MADISON – The recent surge of COVID-19 in the Madison County area is making it hard for local restaurants. Champy’s in Madison and Rhythm on Monroe in Huntsville announced within the past 24 hours they are closing their doors temporarily after employees started testing positive for the virus.

Champy’s said Thursday an employee tested positive. “Although it’s been 7 days since they last worked and the risk is low, we want to ensure we are doing all we can to keep our staff, guests, and the community safe. With that in mind, today, we will be shutting down operations and closing our doors temporarily to allow for a deep cleanse of the restaurant,” a Facebook post from the popular restaurant stated. “We are also asking all of our staff to get tested. We plan on opening back up as soon as possible so stay tuned.”

Rhythm on Monroe, the new restaurant in the VBC, announced their closure this morning after multiple employees tested positive.

“With the health and safety of our guests and staff being our top priority, we are voluntarily closing the restaurant – effective today,” read a statement from the restaurant. “We will make a determination on a reopening date after the entire facility has been thoroughly deep cleaned and no other employees test positive. When we reopen, all staff will continue being screened for elevated temperatures and symptoms before each shift”