A large number of workers at two new Colorado In-N-Out Burger restaurants hired COVID-19, with at least 80 employees testing positive for the virus just a month after the restaurants opened.
A total of 60 employees at the Colorado Springs fast food chain’s restaurant tested positive, while 9 other staff members are “suspected” of having the virus, according to a Thursday report from The Denver Post. Another 20 confirmed positive tests and 16 suspected cases were reported among employees in an Aurora location, bringing the total number of workers believed to be infected to 105. State health officials have not linked any positive cases among customers to restaurants.
“Over the past few weeks, we have had a worrying number of Colorado associates tested positive for COVID-19,” said In-N-Out vice president of operations, Denny Warnick, in a statement obtained by Newsweek. “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 have had close contact with them have been excluded from the workplace.”
“We continue to work closely with our public health agencies and confirm the appropriate measures to help protect our communities,” he added. “These steps include: limiting staff to the minimum number required to serve our customers, using team” cohorts “to limit possible exposure and limiting access to the dining room only for delivery orders, ensuring appropriate physical distance.”
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Several other fast food restaurants, including franchises at McDonald’s, Chick-fil-A and Wendy’s, have also had outbreaks in the state, although cases are limited to less than 10 per restaurant. As with the In-N-Out outbreaks, no customer infections were associated with visits to restaurants.
Experts do not believe that COVID-19 is transmitted by food and visiting a fast food restaurant is considered a relatively unlikely way to contract the virus, although potential contact with any infected individual remains a concern, regardless of the environment. All networks with infections among workers remain open because state authorities do not require closing outlets with outbreaks.
The two Colorado In-N-Out restaurants opened on November 20 and quickly attracted crowds despite the pandemic. Enthusiasts for the popular California-based chain, who cried out for a “Double Double” burger or “Animal Style” fries, were not intimidated by the waits that sometimes exceed 12 hours, according to Business Insider. Even a month after the restaurants opened, customers remained willing to wait more than three hours for a hamburger at the Aurora store. Both places are only open for food.