Atlanta-based Chick-fil-A has confirmed that three employees have been diagnosed with COVID-19 at restaurants in Virginia and Georgia.
The cases, confirmed late Thursday by Nation's Restaurant News, comes a week after Chick-fil-A closed two restaurants in Texas due to COVID-19.
The Reston, Va. quick-service restaurant has “immediately initiated its response protocol, following [Centers for Disease Control] and local health department guidelines,” the company said.
“Our highest priority is the health and well-being of our team members and guests,” the company said in a statement. “After learning that two team members at Chick-fil-A North Point Village were diagnosed with COVID-19, the restaurant initiated the response protocol and took precautionary measures, including disinfecting and deep cleaning the restaurant. Safe service is our top priority and our restaurants continue to follow CDC and local health department guidelines.”
The chain also confirmed a single case at a restaurant in Cumming, Ga. (Lanier Crossing).
“Both restaurants are currently open with approval from their local health departments,” Chick-fil-A said.
When asked to disclose the total number of employees who have tested positive for coronavirus, the company declined to comment any further.
Last week, several media reports described a cluster of cases at two Beaumont, Texas restaurants. In that community, more than 100 employees have been tested for coronavirus at two restaurants.
The quick-service chain, like other restaurant companies, has been continuously evolving its safety measures in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.
Earlier this month, the chain began installing portable handwashing stations near drive-thru lanes so workers can wash their hands more frequently.
Chick-fil-A has also started distributing “face coverings” to workers in accordance with federal health recommendations.
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