McDonald’s restaurant forced to close after coronavirus scare
A McDonald’s in Melbourne’s north has closed its doors temporarily after two staff members were diagnosed with coronavirus.
A staff member at Macca’s in Fawkner was sent home to self-isolate on April 30 after contracting coronavirus, a McDonald’s spokesperson told Yahoo News Australia.
The spokesperson added there was no evidence this staff member contracted the virus while working at the restaurant. At the time, the restaurant kept its doors open.
However on Saturday, Victoria’s Health Department said a second worker at the same restaurant had fallen ill with COVID-19.
They tested positive on Friday after working one shift.
“We are working closely with McDonald’s to ensure appropriate public health actions have been taken. McDonald’s closed the store yesterday (Friday), for at least three days, to undertake a deep clean,” the health department said.
“All close contacts have been contacted by the department and will remain in quarantine for 14 days.”
It added the department is working with McDonald’s to ensure, as a precaution, all staff members receive testing.
“Staff are being provided with further information on potential exposure to coronavirus in the workplace, including on symptoms and other actions to take,” the health department said.
“There is no evidence COVID-19 can be transmitted to people through food or packaging, and the risk of anyone visiting the McDonalds contracting the virus is very low.”
A McDonald’s spokesperson told Yahoo News Australia in a statement the store was closed for a deep clean “out of an abundance of caution”.
“The employee last worked at the restaurant on Tuesday,” the spokesperson said.
“We have spoken with the employee and confirm they are self-isolating at home with little to no symptoms.
“We have communicated with all employees and continue to work collaboratively with the Department of Health.
“The decision to deep clean the restaurant is a precautionary measure only and is over and above the Department’s requirements.”
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