Some residents concerned by fast food employees working without masks
SANTA MARIA, Calif. - Local residents concerned over Central Coast fast-food employees not wearing masks during the COVID-19 pandemic has prompted posts on social media.
The discussion comes amid statewide protests last week in parts of California demanding McDonald's and other fast food chains provide protective gear to employees.
“Yes they should all have a mask and should have had one for a while now," said Central Coast resident Lynda Zahn.
Zahn said she is worried for her and her family's safety when she sees food workers without masks.
“I'm concerned that the ones that are making things like sandwiches or items of food that they are breathing over, not wearing a mask and directly touching the packaging,” Zahn said.
A NewsChannel reporter was able to independently verify employees at different fast food restaurants were not wearing protective gear in the past week.
Last Sunday, Santa Barbara County ordered all workers to wear face coverings while working with food or in the kitchen. Local Subway franchise owner Resmi Sarin said time was needed to be able to follow the new mandate.
“Currently we have our masks that are approved from our distribution center. They are on backorder, and they are on their way. In the meantime, the health department has given us other options that we are using. For example, we are using sanitizer towels as masks,” Sarin said.
Zahn said she understands there can be a delay in implementation of new orders. “I do know that it's really hard to get materials,” she said.
Local McDonald's restaurants referred our reporter to the corporation which released this statement:
“Masks have started to arrive in franchises and company-owned restaurants with allocation going first to areas where the use of masks is required by law, to hotspots with a high level of confirmed cases.”
McDonald's corporate statement
While waiting for new supplies, some local restaurants are allowing workers to wear their own DIY masks, but Zahn worries that could still be a health risk.
“Not all masks are created equally,” said Zahn.
Sarin said the health department specified what is safe and her staff were following those guidelines.
