Coronavirus: Los Angeles-area Chinese restaurant chain Sichuan Impression checks diners’ temperatures before entry
- Restaurant, which has several locations, is also monitoring the temperature of its employees
- The food industry is changing to deal with coronavirus concerns
A Chinese restaurant with several locations in California has started checking the temperature of customers before they enter their stores.
If someone were to arrive at one of the Sichuan Impression shops with a temperature that is higher than 37.6 degrees Celsius (99.8 Fahrenheit), they would be turned away, according to The Orange County Register.
“We have family in China, so we understand the importance of doing everything we can to protect both our customers and our workers,” co-owner Kelly Xiao told the Register. “Everybody has a responsibility to do what they can do.”
The US has reported at least 605 coronavirus cases in total across 34 states. Three additional deaths in Washington state, according to local officials, brought the total nationwide to 25.
Sichuan Impression implemented its temperature policy in late January. In a notice posted on the restaurant’s door, management explained that the screenings are an effort to maintain “a healthy and safe dining environment” for “guests who come from all corners of the world,” the Register reported.
Employees are also screened throughout their shifts, the paper reported. Employees had also started to wear face masks, but stopped because there was a shortage.