A week after two stores were closed in Ballarat and Wendouree, Hungry Jack's has reopened its restaurants with Department of Health and Human Services approval.
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However, while local staff are continuing to self-isolate, the company has confirmed a "small number" of workers from restaurants which "are currently closed due to lockdown" are filling in.
In a statement, a Hungry Jack's spokesperson said all staff currently working at the restaurant have been "cleared".
"Hungry Jack's restaurants at Ballarat and Wendouree are now open for drive-thru, delivery and pick-up after being approved to do so by the DHHS," they said.
"The restaurants were closed for deep cleaning and to allow employees who were identified by the DHHS to get tested; so far, all tests have come back negative."
"These employees will remain in self-isolation for 14 days prior to being allowed to return to work.
"All staff currently working at the restaurant have been cleared and in addition, we have relocated a small number of employees from other restaurants which are currently closed due to lockdown."
Several people connected to staff at the restaurants have approached The Courier with concerns about workers from Melbourne, or locked-down suburbs, commuting to Ballarat to work in the restaurants.
The two restaurants were closed on August 10 after a worker at the Wendouree store tested positive to COVID-19 - the Ballarat store, at the Bakery Hill Shopping Centre, was closed as a precaution.
Employees who worked shifts with the identified worker were immediately told to complete 14 days of self-isolation and get tested.
The news comes as other businesses in Ballarat begin to reopen following coronavirus outbreaks.
Remember to always maintain good hand hygiene, wear a mask when in public, and keep a 1.5 metre distance from others at all times.
Right now there are only four reasons to leave your home in Ballarat during stage three restrictions: care and caregiving, local exercise, shopping for necessary items, and for work or study if you are unable to do so from home.
Victoria Police are enforcing restrictions, and penalties apply.
Everyone who feels even the slightest cold or flu-like symptom must assume they have the virus until a test result proves otherwise. Anybody with symptoms or awaiting a result should self-isolate at home.
If you have cold or flu-like symptoms, make an appointment either online at bchc.org.au or by phone (4311 1571) to take a test at Lucas Community Hub. Tests are by appointment only.
There is now a testing site at the Ballarat Senior Citizens Centre in the CBD. People are encouraged to book a test by calling 1800 054 172.
A testing site has also opened at the BHS public dental site in Sebastopol, phone 5320 8889
IN THE NEWS
A drive-through swabbing clinic, for symptomatic and asymptomatic people, has opened at the old Atlantic Hotel on Skipton Street in Redan - people will require a referral from their GP or specialist, but will not require an appointment.
For more information, visit the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services website, or phone the hotline on 1800 675 398 for advice if you are displaying symptoms.
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