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Six workers at a restaurant in White Oaks have tested positive for COVID-19, prompting the Middlesex-London Heath Unit to declare an outbreak and recommend customers monitor themselves for symptoms of COVID-19.
The health unit said it was notified Tuesday about the first case at Shish Shawarma and Grill at 1401 Ernest Ave., and ordered the restaurant to close Wednesday after learning of a third case.
“Reports of positive tests for three additional employees were received by the health unit” Thursday, the health unit said Friday.
Health unit investigators still are trying to determine if any of the six staffers worked while they were infectious.
“We know that it raises concerns when the health unit declares a COVID-19 outbreak, especially when it’s related to a restaurant, but I want to be clear that the risk of contracting the virus in a situation like this is very low,” said Alex Summers, associate medical officer of health for Middlesex-London.
“Any interactions between restaurant employees and patrons would have been brief and staff who interacted with customers were wearing masks, which would have reduced the possibility for COVID-19 transmission.”
Customers who were at the Shish Shawarma and Grill between Nov. 22 and Dec. 2 should monitor for COVID-19 symptoms, which include fever, cough and difficultly breathing, the health unit said.
