SYCAMORE – On Tuesday, Nov. 17, PJ's Courthouse Tavern will re-open for carry-out, pickup and delivery through EatStreet, according to a social media announcement Monday.

The restaurant’s kitchen will be open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 to 9 p.m. this week.

In a Facebook post Monday, the restaurant's owners thanked their customers.

“Thank you for your patience and giving us a chance to give the restaurant a professional cleaning and our staff some time to get back to full strength,” the post reads.

The restaurant, located at 202 W. State St. in Sycamore, was closed since Nov. 8 due to an employee testing positive for COVID-19.

"As you all know, PJs has remained open during these times to continue to serve our families, friends and neighbors," the post from Nov. 8 reads. "In spite of the fact that we have been taking all precautions to ensure the safety and health of our customers and staff. We were recently informed that one of our employees had tested positive for COVID-19. With this news, we have made the decision to close until further notice."

The social media post Monday specifies the restaurant will be open for carryout and delivery, but does not mention indoor dining.

PJ's is listed on the county health department's mitigation enforcement list for defying the ban, meant to curb continued community spread. On Oct. 27, PJ's was sent a letter of non-compliance by the IDPH.

Mitigations mandated by Gov. JB Pritzker and the IDPH began Oct. 3 as a result of rising cases, with restaurants and bars bearing the brunt of strict shutdowns. Since Oct. 3, bars and restaurants have been prohibited from allowing indoor dining, and are also limited to groups of 10 or fewer, with tables limited to six or fewer for outdoor dining.

Pushback from local business owners has been strong across both DeKalb County and the region, with many declaring further shutdowns would mean the end of their livelihoods.

According to newly-released data by the IDPH, in the state of Illinois, bars and restaurants are linked to the second highest rate of exposure for COVID-19 cases. In DeKalb County's region (which includes Winnebago, Sauk Valley, etc.), they're the fourth highest.