NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- Famed Brooklyn pizzeria Roberta’s was forced to close down this week after a COVID-19 outbreak among workers.
"We are sad to announce that Roberta’s has had several employees that have tested positive for COVID-19," the restaurant wrote on Instagram.
“As such we have decided to temporarily close our Bushwick & Williamsburg operations to ensure the safety of our staff and guests while we implement our contact tracing protocols and begin anti-viral cleaning procedures,” it added.
Several workers from the takeout section were sick from the virus, workers told Gothamist.
“It’s still growing; it’s TBD,” one employee, who asked to remain anonymous said.
It is unclear if the workers were infected on the job.
The abrupt closure left other wondering when they can return to work.
“If they have money to be opening new restaurants I don’t understand why they can’t be putting any money into the current restaurant that people are actually working at,” another employee told Gothamist. “The frustration with everybody is that we feel very neglected. And not enough is being done.”
Owners have yet to set a reopening date, a rep for Roberta’s told The New York Post.
“Roberta’s has followed DOH and CDC strict safety measures during the course of this pandemic. We hope to reopen once we deem it safe for our employees to return to work. As of now, we do not have a confirmed set date,” the rep added.
Roberta’s had remained open for takeout, delivery and outdoor dining during most of the coronavirus pandemic.