Chipotle store is closed due to Norovirus sickness

by Stepy — March 9, 2016

Chipotle store is closed due to Norovirus sickness

A Massachusetts Chipotle store is closed due to Norovirus sickness.

2015 was a year of big changes at Chipotle.

Earlier, they announced that they would be changing the recipe of their tortillas from 64 ingredients to simple well known ones like water, whole wheat flour, oil, and salt.

They also announced in a press release entitled “G-M-Over It” that they would be getting rid of all genetically modified organisms in their menu.

However, it was also a very difficult year towards the end, with a serious outbreak of E. Coli that spread to 9 states in the U.S. and affected hundreds of people.

After a grueling few months for the company, the CDC finally announced the end of the E. Coli outbreak.

However, the nightmares continue for the company, as one of its employees was tested as positive for the Norovirus.

“As a precautionary measure, it might be good to remain closed for another day. Those are the lines I’m thinking along,” director of the Billerica Board of Health, Richard Berube told USA TODAY.

The Chipotle restaurant, located near Boston, closed after one employee was found sick with the virus, which causes nausea, vomiting, and pain. Four employees are expected to be sick with the virus.

“This restaurant was most recently inspected by the health department on March 3, and received a perfect score,” Chris Arnold, a Chipotle spokesman said. “There are no confirmed customer illnesses [that] are connected to this restaurant. Any employees who reported feeling ill will be held out of the restaurant until they fully recover.”

The CDC explains the details of the Norovirus:

Norovirus is a very contagious virus. You can get norovirus from an infected person, contaminated food or water, or by touching contaminated surfaces. The virus causes your stomach or intestines or both to get inflamed (acute gastroenteritis). This leads you to have stomach pain, nausea, and diarrhea and to throw up.

Anyone can be infected with norovirus and get sick. Also, you can have norovirus illness many times in your life. Norovirus illness can be serious, especially for young children and older adults.

Norovirus is the most common cause of acute gastroenteritis in the United States. Each year, it causes 19-21 million illnesses and contributes to 56,000-71,000 hospitalizations and 570-800 deaths. Norovirus is also the most common cause of foodborne-disease outbreaks in the United States.

The best way to help prevent norovirus is to practice proper hand washing and general cleanliness.

Note: None of the information in our website is intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any illness or disease. The content on our website is for educational purposes only.

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Why is Chipotle closing all their restaurants for a day?
Chipotle E. Coli outbreak spreads to 9 states. 
Chipotle is changing the way they make tortillas for the better.

REFERENCES:
1. “CDC Expected to Declare End to Chipotle E. Coli Outbreak, Sources Say.” The Wall Street Journal. WSJ.com, n.d. Web. 9 Mar. 2016.
2. “Chipotle Store Closed on Norovirus Fears.” USA Today. Gannett, 09 Mar. 2016. Web. 09 Mar. 2016.
3. “Norovirus.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 26 July 2013. Web. 09 Mar. 2016.