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VERIFY: Do restaurants have to report employees who test positive for COVID-19?

Some restaurants that have had employees test positive for the virus have closed to sanitize their building, but that doesn't mean they had to.

HUNTSVILLE, Alabama — As coronavirus case numbers climb, you may be wondering what happens if an employee at a restaurant tests positive for COVID-19.

RELATED: Businesses investigated for violating COVID-19 regulations

Some restaurants that have had employees test positive for the virus have VERIFYclosed to sanitize their buildings and monitor cases of their staff, but that doesn't mean they had to.

According to the Madison County Health Department, food establishments are not required to contact the health department or close for any period of time if an employee gets the virus.

Even though it's not required, the Madison County Health Department does recommend businesses contact them so they can offer guidance.

RELATED: How risky is dining out during the COVID-19 pandemic?

They recommend businesses follow CDC guidelines for cleaning and disinfecting their facility.

ADPH staff and contact tracing communicates with people who test positive.

Food establishments must continue to follow Alabama Food Code related to employee health. Employees with vomiting or diarrhea cannot work until they are healthy.

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