Alberta Health Services has issued a closure order to Edmonton’s Jollibee restaurant, saying it failed to comply with social distancing requirements related to COVID-19.
On Wednesday, a notice from AHS posted at the restaurant said it had been shut down.
A statement from AHS to Global News said that Jollibee was not complying with social distancing rules — both inside and outside of the establishment.
“When businesses are unable to meet these requirements, we are left with no choice but to issue closure orders,” the statement said.
In the closure order posted online, AHS said the business does not have proper risk mitigation measures in place to prevent the risk of transmission of infection.
“The business is not maintaining proper physical distancing between employees, the public and each other,” read the order, dated April 11.
AHS said it verbally notified the restaurant owner of the closure order on April 10.
AHS enforces chief medical officer of health orders where necessary.
“During these difficult times, we are working with businesses to educate them on how they can operate safely for their staff and patrons,” AHS’ statement said.
The restaurant will be closed until the order is rescinded by Alberta Health Services, according to the notice.
Jollibee Canada issued the following statement Friday:
“There is nothing more important to Jollibee than the health, safety and well-being of our customers, team members and the communities in which we serve. Our Edmonton store is temporarily closed and we are working closely with Alberta Health Services to ensure we are compliant with all of the province’s social distancing requirements for restaurant operations during the pandemic,” the statement read.
“We have made significant changes in all of our stores to increase health and safety practices and have adjusted operations according to recommendations from the Public Health Agency and health authorities.”
At the Edmonton location Wednesday, there were Xs visible on the ground in front of the restaurant where a lineup would form.
Jollibee opened the location in Edmonton, the first in Alberta, last August. For months, hundreds of people lined up to dine at the restaurant.
On March 27, when the province issued an order for all non-essential businesses to close, it said that restaurants could remain open — but for take-out only.
Since then, there have been frequent vehicle lineups spotted onto Calgary Trail from the Jollibee drive-thru.
Between April 1 and April 16, AHS said it has received 8,803 COVID-19 related complaints, which range from businesses not following restrictions to individuals not following self-isolation restrictions. As of April 16, AHS had issued 16 executive orders related to COVID-19.