The state Department of Health confirmed it is investigating a “limited, localized community spread” of COVID-19 among employees at a McDonald’s restaurant in Kailua-Kona.
An employee at the McDonald’s who contracted the coronavirus infected six other workers, state Health Director Bruce Anderson told a Senate committee today.
One worker who lived in an extended household infected seven other people, he said.
“Fortunately, the restaurant, like many food establishments, had previously implemented social distancing measures to protect customers and prevent exposure prior to an employee testing positive,” a statement from the Hawaii COVID-19 Joint Information Center said.
“The investigation is ongoing and based on findings thus far, DOH does not believe this outbreak poses a risk to the general public,” the center said. “The department is continuing to work with the restaurant to ensure all possible precautions are being taken to prevent further spread of disease.”