Beginning today, Canada’s leading restaurant brand is closing their dining room seating.
In an effort to promote and ensure social distancing, Hortons is temporarily limiting their services to take-out, drive-thru, and delivery. [Featured image courtesy of latinosmag.com]
The Canadian chain announced on their website that they “will close all dining room seating in most locations until further notice.” Tims made the decision as a reaction to the advice of public health officials.
To contribute to social distancing that has been called for by public health officials, starting tmrw, our restaurants will focus on take-out, drive-thru and delivery service where available, and close all dining room seating until further notice. Details: https://t.co/tXvWessw2J pic.twitter.com/poOL4KeZo1
— Tim Hortons (@TimHortons) March 16, 2020
In the meantime, Tims will “focus on take-out, drive-thru and delivery service (where available).”
Their announcement comes amid a public backlash the company received in response to their employee policy regarding sick days.
According to their statement, the chain is not actually requiring a doctor’s note when employees report in sick. “Our policy is clear. Team members should always stay home if they are sick.”
There is a lot of misinformation circulating and we want to make this very clear to all Tim Hortons team members and guests. Our policy is clear. Team members should always stay home if they are sick – and do not require a doctor’s note. pic.twitter.com/OfFD8oKCC4
— Tim Hortons (@TimHortons) March 14, 2020
In regard to the coronavirus concern, Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Eileen de Villa, made a statement recommending that all restaurants and bars close their dine-in options.
“I believe these unprecedented public health recommendations are necessary in order to protect the health of all Toronto residents,” de Villa said.
Furthermore, it was recently announced that President Trudeau would close Canada’s borders to non-citizens, save for US residents.
“As the virus continues its spread, we’ve decided to take increasingly aggressive steps to keep you and your family safe,” he said.