A McDonald’s Canada restaurant in Peterborough’s north end temporarily closed after an employee reported testing positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday.
According to the company, an employee at the 1045 Chemong Rd. N. restaurant reported that they had tested positive for the virus.
“Out of an abundance of caution, the decision was made to immediately shut down the restaurant for a thorough cleaning and sanitization by a certified third party,” the company issued in a statement.
The restaurant re-opened at 8 a.m. Thursday after a “deep clean and sanitization” the company stated.
“We are working to ensure we reopen safely, as we know our guests depend on their local McDonald’s and we are committed to doing our part to help our communities.”
All crew members who may have been in close contact with the employee have been asked to self-quarantine until further information is available. The employee worked their last shift on Wednesday, Oct. 21, from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., the company said.
Global News Peterborough inquired if the individual was working while waiting for a test result. McDonald’s Canada says it could not comment on the case, citing privacy.
“Given the need to protect the privacy of employees, we cannot provide additional details involving this closure,” the company said in an email. “We take the health and safety of our employees and our guests seriously at the restaurant. If employees experience any symptoms, or have been tested for COVID-19 and are awaiting results, they are required to stay home and take guidance from public health.”
For any guests who may have visited the restaurant on that day, the company advises following directions from the experts at Ontario Health Services by visiting its website.
McDonald’s says all of its restaurants continue to use “high standards” of cleanliness and have enhanced safety measures in place, such as providing hand sanitizer dispensers inside restaurants, keeping high-touch surfaces and guest tables clean and sanitized, and providing floor markers to help guests keep their distance from one other.
“Maintaining the health and well-being of our crew and guests is our top priority, and we will continue to monitor and adapt measures, where necessary,” the company said. “We continue to work with local health authorities to support our people and our guests, and look forward to getting back to serving our community as soon as we can.”
On Wednesday afternoon, Peterborough Public Health reported four new cases of COVID-19. Of the 141 cases, eight are currently active.
Last month, a KFC restaurant in Peterborough temporarily closed after an employee tested positive.