KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Stay-at-home orders have forced many businesses to close, but certain establishments, including fast food restaurants, are still open — and one Kansas City-area worker has concerns.
Kenya Banks works at McDonald's and said the COVID-19 pandemic has scared her.
"I'm asthmatic and I'm diabetic, so I'm at high risk of catching this coronavirus from anyone that comes in contact with me," she said.
Health officials have recommended that people practice social distancing of at least six feet. Banks said she can't avoid close contact with co-workers and customers, despite her restaurant's dining room being closed.
"We still have to serve the takeout customers and people are still able to use our restrooms," Banks said. "And we come in close contact with people even though we should have six feet between us."
Several fast food restaurants have said they have taken measures to protect workers. According to McDonald's, cleanings have been increased in restaurants and hand sanitizer has been made available.
The restaurant chain said it's also providing paid leave to sick employees.
"Employees at our company-owned restaurants who are impacted by the virus are receiving two weeks paid leave to tend to their critical health needs," McDonald's said in a statement. "In addition, employees at a large percentage of franchised restaurants will receive emergency paid leave through the Families First Coronavirus Response Act."
Similarly, Burger King said it has increased its focus on hygiene.
"Team members are now required to wash hands every 30 minutes at minimum as per virus spread prevention guidance. The BK brand has provided training and is requiring all team members sign a personal hygiene commitment form," the company said.
Burger King added that dedicated pans and trays will be used for collecting payment and giving food orders in an effort to eliminate contact between workers and customers.
According to Chick-fil-A, the fast food chain has developed a guideline for employees to keep a six-foot distance when possible.
Chick-fil-A added it's taking precautions to be on the lookout for symptoms of coronavirus in their workers.
"When clocking in for their shift, team members are prompted to review a list of symptoms, including those of COVID-19, and are advised to go home if they have displayed any symptoms in the past 48 hours," according to Chick-fil-A.
Banks, the McDonald's employee, said the work that has been done so far is not enough. She's calling for a minimum $15 hourly wage and health benefits, along with hazard pay. Those are issues also advocated by the group Stand Up KC.
The longtime fast food worker said she hopes people think about the families of workers like her.
"I have a family at home and I have little children at home and I could possibly be bringing it home to them," she said.
