2 Dick’s Drive-ins closing after worker tests positive for COVID 19
SEATTLE – Two Dick’s Drive In restaurants are closing until further notice after an employee tested positive for coronavirus, the company announced Tuesday.
In an open email to customers, the popular local burger chain said its restaurants in Kent and on Queen Anne will shut down temporarily but indefinitely.
The closures come after another employee at the Kent location tested positive. The employee was last inside the restaurant on Saturday, and all employees who were exposed to that worker will quarantine immediately.
The Dick’s Drive In on Queen Anne will also remain closed because some employees there may have been exposed to the infectious worker while helping to support the Kent location, so they also are going into quarantine.
The company said it has consulted with Seattle-King County Public Health and confirmed that the transmission risk to customers is “extremely unlikely” because its restaurants are following all public health guidelines for safe operation. Among the precautions being taken:
- Social distancing is required for customers and masking is mandatory for all employees and customers.
- All locations are sterilized daily.
- The average length of time for transactions is under two minutes, and each restaurant’s ventilation system pulls fresh air from outside the building into the building via the window ports constantly while serving customers.
- Additionally, there is no evidence of food borne transmission of COVID-19.
“We will be working closely with public health on next steps and will update you as soon as we know more,” the company said.
Original Story KOMO4NEWS SEATTLE WA