There was not a customer in sight during what would typically be a busy Thursday at the East Harlem restaurant, Contento. It closed its doors temporarily due to COVID-19 cases in the city.

“On Tuesday morning, we were informed that we were compromised by someone that was fully vaccinated that had come to the restaurant. Then we had a positive case amongst the staff,” said Yannick Benjamin, co-owner of Contento via a skype interview Thursday.

  The restaurant posted an update on Instagram alerting guests that it will be closed throughout the weekend to protect staff and guests. Yannick said the closure has already forced the restaurant to cancel many reservations.

“We have called and emailed everybody that had a reservation for tomorrow which is Friday and the following day which is Saturday that we are officially closed, ” Benjamin said. We were not open any day this week actually,” Benjamin continued.

Add his restaurant to a list of places that have shut their doors. This week, restaurants and bars across the city have temporarily closed in droves. Many taking to social media alerting potential patron of shut downs. From LaLou in Brooklyn to Yellowstone restaurant in the East Village which posted this a photo with a closed sign on its door saying one of their staffers tested positive for the virus.

It’s also being felt on broadway. At least five broadway shows were cancelled Thursday after cast members tested positive for COVID-19. Benjamin says this unexpected closure forces establishments like his to be even more vigilant with safety measures.

“Its not to say that we still don’t have a chance to slow this down for sure but its going to be very challenging,” he said. “It’s going to take not just a couple of people but a whole community. The whole island of Manhattan, Brooklyn, Staten Island you name it and that’s the way we’re going to be able to combat this,” Benjamin continued.