Pizza Express in Rochester High Street shut for two days after staff member tests positive for Covid
15:44, 01 September 2020
updated: 17:18, 01 September 2020
It has been revealed a restaurant closure was caused when a staff member was diagnosed with Covid-19.
As we reported last week, Pizza Express, Rochester High Street, closed to customers last Monday and Tuesday for a deep clean.
When contacted about the sudden closure on Thursday, a member of staff dismissed suggestions it was a colleague who had the virus and referred KentOnline to the company's head office.
However, bosses have today confirmed it was a worker – believed to be someone from the kitchen – who has tested positive.
The company says it is working alongside Public Health England and Medway Council following the news.
It added only one team member contracted the virus and did not come into contact with any customers.
While people who are close contacts of the individual have been advised to self-isolate for 14 days.
“We are working with Pizza Express and Medway Council to provide public health advice and help stop the spread of the virus."
Staff took the action to shut for 48 hours for a deep clean after being informed by their head office an alert from track and trace.
Spokesman Philippa Barker said: "A member of the team was recently confirmed positive for Covid-19 and thanks to the significant protocols we put in place ahead of our reopening, we were able to identify and isolate this issue quickly.
"As a result, our restaurant was temporarily closed while a full deep-clean was carried out and reopened on Wednesday.
"Due to the extensive safety measures in our restaurants to maintain distancing, the team member had no contact with customers.
"We liaised with the council and PHE to share all details and PHE advised us there was no risk to customers.
"We’re in regular contact with our team member who has tested positive and their colleagues, to provide them with maximum support."
PHE's South East consultant in health protection Dr Claire Winslade said: “We are working with Pizza Express and Medway Council to provide public health advice and help stop the spread of the virus. The rate of infection in Medway remains low.
“Businesses, including restaurants and pubs, have been asked to take certain measures to help reduce the spread of Covid-19, including ensuring staff can maintain social distancing wherever possible and are able to regularly wash their hands for 20 seconds with soap and water, and cleaning frequently touched surfaces.”
Pizza Express has been asked whether staff members in contact with the infected individual have been forced to isolate as well.
