COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KKTV) – Sixty COVID-19 cases were confirmed at In-n-Out in Colorado Springs.
According to El Paso County’s COVID-19 website, the outbreak was first reported on December 6 and remains active on Christmas Eve. The state health department defines an outbreak as two or more cases linked to the same service in a 14-day period. It is not clear how many have recovered since the outbreak began.
The In-n-Out site, the first in Colorado Springs, opened its doors on November 20, just two weeks before the outbreak was reported.
In-n-Out released the following statement for Vice President of Operations Denny Warnick’s 11 News Thursday:
“Nothing is more important to us than the health and safety of our customers and associates. We are committed to doing our part to prevent the transmission of the COVID-19 virus.
Over the past few weeks, we’ve seen a worrying number of Colorado members who test positive for COVID-19. Our thoughts and prayers are with our associates and we hope for a quick recovery for each of those affected. Of course, all positive associates and those who had close contact with them were excluded from the workplace.
We continue to work closely with our public health agencies and confirm the appropriate measures to help protect our communities. These steps include: limiting staff to the minimum number required to serve our customers, using team “cohorts” to limit possible exposure and limiting dining room access to delivery orders, ensuring appropriate physical distance.
At In-N-Out, we always use the highest health and safety standards to protect our customers. This includes excellent hand washing practices and frequent disinfection procedures for the entire restaurant. We strictly require members not to work at home when they feel unwell. As an added layer of caution, each Associate receives a thorough health check and temperature check before starting work. We continue to provide contactless payment options, our self-service beverage stations are temporarily closed and we are providing hand sanitizer to our customers and associates at all locations. “
11 News also obtained a statement from El Paso County Public Health:
“Public Health has been working closely with In-n-Out since this outbreak was identified to provide education, guidance and technical assistance. This includes checking for quarantine and appropriate isolation measures, cleaning and disinfection guidance and recommendations as needed.
Outbreaks are a reflection of what is happening in the wider community. Although our numbers have declined in recent weeks, we still have high levels of COVID-19 circulating in our community. Whenever people are leaving, it is reasonable to assume that there is some level of COVID-19. That is why it remains essential to continue to practice preventive measures: wear a mask properly (ensuring that it covers your nose and mouth), practice social detachment, wash your hands frequently and stay home when you are sick.
The health department says all cases are among employees.
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