WELD — Skoolhouse Variety re-opened Tuesday, Nov. 17, after having been impacted by COVID-19.
The store closed as a precaution Thursday, Nov. 12, after Brian Haynes, husband of Lila Haynes, tested positive for the coronavirus last Wednesday. Lila Haynes is the daughter of Skoolhouse Variety owners Kevin and Holly Cochran and is one of their employees.
While the CDC said the closure was not necessary because there hadn’t been extended exposure with Brian – 15 minutes or more with no masks and within 6 feet – the Cochrans felt it prudent to remain closed until results of COVID testing were received to ensure the safety of patrons and their families.
“Holly and I both tested negative,” Kevin Cochran said Tuesday afternoon in a phone interview.
In a phone interview last Thursday night Brian Haynes, who works for the Maine Department of Transportation, said he wasn’t able to figure out where he contracted the coronavirus.
“I have no idea,” he said. “No one I was in contact with said they were feeling sick or anything.”
Haynes said he began feeling ill with body aches and a sore throat Sunday night.
“Monday I had a slight fever and decided I better get tested,” he added.
He said he is feeling much better,
“I don’t have a fever. I am fatigued, still have a bit of a cough,” he said.
According to the Skoolhouse Variety Facebook page, Lila Haynes tested positive the morning of Nov. 17 and now has to remain quarantined 10 days prior to another COVID test. Lila and Brian’s children have tested negative. Additional tests must come back negative prior to Lila returning to work, which could be as late as Dec. 2.
“The other staff tested negative,” Kevin Cochran said. “For now, the kitchen may be limited. People will need to be patient. The storefront will be fully open.”
In keeping with Gov. Janet Mills’ mandate, masks and social distancing are required. Skoolhouse Variety is limited to 10 customers inside. The dining room remains closed at this time.
Skoolhouse Variety is open Monday through Saturday, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“Once the kitchen is fully functioning again, it closes one hour prior to closing,” Kevin Cochran said.
Supporting Sponsor for Franklin Journal, Livermore Falls Advertiser, Rangeley Highlander and Rumford Falls Times.
Keeping communities informed by supporting local news. franklinsavings.bank
Comments are not available on this story. Read more about why we allow commenting on some stories and not on others.
We believe it's important to offer commenting on certain stories as a benefit to our readers. At its best, our comments sections can be a productive platform for readers to engage with our journalism, offer thoughts on coverage and issues, and drive conversation in a respectful, solutions-based way. It's a form of open discourse that can be useful to our community, public officials, journalists and others.
We do not enable comments on everything — exceptions include most crime stories, and coverage involving personal tragedy or sensitive issues that invite personal attacks instead of thoughtful discussion.
You can read more here about our commenting policy and terms of use. More information is also found on our FAQs.
Show less