WINDSOR, ONT. -- Chatham-Kent Public Health has declared outbreaks at two local fast food restaurants.
Taco Bell and KFC Chatham-Kent are both closed due to the outbreak status, according to CK Public Health spokesperson Stefanie Egelton.
“Case and contact tracing has been conducted and investigation is ongoing,” said Egelton. “The confirmed cases had very low contact with members of the public (the individuals were behind physical barriers, masking, ensuring workplace screening, healthy hand hygiene and indoor dining was not an option).”
Egelton adds that those who were in close contact with these individuals have been contacted and given guidance by public health.
The locations are being very cooperative with public health to ensure the safety of their staff and the community, with the locations being closed voluntarily by store management,” said Egelton.
CTV News has reached out to Taco Bell and KFC for comment.
A spokesperson with KFC emailed a statement to CTV News that said the restaurant was immediately closed and they are working with Chatham-Kent health officials toward a reopening plan.
"The health and well-being of our team members and customers is always our number one priority, especially in these uncertain times," the statement sais. "As soon as we were notified, the restaurant was immediately closed out of an abundance of caution and all exposed employees were asked to self-isolate. We’re working closely with the local health authority and are following all of their recommendations. The restaurant will re-open only after a thorough deep-clean and sanitization and with clearance from Chatham-Kent Public Health."
A spokesperson for Taco Bell Canada also emailed a statement to CTV News saying that three staff members tested postive for the virus.
‘We can confirm three employees at Taco Bell Chatham, Ontario, have tested positive for COVID-19. Local health authorities have been informed and the team members immediately began the mandatory quarantine period as advised by local and provincial guidelines. In response, we have temporarily closed the location for deep cleaning and sanitization and will reopen once safe to do so. We continue to be committed to protecting the health, safety and wellbeing of our guests and staff, which is always our top priority.’
There is a third workplace outbreak in Chatham-Kent, but the name of the company is not being released.
