THUNDER BAY – The Thai Kitchen restaurant has temporarily closed after a staff member tested positive for COVID-19.
Most of the restaurant’s staff, including all supervisors and owners, are isolating after exposure to an employee who began experiencing COVID-19 symptoms on shift Tuesday. The staff member tested positive later that night.
The restaurant was offering only curbside pick-up service at the time – its dining room has stayed closed since the pandemic began.
The risk to customers was deemed very low by the Thunder Bay District Health Unit, the business reported. The health unit has not posted an advisory over the exposure.
Any customers concerned over potential exposure can contact the health unit at (807) 625-5900, Thai Kitchen advised.
“This event justifies exactly why we have operated with curbside pickup only and have refused to open our dining room since this whole thing started,” restaurant ownership said in a statement to Tbnewswatch on Saturday.
The Thai Kitchen had been diligent in following strict COVID-19 protocols, they said, including mask wearing, regular sanitizing, daily staff screening, and temperature checks.
The infected employee was not experiencing symptoms when they started work, but began complaining of weakness and chest pain about an hour into their shift, the restaurant said. Supervisors immediately sent them to the emergency department.
All affected staff members were notified and advised to quarantine that day.
“The infected staff is resting at home, is in a fair bit of discomfort, and our thoughts are with them as we hope for a speedy recovery,” the restaurant said.
Impacted staff are in the process of receiving a first round of tests, with a second round scheduled for next week. None have yet experienced symptoms.
With most staff isolating, the restaurant says it will not be able to reopen until at least March 9.
“As business owners, we view this temporary closure as a small price to pay for the general safety of our community,” they said.
