A doctor who has been diagnosed with Ebola allegedly attended an event on October 22 at a Williamsburg bowling alley. The October 23 CMJ showcase at The Gutter has been canceled. The venue has now reopened and CMJ shows will continue on schedule.
The CMJ showcase was set to take place tonight, but The Gutter has shut down all activities in light of a suspected Ebola contamination.
According to Brooklyn Vegan, Dr. Craig Spencer, who had treated Ebola patients in an African country ten days ago, went bowling last night. According to city officials speaking to Brooklyn Vegan, the man went bowling at The Gutter. After complaining of a high fever and gastrointestinal problems today, the man was rushed to the hospital. Authorities have confirmed Spencer as the first diagnosed case of Ebola in New York.
The bowling alley was ready to host tonight’s CMJ Goodnight Records showcase, but they issued a statement saying The Gutter cannot open today due to “unforeseen circumstances.” Band Heaven, who would have performed at the venue tonight, said they will move the performance to Mercury Lounge.
Another bowling alley that doubles as a music venue, Brooklyn Bowl, was initially suspected of being where the doctor bowled yesterday, but authorities have not contacted the venue. Brooklyn Bowl so far will remain open, as it is not proven that the bowling alley served the doctor as a patron.
The doctor is being treated at the NYC Bellevue Hospital for his condition. He allegedly worked with Doctors Without Borders in West Africa before returning to the United States ten days ago. Reports indicate that he felt healthy when he went bowling yesterday, but that his health declined today. He allegedly took an Uber car to the venue yesterday. Authorities have collected a specimen and are shipping it for further testing.
The Gutter is one of only two bowling alleys in Williamsburg.
UPDATE:
Dr. Craig Spencer has been officially diagnosed with Ebola. Authorities are now retracing his steps to locate people and areas he has come into contact with over the past few days.
New York officials confirm that The Gutter is in fact the venue the doctor attended last night.
UPDATE 2:
CMJ has released the following statement regarding the emergency closure:
We have been diligently following the news on Ebola and will continue to be proactive of the situation and circumstances. At this time CMJ will continue on as scheduled and if anything should change we will act accordingly.
The Gutter is now open:
Check this post for updates as more information becomes available.
Leave a Comment