Chick-fil-A announced Sunday evening it will shutter its dining rooms and accept only drive-through orders as the coronavirus pandemic continues to unfold.
The popular Atlanta-based eatery made the announcement the same day the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention urged the cancellation or postponement of gatherings involving 50 or more people, an effort intended to limit community spread of the novel coronavirus, known as COVID-19, in hopes of avoiding spikes in diagnoses, which could overrun hospital systems.
Additionally, the CDC has recommended against gatherings of more than 10 people for organizations that serve those at a higher risk of developing complications from infection, such as the elderly or those who are otherwise immunocompromised, like people with asthma, diabetes, heart disease, COPD, or cancer.
“Our highest priority continues to be the health and well-being of everyone who comes into our restaurants,” read a statement from Chick-fil-A. “As we navigate the evolving impact of coronavirus on our communities, we are temporarily closing our dining room seating to help limit person-to-person contact.”
“Some of our restaurants may only offer service through our drive-thrus, while others may be able to offer takeout, delivery or mobile order options,” the statement continued. “Thanks for your patience. We know these are challenging times, but we’ll continue to do our best to serve you.”
There are some Chick-fil-A locations, though, that will close altogether. The operator of one restaurant in Dumfries, Virginia, announced Saturday her location would be closed for the next four weeks.
Natalie Yang, the owner, also offered to help supplement meals for families whose children will be out of school during the COVID-19 outbreak.
“If this school closure causes you or anyone you know to have a hard time feeding your or their family, please let me know,” she wrote. “It would be my pleasure to help feed my community that I serve.”
As of Sunday night, there are 45 cases of the novel coronavirus in Virginia. Nationally, there are 3,486 cases.
Christians have a responsibility to be wise during this pandemic, listening to the advice of both our national and local leaders. We also have a responsibility to pray. To learn more about the latter, click here.