An additional person associated with a pair of McDonald’s restaurants in Kailua-Kona has tested positive for COVID-19, state health officials announced Thursday.
The total number of cases associated with McDonald’s locations at Kona Commons and inside the Kona Walmart now stands at 13.
The positive test result announced Thursday was from an employee at the McDonald’s location inside the Kona Walmart, according to the state Department of Health.
The department said it is continuing to monitor all employees and family members who remain in isolation or quarantine. To date, eight staff members and five family members have tested positive.
The family members were exposed to two staff members.
“There is low risk to the public, as only workers or their family members were identified as close contacts,” said state health officials Thursday afternoon.
The department has repeatedly stated the Food and Drug Administration thus far found no evidence of food or food packaging being associated with transmission of COVID-19, but has not responded to questions about the wearing of personal protective equipment, such as gloves and masks, during the exchange of money.
Both locations remain closed while the McDonald’s on Kuakini Highway remains open to drive-through customers.
The new positive case associated with the McDonald’s restaurant announced Thursday will likely be reflected in today’s count, officials said.