asked to quarantine for a full 14 days. As of Wednesday, Nov. 4, all of the staffers who worked at the same time as the infected staff member have tested negative.

Out of an abundance of caution, employees will be tested a second time prior to returning to work after their quarantine period.

The Roasterie will be closed to the public as of Friday, Oct. 30, with a reopening set for Thursday, Nov. 12.

During the closure, the space will be deep cleaned with procedures that go well beyond the usual safety guidelines from the state Department of Health and Public Health – Seattle and King County, according to the EOC.

Minglement Marketplace, a grocery store in the upper half of the building, will remain open, as staff members there were not exposed.

Finally, Minglement will continue with its 17-year tradition of having a roots celebration at this time of year. The store had already modified the traditional celebration, eliminating live music, indoor gathering, and making provisions for distancing.

This year, the serving of root soup and roll will also not take place. However, as usual, a large display of carved pumpkins, placed on the Roasterie’s historic front porch, will be lit for three nights, with Saturday, Oct. 31 being the last night.

In a statement to the community posted on the Roasterie’s door, Eva, the owner of the Roasterie and Minglement, said that her business would continue to work closely VashonBePrepared.

“We believe safety is the most important thing, and we know you all understand that,” she said. “Please keep Vashon safe. Wear your mask. Wash your hands. Maintain social distancing. Thank you for your support and kindness. We will see you soon!”