Mikko Nordic Fine Food

Mikko Owner Visited the Nordic Cafe Days Before Testing Positive for COVID-19 | Eater DC

"I learned that the Dupont Circle cafe Mikko Nordic Fine Food has temporarily closed after chef-owner Mikko Kosonen entered the space days before testing positive for COVID-19. Kosonen says he likely contracted the coronavirus during a “monumental two-week road trip” through Montana, Utah, and Idaho and that by returning to D.C. he violated a mayoral order requiring a 14-day self-quarantine for travel to high-risk states. He returned late on Monday, August 10, says he mostly quarantined, was tested Friday, August 14 after symptoms began the day before, and received a positive result on Monday, August 17; he reports being sick but not showing severe symptoms and was coughing during a phone call, saying “This is pretty brutal, but I think I’m beating it day by day.” Kosonen acknowledges entering Mikko briefly on August 11 (about 30 minutes to pick up paperwork) and again on August 12 to check on the shop and speak to police after an employee reported broken glass; he says he wore a mask both times and did not prepare food, adding “Very clearly I shouldn’t be there, but it’s my business... Do I regret [going] there? Yes I do. But I also had my morning person there by herself.” The shop has undergone three deep cleanings since he started showing symptoms, and Eric Simning, the shop’s Vice President of Operations, has reported the case to D.C. Health and is awaiting their go-ahead to reopen." - Gabe Hiatt