Students and faculty alike are rejoicing as the Asbury HICCUP, campus’s favorite spot for coffee and conversation, re-opens after a two-week shutdown due to COVID-19 exposure.
“A staff member tested positive for COVID-19, so we immediately closed in order to prevent any further exposure for our staff and the patrons we serve,” said HICCUP manager Becca King.
The HICCUP closed temporarily Jan. 15 and re-opened its plexiglass windows Jan. 25.
HICCUP staff received a call from an employee who tested positive for COVID-19. Staff who interacted with the employee were quarantined out of precaution, and the staff made the decision to close the HICCUP for the recommended ten days.
“I felt like it was my responsibility to keep my staff and our campus safe, so it was not a difficult decision to make,” said King, “but, because our employees could not be paid for the ten-day period, I felt a bit sad to be taking those hours away from our baristas.”
Nevertheless, the two-week closure is up and your favorite drinks are being served yet again.
“I am so excited to re-open the HICCUP. We all love being able to serve campus!” said King.
It’s not just HICCUP staff that are excited for the re-opening, though. Many students are happy to have their pre-class pit stop open again.
“I felt that campus was severely under-caffeinated,” said senior Kenna Gardiner. “Reopening was much needed. Ten days is a long time without the HICCUP.”
Students can feel free to take advantage of the HICCUP’s delicious drinks once again during their normal hours of business.