Jackson’s Corner worker tests positive for COVID-19; 2 locations, Parilla Grill close

(Update: Adding video, Parilla Grill also closes 2 locations; comments from OSHA)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Jackson’s Corner and Parilla Grill announced Monday they are closing all four of their restaurant locations Monday afternoon after a staff member at Jackson's Corner tested positive for COVID-19.

“Although this individual has not worked since (last Tuesday) July 14th, the health and safety of our staff and guests remains our highest our priority,” Jackson's Corner announced on its Facebook page.

“With this new information, we feel that it is best to take this time and have all employees at both locations tested as an extra precautionary measure,” they wrote.

“We have no other staff members showing any symptoms currently,” the business added, “and are continually checking in on the well-being of our entire crew.”

“We have been incredibly strict in following the mandated guidelines and recommendations, and will continue to do so,” they said. “We are currently hard at work navigating these difficult and confusing times the best we can in hopes we may reopen as soon & as safely as possible."

Parilla Grill, which is part of the same ownership "family," posted a similar statement on Instagram Monday afternoon, announcing closure of its two Bend restaurant locations as well.

"To our beloved guests both old & new: We have received confirmation that a staff member within our Jackson’s Corner family has tested positive for Covid-19," the post said. "Although this individual does not work at Parrilla and has not worked since July 14th, the health and safety of our staff and guests remains our highest our priority."

"Out of an abundance of caution, both Parrilla locations will be closed until we gather the information needed in guiding us towards the safest reopening possible," it continued.

The Blacksmith Restaurant in downtown Bend took similar action Friday after an employee tested positive for COVID-19.

Eric Mone, with Deschutes County Environmental Health, told NewsChannel 21 Monday the department is working with public health nurses to help businesses with the required protocol that must be followed to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

"Our Environmental Health team regularly reaches out and educates business, that we license and inspect, if they any staff that have tested positive for COVID-19 or have staff that are close-contacts of a COVID-positive case," Mone said.

He said employers should regularly remind employees to:

• stay home if they are not feeling well, are showing COVID symptoms (which could be fever, cough, headache, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, or new loss of taste or smell).

• maintain at least 6 ft spacing from the public and other co-workers, whenever possible

• Wear a cloth, paper, or disposable face covering when you are at work, around other people.  Face coverings help prevent the spread of germs.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.  Supplement handwashing with an   alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains 60–90% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

• Clean common high-touch surfaces often, including include counters, tabletops, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones,       keyboards, tablets.

On Friday, Deschutes County Environmental Health sent an email to all licensed facilities in Deschutes County to provide updates and clarifications regarding compliance checks and the process after public health officials identify a positive case.

The email said, “Environmental Health staff are doing routine inspections, responding to complaints, and providing education. When establishments are found to be out of compliance, EH staff provide education and clear direction on how to comply.”

“When an employee tests positive, they are interviewed by contact tracers to determine close contacts and other risk factors, such as where they work,” the email continued. 

The county said when an employee tests positive, they are required to stop working at a food facility until they are no longer contagious. The minimum time frame is at least 10 days from when they first experienced symptoms and at least 72 hours fever-free without the use of medication.

The county also said it is not required for a facility to issue a public notice if there is a positive case. 

“While this is not discouraged, it is also not necessarily recommended, due to the fact that the outcome for the public is generally the same, IF you are adhering to physical distancing, mask use, and other procedures constantly,” the email stated.

Here is the full email sent to all licensed facilities in Deschutes County:

“Good Morning–

"As cases continue to increase and more businesses are, and will continue to be, directly affected by COVID-19 cases, Environmental Health wanted to provide some updates and clarifications.

"First, we want to address compliance checks and enforcement of the rules. Environmental Health staff are doing routine inspections, responding to complaints, and providing education. When establishments are found to be out of compliance, EH staff provide education and clear direction on how to comply. We are continually working with partners at OLCC and OSHA to provide consistent messaging and enforcement of the new COVID rules and guidelines when voluntary compliance has failed.   Second, many questions revolve around what a businesses’ responsibility is to enforce guidelines for patrons, especially the masking rule. In short, it is your responsibility to enforce patrons wearing masks. This can be very difficult in some situations.  OR-OSHA has provided a fact sheet that has more information. https://osha.oregon.gov/Documents/COVID19-Face-Covering-Advisory-Memo.pdf

"We also want to provide clarification on the process from public health when a positive case is identified. When an employee tests positive, they are interviewed by contact tracers to determine close contacts and other risk factors, such as where they work. A close contact is anyone who is within 6 feet of the COVID-19 positive individual for more than 15 minutes during the contagious period. The individual is considered contagious for 48 hours before they begin showing symptoms. All close contacts are then called by the contact tracing team. 

"Close contacts are asked to self-quarantine at home for 14 days and monitor themselves for symptoms. They are provided with a letter from Public Health staff that details the quarantine period and can be provided to the employer. Contacts may or may not be tested based on the situation. If you have many cases in your establishment, Public Health staff will work with you to determine how best to proceed.

"When an employee tests positive they are required not to work at a food facility until they are no longer contagious. At this time the minimum amount of time is at least 10 days from when they began experiencing symptoms and at least 72 hours fever free without the use of medication. 

"Many people are confused if they should issue public notice if there is a positive case. While this is not discouraged, it is also not necessarily recommended due to the fact that the outcome for the public is generally the same, IF you are adhering to physical distancing, mask use, and other procedures constantly. More information on this topic can be found here. If you decide to issue public notice please work with our staff to determine appropriate information to include.

"We encourage you to use the following CDC page to answer some of your questions for businesses regarding ill employees.

"As always, the Environmental and Public Health staff are here to help. Situations can be complicated and nuanced and we ask that you reach out with questions on how to respond to various situations. Planning ahead is important and can help minimize the impacts when you experience a positive case.

Sincerely,

Deschutes County Environmental Health.”